Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice for Emerging Scholars (CAPES)
About the Programme
The CAPES programme equips doctoral candidates and emerging scholars with the pedagogical skills, reflective practices, and professional credentials necessary to excel as higher education educators. Delivered over 16 weeks through a blended learning model, CAPES bridges the gap in doctoral training by combining theory, applied practice, and mentorship. Graduates are prepared for Advance HE Associate Fellowship (D1), with a clear pathway to Fellowship (D2).
Who Should Apply
- PhD students and doctoral researchers across disciplines
- Teaching or research assistants preparing for university-level teaching
- Early-career academics seeking structured pedagogical training
Programme Highlights
- Duration: 16 weeks
- Delivery: Blended – asynchronous online modules, live virtual workshops, and in-person teaching opportunities
- Modules:
- Foundations of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education
- Designing for Learning
- Inclusive & Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
- Digital Pedagogies & Learning Technologies
- Reflective Practice & Teaching Portfolio Development
- Mentorship: Practical placements and paired academic mentors
Learning Outcomes
- Graduates will be able to:
- Design and deliver effective, student-centered learning experiences
- Reflect critically and make evidence-informed improvements to teaching
- Create inclusive and equitable learning environments
- Integrate digital and blended learning strategies
- Develop a professional teaching portfolio aligned with international standards
Strategic Benefits
- For Participants:
- Enhanced readiness and confidence to teach
- Stronger academic identity combining research and teaching
- Recognized credential for career advancement
- Pathway to Advance HE Associate Fellowship (D1) and beyond
- For Partner Institutions:
- Access to trained, mentored teaching assistants
- Support for a culture of teaching excellence and innovation
- Strengthened faculty development pipeline
- For the Higher Education Sector::
- Sustainable improvements in teaching quality and student engagement
- Development of scholarly, inclusive, and impactful educators
- Scalable integration into doctoral programs
