PGCERTHE IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Your Postgraduate, Your Way
£2250
SAE staff and alumni discount
SAE alumni and staff receive a 25% discount on fees.
£2250
SAE staff and alumni discount
SAE alumni and staff receive a 25% discount on fees.
or
You may be asked to attend an interview with the programme leader.
A candidate whose first language is not English must present evidence of having passed an English language test. The minimum acceptable level is:
- Listening – 17
- Writing – 17
- Speaking – 20
- Reading – 18
- International ESOL C1 Expert – pass in all four components
- International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) – minimum 33 in all components
- ESOL Integrated Skills in English II – pass in all components
*Accepted on exceptional basis for the applicants whose local test centres are affected by closures due to Covid-19
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Earn a Level 7 postgraduate qualification without committing to a full masters.
- Study 100% online – anytime, anyplace, anywhere – alongside a global cohort.
- Choose a route that fits your background: create new work or gain credit for the career you already have.
- Close skills and knowledge gaps to boost confidence and employability.
- Co-design a bespoke project with academic and industry mentors.
- Build or curate a portfolio that speaks directly to your ambitions.
What you'll learn
- Define focused goals for your professional practice in education and /or the creative industries.
- Plan, deliver and present a negotiated project or a reflective review of learning.
- Blend research with practice to become a reflective, industry-aware practitioner.
- Evidence upskilling in targeted areas that matter to your career trajectory.
YOUR POSTGRADUATE JOURNEY BEGINS TODAY
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR PGCertHE
If you’re an early- to mid-career creative professional aiming to strengthen your credentials, SAE’s fully remote PGCertHE offers a flexible, four‑month full-time or eight‑month part-time path to a postgraduate qualification.
You’ll have two routes to choose from, depending on where you are in your career:
- Review of Learning – Draw on your existing industry work, critically reflect on it, and package it (via CV, portfolio, written report or other formats) to demonstrate growth and insight.
- Negotiated Project – Design and deliver an original creative media project (e.g. an animation, album, website, film, game, etc.) in your chosen domain, selecting objectives, outputs and research under guidance.
You’ll receive support from SAE Experts and a dedicated Learning Advisor, working via self-directed learning, regular check-ins, feedback cycles, and peer collaboration — all structured to fit around your life and work commitments.
Throughout the course, you’ll blend practical and theoretical work: using industry-standard tools, engaging in research or reflection, gaining technical depth, and collaborating with other students in a remote setting.
By the end of the programme, you’ll graduate with:
- A professional project or critically-reflected body of work you can present to industry
- A fortified portfolio and/or documented evidence of your development
- Connections to a global creative network
- The academic readiness to continue to a full master’s programme at SAE.
Course FAQS
What is this course?
This is a flexible, fully online Level 7 postgraduate certificate designed for professionals who want a targeted, time-efficient route into postgraduate study.
Who is it for?
This course is for ambitious creatives and educators who want to continue their study after an undergraduate degree, or use years of industry experience (even without a degree) to gain a postgraduate qualification.
How long does it take?
You can complete the PGCertHE in 4 months full-time or 8 months part-time.
How is it delivered?
The course is delivered fully online. You’ll engage in self-directed project work, weekly webinars, supervisor meetings, and peer collaboration within a supportive virtual learning environment.
How is the course structured?
You’ll study one integrated, practice-led module via your chosen route (Negotiated Project or Review of Learning). There are formative checkpoints throughout and a final summative submission.
What resources and support will I receive?
You’ll work with a dedicated Learning Advisor aligned to your goals and route. You’ll also have access to weekly online activities, academic skills support, technical help for creative tools and platforms, SAE’s global community, wellbeing services, and a peer network.
How does this support career development?
The Negotiated Project route helps you upskill in specific aspects of your practice, fill knowledge or skills gaps, and expand your portfolio. The Review of Learning route gives you the opportunity to critically reflect on your career to date, evidence your professional growth, and gain recognition through a postgraduate qualification.
What progression opportunities are there?
Successful completion of the PGCertHE can open the door to master’s level study at SAE, allowing you to stack your qualifications and advance further.
What are the domestic entry requirements?
The normal entry requirements are:
- A Bachelor’s degree with Honours 2:2 or higher in a related field. Applicants with a 3rd class Honours degree may still be considered, subject to interview and portfolio submission.
- OR demonstrable evidence of substantial creative/professional media experience at a professional level (normally 3 years’ work experience).
- You may be asked to attend an interview with the programme leader.
- If English is not your first language, please refer to the international entry requirements.
What are the international entry requirements?
If English is not your first language, you must present evidence of English language proficiency. Accepted qualifications include:
- Academic IELTS: overall 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in all components
- Pearson Test of English: minimum 51 in all subscores
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) – minimum grade C
- Cambridge English: B2 First – minimum grade C
- TOEFL iBT (or iBT Home Edition): 72 overall (Listening 17, Writing 17, Speaking 20, Reading 18)
- LanguageCert ESOL C1 Expert – pass in all four components
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT B2 – minimum 33 in all components
- ESOL Integrated Skills in English II – pass in all components
- IELTS Indicator (online) – overall 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in all components (accepted on an exceptional basis when local test centres are closed).
What are the fees for domestic students?
The fee for domestic students is £2250.
What are the fees for international students?
The fee for international students is £2250.
Are there discounts available?
Yes. SAE alumni and staff receive a 25% discount on tuition fees.
Are funding options available?
Depending on your location, you may be eligible for postgraduate loans, scholarships, or employer sponsorship. Check the SAE website for the latest details.
How do I apply?
Apply online by submitting a brief statement outlining your goals and preferred route (Negotiated Project or Review of Learning). Include academic transcripts or evidence of professional experience. A project outline is welcome but not essential when you apply.
Can I speak to someone before applying?
Yes. You can book a chat with an SAE advisor to explore your options and shape a route that fits your goals.
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply for our PGCertHE at SAE, please contact our Enquiries Team on 03330 112 315 or email ukadmissions@sae.edu.
