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Teaching, training and staff development

University research staff development

Research Associate teaching qualifications

Postdoctoral Research Associates can offer a tutorial series (and be paid) as part of the Scientific Skills module within the undergraduate Biology (and associated) degree programme. RAs must attend the small group teaching workshop before they can offer tutorials. The tutorial series consist of six one hour-long tutorials in the winter term and eight one hour-long tutorials over the Spring/Summer terms (6+2).

RAs are free to facilitate sessions in a topic of their choosing but with some pre-requisites that the students should prepare a presentation and written work that the RA should provide constructive feedback upon.

We can offer a mentoring service if you would like any assistance from a more experienced tutor, please contact the society by email.

There are two main teaching qualifications that are available to RAs:

1. York Learning and Teaching Award (YLTA)

Are you the next generation of academics? Would you like:

  • to become an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and have a nationally recognised qualification in learning and teaching?
  • to work with like-minded students to design, deliver, evaluate and reflect on your teaching/demonstrating?
  • to be mentored by an academic member of staff to develop your teaching and academic career?

Then you may be interested in the newly launched University of York Learning and Teaching Award (YLTA). Previously known as ‘Preparing Future Academics’, the programme is a nine month accredited programme designed to support research students in developing skills in learning and teaching. 

2. Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) and Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education (TSLHE)

PGCAP is a 60 credit Masters-level programme designed to support staff to effectively engage with their academic responsibilities. Intended to be completed part-time over two years, PGCAP is primarily aimed at early career lecturers and teaching staff who have less than three years full-time teaching experience.

Each module involves the integration of learning in multi-disciplinary and interactive workshops with reflection on the experience of work-based practice. Academic supervisory support is provided to all participants throughout.

PGCAP is accredited by the Higher Education Academy, which means individuals who successfully complete the programme will secure professional recognition as a Fellow of the HEA.

TSLHE is a 20 credit Masters-level module designed to support staff to effectively teach and support learning. It has been developed particularly for staff who have specific teaching responsibilities, such as researchers or staff who support student learning and teaching development.

Delivered in conjunction with the PGCAP programme, the module involves the integration of learning in multi-disciplinary and interactive workshops with reflection upon the experience of work-based practice. Academic supervisory support is provided to all participants throughout.

TSLHE is intended to be completed part-time over one year. In addition to the award of Masters-level credit, TSLHE is accredited by the Higher Education Academy. This means individuals who successfully complete the programme will secure professional recognition as an Associate Fellow of the HEA.

To register for PGCAP or for more information, please contact either:

Our Biology PDRAs Fiona Frame (PGCAP) and James Fox (TSLHE) can also be contacted for further information.