The Postgraduate Diploma Academic Practice (PGDAP) and the Master of Arts Academic Practice (MA AP)

The following information and FAQs provide a brief overview of the Postgraduate Diploma and MA Academic Practice.

The PGDAP builds on prior learning from the PGCAP and leads on to the MA AP. This is a fee-free internal development programme for University of Liverpool staff. The overall aim of the PGDip/MA Academic Practice is to develop academic practice, leadership, and scholarship to enhance learning and teaching in higher education.

If you have any questions, please contact Judith Schoch, Programme Lead, j.schoch@liverpool.ac.uk.

• Dates for the synchronous sessions

The PGDAP and MA AP Handbook 2024-25 provides further information about the programme(s).

Overview of modules

The 120 credits of the PGDAP and 180 credits for the MA Academic Practice are as follows:

• PGCAP - 60 credits (prior learning)
• PGDAP: ADEV720 Developing Academic Leadership - 30 credits (Semester 1)
• PGDAP: ADEV730 Developing Scholarship - 30 credits (Semester 2)
• MA AP: ADEV770 Academic Practice Module - 60 credits

ADEV 720 Developing Academic Leadership enables participants to explore their practice in relation to developing academic leadership, with a focus on the University of Liverpool's Leadership Commitment Framework.

ADEV730 Developing Scholarship enables participants to critically evaluate innovative practice by considering the problematic nature of theory, policy and practice and explore the scholarship of learning and teaching and its relationship to disciplinary contexts. ADEV730 prepares participants for and leads onto the MA Academic Practice.

ADEV770 Academic Practice Project. This module provides colleagues with the opportunity to use appropriate methods, evidence-based knowledge and scholarship to conduct research in a field relevant to academic practice in higher education. The twelve-month course involves producing a Proposal, presenting to peers and supervisors and a written paper suitable for publication.

Applications

Postgraduate Diploma Academic Practice (PGDAP)

• PGDAP application form
• The deadline for application is 5pm on Friday, 26 September 2025

Master of Arts Academic Practice (MA AP)

• MA AP application form
• The deadline for application is 5pm on Friday, 8 August 2025

PGDAP Programme dates 2025-26

Taught sessions for the programme will be a mix of in-person and online:

MA AP Programme dates for 2025-26

Taught sessions for the programme will be a mix of in-person and online: