Online Teaching

Course Highlights

• Innovative, Research-Driven Curriculum: Experience an education model that bridges theory and real-world application, empowering you to lead and transform digital learning spaces
• Master Inclusive, Adaptive Teaching: Develop strategies to create accessible online environments that support every learner, backed by principles of Universal Design for Learning
• Designed for Digital Natives and Newcomers: Whether you’re an established educator or entering the field, this programme equips you with cutting-edge skills in online pedagogy and curriculum design
• Global Perspective with Local Impact: Collaborate with an international network of educators, drawing from diverse practices and preparing you to make a real difference in your own educational context

Prepare for a future in online teaching and digital education

New for September 2025, the Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching is a fully online, level 7 qualification designed for anyone looking to begin, or transition into, a career in online teaching or tutoring. Whether you're a classroom teacher, corporate trainer, curriculum developer, or new to education entirely, this one-year, part-time programme combines practical strategies with established theoretical foundations, preparing you for a career in digital learning environments. 

With start dates in September, January, and May, this programme aims to develop skills and expertise in online pedagogy, inclusive practices, and digital curriculum design enabling you to create engaging and effective online learning experiences in the developing area of digital education.

Benefit from a global learning community

During your studies, you’ll connect with fellow aspiring and experienced online educators in a collaborative learning environment. Whether you're planning to teach in online schools, develop online courses, or launch your own online tutoring practice, you'll learn from the latest research and internationally recognised standards for online teaching. 

The Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching forms a global learning community where you can share insights and best practice with other students from diverse backgrounds.

Equipping you to lead and innovate

The programme bridges theory and practice, preparing you for wide-ranging and increasing opportunities in online and hybrid education. You'll explore the pedagogical expertise needed to adapt to the potential of emerging technologies, such as AI and virtual reality, and build the practical skills necessary to inspire and engage learners in the digital learning landscape of today and for tomorrow.

Study online with our highly regarded Institute of Education

Benefit from the University of Derby's tradition of excellence in teacher education. We specialise in Initial Teacher Education, Childhood Studies, Education Studies, SEND, Post 14 and Postgraduate Studies. Our Institute of Education holds an Outstanding rating from Ofsted (2024) across all phases of Initial Teacher Training/Education. 
You'll learn from expert practitioners through a curriculum that's both academically rigorous, contextualised and practically relevant.

You will study three core 20-credit modules, one module per trimester: Effective Online Teaching and Learning, Inclusive Online Teaching, and Online Curriculum Design and Development.
All modules include real-world application through authentic assessments that mirror real-world online education scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

We will advise you of your study plan - the running order and availability of the modules - when you are invited to enrol.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How You Will Learn

The Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching delivers an immersive and interactive learning experience, combining flexibility with rich engagement. As a student, you will learn entirely online through a dynamic mix of asynchronous and live sessions, designed to fit around your commitments without compromising on depth or quality. Each module is thoughtfully structured to provide real-world applications so you can immediately apply and contextualise your learning from day one.

Throughout the programme, you will have access to expert tutors who will support you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of online teaching. They bring the latest research and innovations in digital education directly into your studies, with guest presentations from leading online schools and EdTech specialists sharing invaluable industry insights. This connection to the field’s pioneers ensures you’re learning what truly works in modern digital education, from inclusive teaching strategies to emerging technologies.
This innovative, research-driven approach is designed to ensure that your learning journey is transformative, equipping you with the insights and practical abilities needed to thrive and lead in the evolving world of online teaching.

Teaching and Learning

In the Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching, you will learn the art of online teaching by experiencing the very practices you’ll be mastering. Our programme models best practices in digital education, allowing you to observe, engage with, and reflect on high-impact teaching techniques as an online learner. Every element, from the course design and technology to interaction methods, is crafted to showcase effective online pedagogy in action. This immersive approach enables you to both learn from and experience best practices, gaining insights that go beyond theory and into the real craft of online teaching. Through a blend of interactive sessions, multimedia resources, and collaborative group work, you’ll engage with the same strategies and tools you’ll use as an educator, from creating accessible course materials to developing engaging, inclusive discussions.  

As you progress through the programme, you’ll receive feedback that is tailored to your growth as an online educator, allowing you to refine your approach with each module. This “learn by doing” model equips you, not only with the skills, but also with the confidence to inspire and support your own students, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in the digital classroom.

Pace of study 

The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms, known as trimesters. We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.

Assessment method 

Assessments are designed to mirror real-world online teaching scenarios, giving you practical, hands-on experience. You’ll complete a variety of tasks, including online teaching practice, digital teaching portfolios, reflective journals, and curriculum design projects, all aimed at developing and showcasing your skills as an online educator. 

Each assessment is designed to be directly applicable to your specialism and desired online teaching context, allowing you to build and refine your expertise with constructive feedback and clear alignment to professional online teaching standards.

Student support and guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students
• Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills

All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.

Completing the PG Cert Online Teaching empowers you with the expertise to step into a diverse array of roles within the evolving field of online education. As a graduate, you’ll be ready to make an impact as an online educator, instructional designer, or digital curriculum developer. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, the programme also prepares you to become a “teacherpreneur” or “edupreneur,” enabling you to create and share your own educational content, launch online courses, or even establish an independent educational platform.

With practical skills to design engaging, accessible, and inclusive online learning experiences, graduates will be highly valued across many sectors, including online / hybrid schools, EdTech companies and corporate training and community education. For those looking to deepen their academic journey, the PG Cert Online Teaching also provides a seamless pathway to the University of Derby’s MA in Education, where you can expand your research skills, explore advanced educational theories, and position yourself for leadership roles that drive innovation in the digital learning landscape.

Utilise our Careers and Employment Service​

Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for 3 years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.

You will require:

• An honours degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent in:
  • an education-related subject, or
  • a subject recognised in national or international curricula
• GCSE grade C / 4 or above in English Language (or equivalent)
• GCSE grade C / 4 or above in Mathematics (or equivalent)

If you have a lower degree classification in a relevant discipline, we may consider you for entry to the programme if you can demonstrate substantive subject knowledge and you can meet the academic demands of level 7 study.

You may also be considered if you do not meet the above criteria but have substantial relevant experience and subject knowledge.

All non-standard applicants will be invited to an interview (via a Microsoft Teams call) with the programme lead.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language, you will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no sub-test below 6.0 (or equivalent English language qualification as per the university's international admissions policy).

Note: International qualifications will be assessed for equivalency according to UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) guidelines and the university's international admissions policy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Have you already studied at another institution, completed a training course, or does your work experience appear equivalent to one or more modules of your chosen course? If so, you may be able to translate this prior learning into credits towards your course modules, so you don’t have to study them again.

Further information about applying for credits for prior learning can be found in our recognition of prior learning section.

^‡2025/26 for new entrants

Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.

About your fees

This figure would be the total cost of this course based on the fee in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.

If you are required to undertake any associate study or additional study as a condition of your offer for the programme, please be aware that the cost for this may be in addition to the programme cost stated above.

Flexible payment plans available

Choose from two payment plan options:

• Pay monthly and only for the modules you are studying

• Pay your full course fees upfront and avoid annual increases

Apply directly to the University.

Apply now

For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.

Documents to support your application

In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:

• Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
• Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*

*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• The date of the translation
• The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
• The translator’s contact details

A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.

Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.

Application deadlines

All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.

Additional information about your studies

The first intake for this course is September 2025

Contact us

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning: