HE Today

About HE Today

HE Today is built around the concept of the critically reflective practitioner. The unit encourages participants to engage with the theory and practice of higher education today, as these apply in different professional contexts. It asks participants to reflect on their own role and practice in a changing Higher Education environment, and facilitates the development of an individual programme of Continuous Professional Development, premised on a course of study which continues beyond the unit itself to completion of an MA in Higher Education.

  • Unit Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

    1. Critically evaluate their role in higher education, in the context of political, social and regulatory changes.
    2. Evaluate current concepts and theories relating to a variety of aspects of higher education, and apply them to their own professional practice.
    3. Identify appropriate responses to higher education challenges, in the context of the specific needs of particular working environments.
    4. Explain the needs of a diverse student and staff body, and analyse institutional approaches to diversity.
    5. Draw on pedagogical practitioner research to inform their own professional development, in order to establish a personal philosophy of higher education and an action plan for their Continuous Professional Development.

  • Unit Assessment

    The unit assessment will include:

    • Journal review (formative assessment).  Each student to review a journal article and to receive peer and tutor feedback on that review.
    • A theoretically informed reflective case study of the participant’s own role within the higher education professional working environment (summative assessment). The case study will extend to approximately 4000-5000 words, or negotiated equivalent (for example, a 2000 word written commentary illustrated by a 10 minute video).

  • Unit Overview
    Number of credits30
    You will gain
    • Extend your knowledge and understanding of the broader areas in which HE operates.
    • A broad introduction to HE which allows participants to locate their professional practice and MA study in a relevant context.
    Number of sessions5
    Type of sessionWorkshop
    Assessment type and size4000-5000 word written case study (alternative formats by negotiation).
    Prior knowledge/experience requiredParticipants must be working in some kind of HE capacity. Suitable for those in a non-teaching professional role.
    When will it runSummer term
    Unit leader/contactOrlagh McCabe

Delivery Dates and Registration

  • Summer - 2024: CLOSED

    HE Today - CLOSED

    Registration deadline: 15 April 2024.

    • Taught sessions on Tuesday 2.00-3.30pm.

    DateActivityLocation
    14 May 24Session 1online
    4 Jun 24  Session 2online
    11 Jun 24  Session 3online
    25 Jun 24Session 4online
    9 Jul 24Session 5online
    9 Sep 24Final Submission DeadlineMoodle

Information for 2024/2025

Listed below are the sessions scheduled to run in 2024/2025.

Registrations will open in June 2024

All dates are provisional, and are subject to change.

Delivery Dates and Registration 2024/2025

  • Autumn - 2024

    HE Today - Autumn 2024

    Registrations will open in June 2024

    • Taught sessions on Tuesday 2:00-3:30pm.

    DateActivityLocation
    1 October 2024Session 1online
    15 October 2024Session 2online
    29 October 2024Session 3online
    12 November 2024Session 4online
    26 November 2024Session 5online
    6 January 2025Final Submission DeadlineMoodle

How to apply

As well as registering above, in some circumstances you may need to complete an application form to study this unit. Please check on the application form page by clicking the button below. 

Contact Us

General queries

If you have any further questions, please contact the Unit Leader Orlagh McCabe or Programme Administration using the contact details below.

o.mccabe@mmu.ac.uk
utacpd@mmu.ac.uk