The Postgraduate Certificate & Master’s in Student Engagement: A professional development opportunity for those who engage students in Higher Education

Every member of staff within a higher education institution (HEI), whether professional services or academic, holds the potential to contribute towards the student experience through the engagement of students. Indeed, there has been a growth in universities recognising the importance of student engagement as a priority area, with sector regulators endorsing such practices too (Office for Students, 2020). This is manifested through strategies that highlight the key role of student engagement, and numerous staff at HEIs tasked with meeting HE sector regulations in relation to student engagement and enhancing the student experience. Yet, there are virtually no student engagement professional development qualifications available for those working in HE beyond discipline specific or teaching and learning focused programmes. The University of Winchester, having recognised this gap therefore launched the Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) and Master’s (MA) in Student Engagement in Higher Education. This brings together sector experts to look critically at student engagement research, policy and practice. The University of Winchester validated the PgCert in 2018 and the MA was validated in 2019. This case study will provide an overview of the blended approach taken to running the first MA and PgCert in Student Engagement in Higher Education programme in the UK, through offering our reflections on the academic programme three years on from its inception.