About the programme
The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice is an NZQF level 8 programme at Lincoln University for people at the start of an academic career: early-career lecturers and researchers, as well as postgraduate students who intend to work in higher education. It carries 60 credits and takes half a year of full-time study.
The programme aims to give participants the knowledge and skills to do well in academic work. They learn how higher education operates and how to work effectively within it, how to design course content and assessments, how to bring sustainability principles into their teaching and research, and how to incorporate indigenous perspectives. Planning one's own academic career is also part of the programme.
Learning takes place in a supportive community of peers at a similar stage of their careers. The programme opens with a course on higher education in context, followed by courses on course design and management, assessment design, future academic practice and a practicum (some of these, according to the university, are still pending approval). Completing the certificate requires 60 credits from the approved schedule.
The programme is taught on the Lincoln University campus. It suits those already teaching at university who want to structure their experience, and those preparing for academic work who want the core teaching skills in place early.
Entry requirements
- A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited New Zealand higher education institution
- Or an equivalent level of education
- Additional English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
What you study
- LUAC 601 Higher Education in Context
- LUAC 603 Course Design and Management (pending approval)
- LUAC 604 Assessment Design and Management (pending approval)
- LUAC 605 Future Academic Practice (pending approval)
- LUAC 606 Practicum (pending approval)
Careers after graduation
- Teaching roles in higher education
- Career development for early-career academics
- Preparation for an academic career for postgraduate students
Post-study work visa
Generally not available for this qualification alone
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website