Our programs

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The Division of Teaching and Learning delivers a range of programs to University of Sydney staff.

Modular Professional Learning Framework

… best training ever for me at USyd – and I have experienced a lot in the last 10 years!! … given me lots of inspiration (and confidence) for all my future teaching.

The Modular Professional Learning Framework (MPLF) is the University of Sydney’s leading professional development initiative for educators and has also been adapted for use across other tertiary institutions. MPLF offers a flexible learning experience through two-hour modules focused on effective teaching practices. The modules align to the Education Pillar of the Academic Excellence Framework (AEF) and are delivered face-to-face, online, and in hybrid formats.

You can complete individual modules or combine them into structured pathways, including pathways designed to support probation or to help you prepare a full application for Fellowship of Advance HE (Associate Fellow to Senior Fellow). Fellowship applications developed through MPLF can be submitted to the Sydney Educational Fellowship Program as an optional next step.

Access the MPLF Canvas site for modules and registration.

Audience: All educators (academic and professional).

Sydney Educational Fellowship Program

The Sydney Educational Fellowship Program (SEFP) is a professional recognition scheme accredited through Advance HE. It supports you to apply for Fellowship across four categories: Associate Fellow, Fellow, Senior Fellow, and Principal Fellow, each recognising different standards of teaching and educational leadership.

You can use Advance HE’s Fellowship Category Tool to help determine the most appropriate category for your application. Applications for Associate Fellow through Senior Fellow are assessed internally at no cost to you.

Access the SEFP Canvas site for fellowship resources and workshops. Completing the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education) is one pathway to developing a fellowship application.

Your engagement with SEFP provides evidence in support of the Education Leadership Pillar of the Academic Excellence Framework.

Audience: All educators (academic and professional).

Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education)

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education) is an accredited AQF 8 award offered at no charge to domestic staff and affiliates engaged in teaching at the University of Sydney. The program introduces you to current principles, practices, debates, and research in higher education, and supports you to develop evidence-based and reflective approaches to teaching.

By completing the Graduate Certificate, you can submit your final reflective statement for assessment toward Fellowship of Advance HE through the Sydney Educational Fellowship Program. Your engagement also provides recognised evidence of professional development in the Education Pillar of the Academic Excellence Framework.

Apply for the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education).

Audience: All staff and affiliates engaged in teaching at the University of Sydney.

Communities of Practice

AI in Education

The AI in Education community of practice is an internal-only group of around 500 – 600 staff at the University who are interested in exploring how AI can support learning and student success. The community meets monthly online.

Join the AI in Education community of practice registration page.

Audience: All educators (academic and professional).

Designers

The Designers’ community of practice sessions (Connections) are informal sessions where presenters share their practice through presentations or workshops. Topics include learning design, assessment, technology tools, accessibility and students as partners. The Designers community of practice runs four times a year online.

Register via the Designers Community of Practice events page.

Audience: All educators (academic and professional).

EF Academics

The EF Academics community of practice is a collaborative initiative between the Division of Teaching and Learning (DTL) and the Provost’s Office. It supports you if you work in an education focused role by providing a collegial community that meets monthly.

You can participate in sessions, workshops, and social events across the year, focused on work and classroom practice, the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and building your career.

Join via the EF Academics signup form.

Access the EF Academics Microsoft Teams site.

Audience: All education-focused academic staff.

Interactive Oral Assessment

Interactive orals are a powerful form of secure assessment that can strengthen academic integrity while deepening student learning. Whether you are just getting started or looking to refine your practice, the Division of Teaching and Learning (DTL) supports staff working with interactive oral assessments through two key initiatives.

Additional resources are available through:

Audience: All staff supporting interactive oral assessments.

Sydney Professional Certificate (Foundations in Higher Education)

The Sydney Professional Certificate (SPC) in Foundations in Higher Education is offered at no charge to staff and affiliates engaged in teaching at the University of Sydney. The program consists of two units from the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education), completed over one year.

You can complete the certificate as a standalone qualification or use it as a pathway into the Graduate Certificate.

Apply for the Sydney Professional Certificate in Foundations in Higher Education.

Audience: All staff and affiliates engaged in teaching at the University of Sydney.

Peer review of teaching

Peer Review of Teaching (PRT) is a University-wide initiative that offers a structured and supportive process for receiving feedback on your teaching from trained reviewers.

The process is confidential, developmental, and directed by you. We facilitate cross-faculty reviews external to your immediate colleagues and managers, giving you an independent perspective on your teaching practice.

You can use PRT to review teaching delivery, unit design, learning materials, Canvas sites, and assessment. Participation provides recognised evidence for fellowships, awards, promotions, AP&Ds, and the Education Pillar of the Academic Excellence Framework.

Access the MPLF Canvas site to begin your peer review for teaching application and complete the application form in Module 12.

Audience: All academic staff at the University of Sydney.

Course Design Institute

The Course Design Institute (CDI) is a hands-on professional development program offered 1- 5 February 2027 that supports academics in designing or refining units of study with a strong focus on inclusivity and intentionality. Over five intensive days, academics from across disciplines will engage in workshops, peer reviews, and consultations supported by current educational theory. The goal is to empower academics to create units of study that place students at the heart of the learning process, creating “a community of people coming together to learn from each other how to better design units making it interesting and enjoyable for students and teachers too.” Submit an expression of interest for the Course Design Institute by the 16 December 2026.

Audience: Unit of Study Coordinators.

Proactive Design Intensive

The Proactive Design Intensive (PDI) is a hands-on, immersive, three-day workshop, which runs twice a year (in July and December). Hosted in person, the PDI supports academics in (re)designing course elements to better serve all learners. It combines Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles with expert guidance, peer collaboration, and dedicated design time.

Submit an expression of interest for the June–July Proactive Design Intensive by 15 June and an expression of interest for the December Proactive Design Intensive by 8 November.

Audience: Unit of Study Coordinators.

Transition

The Transition initiative supports you to enhance the first-year student experience by fostering belonging and engagement in large foundational units of study. It is grounded in Sally Kift’s Transition Pedagogies and underpinned by Universal Design for Learning.

You can access funded training options that support you in implementing these pedagogies, including pre-semester workshops and ongoing group coaching for tutors and demonstrators in designated transition units.

This initiative complements faculty and centrally led tutor training. You can access dedicated resources for unit coordinators and tutors through the Transition Resources Canvas site.

Audience: Unit coordinators, tutors and demonstrators in designated transition units.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supports you to create inclusive learning environments that recognise student diversity as the norm. This work aligns with the University’s 2032 Strategy and focuses on removing barriers in the learning environment, rather than in the student.

We support you by drawing on Universal Design for Learning principles to help you anticipate learner needs and design accessible, meaningful learning experiences.

You can engage through:

Audience: All educators (academic and professional).