[1][2] The PGCHE is designed to equip holders with the skills needed to provide high-quality teaching and learning.
[citation needed] PGCHE courses are usually closely aligned with the Higher Education Academy's Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF), with successful completion of an HEA-accredited postgraduate certificate leading to formal professional recognition as an HEA fellow (FHEA).
[citation needed] PGCHE courses do not in themselves equip holders with knowledge of their specialist subject areas,[1] and a university teacher will also have an appropriate educational and experiential background, typically including a PhD.
[citation needed] The PGCHE began to become widespread after the Dearing Report recommended that all university teachers should achieve an appropriate level of professional recognition during the initial stages of their career.
[citation needed] Course content and learning outcomes can vary in detail, though alignment with UKPSF and accreditation by the Higher Education Academy are common themes.