Academic Practice

McAlpine and Hopwood (2007) define academic practice as the term used to describe the unique combination of work undertaken in universities. This work can be divided into three broad forms:

1. Forms of inquiry: from scholarly examination of documents to empirical research – whether applied or pure, commissioned, individual or collaborative
2. Forms of teaching: working with undergraduates, postgraduates and postdoctoral fellows in the broadest sense, e.g. planning of learning activities, assessment, supervision, advising and mentoring
3. Forms of service: to the institution, the discipline, profession and larger community, e.g., chair/member of an institutional committee, organizer of a disciplinary conference, consultant for a business or charity.

At Aberystwyth University the development of academic practice is fundamental to the formation and development of world class research and teaching. The following pages offer an insight into academic practice development at Aberystwyth University.

• Postgraduate Certificate for Teaching in Higher Education (PGCTHE)
• Higher Education Academy (HEA)
• Journal of Academic Practice (AUJAP)
• Teaching Interventions Database (Cadair)
• Nexus - sharing good practice in Technology Enhanced Learning
• Supporting Students Module
• Research Professional Development

These pages offer an introduction to academic practice at Aberystwyth University, however, if more detailed information is required, please do not hesitate to contact the Centre for the Development of Staff and Academic Practice directly on cdsap@aber.ac.uk extension 2117.