Higher Education Pedagogy courses
Åbo Akademi University offers 4 online courses in higher education pedagogy for the 2026-2027 academic year. Higher education pedagogy courses support staff in higher education when planning and implementing teaching in heterogenous student groups.
Course credits are often important when applying for teaching positions in higher education. The courses blend theoretical and practical knowledge tailored to participants’ interests and needs. A master’s degree is required, but courses can be taken in any order.
During 2027-2028, new courses are offered.
Overview 15 ECTS
| Teaching in higher education (5cr), October-November 2026 The course invites participants to engage in critical reflection on their roles as educators and the evolving purpose of higher education in today’s challenging landscape. Through an exploration of pedagogical theories and research, participants will develop skills in planning effective teaching strategies. Additionally, participants will design a higher education course. Workshops: 2.10.2026 9.00-12.00 23.10.2026 9.00-12.00 6.11.2026 9.00-12.00 20.11.2026 9.00-12.00 • Participants will reflect on their role as teachers and the purpose of higher education in precarious times. • Participants will gain skills in planning and organizing teaching based on established pedagogical theories and research. • Participants will design a course in higher education. |
| AI and higher education – critical perspectives (2cr), November 2026 This micro course provides participants with an understanding of the challenges and potential of generative artificial intelligence in higher education. Participants will explore how AI can enhance teaching practices while also critically assessing its implications for their pedagogical approaches. Workshops: 13.11.2026 10.00-12.00 27.11.2026 10.00-12.00 • Participants will gain knowledge about challenges and the potential of AI for teaching in higher education. • Participants will critically assess the implications of AI for their teaching practice. |
| Designing hybrid and online courses in higher education (5cr), February-March 2027 In this course, participants will learn to design meaningful hybrid or online courses tailored for higher education. Participants will explore innovative instructional strategies for engaging students in virtual environments. Additionally, the course will cover implementing assessment methods specifically suited to hybrid and online settings, ensuring educators can evaluate student learning outcomes. Workshops: 5.2.2027 10.00-12.00 19.2.2027 10.00-12.00 12.3.2027 10.00-12.00 19.3.2027 10.00-12.00 • Participants will design a hybrid or online course in higher education. • Participants will implement assessment methods in hybrid or online settings. |
| Supervision in higher education (3cr), April-May 2027 This micro course is designed for educators seeking to enhance their supervisory skills of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students. Participants will gain knowledge of effective pedagogical strategies tailored to each academic level. The course includes a practical exercise in which participants will shadow a supervisor and conduct a pedagogical analysis of supervisory practices. Workshops: 2.4.2027 10.00-12.00 16.4.2027 10.00-12.00 23.4.2027 10.00-12.00 14.5.2027 10.00-12.00 • Participants will gain knowledge of pedagogical strategies applicable to supervising bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students. • Participants will shadow and pedagogically analyse a supervision practice in higher education. |
Teaching methods and examination
All courses require participants to study the course materials and complete assignments either alone or in groups before the workshops. Each course includes mandatory workshops that offer venues for practical exercises and discussions. During the workshops, participants will share their work, discuss it, and get feedback. The assignments are important for assessing their learning and progress throughout the course.
All courses are graded on a pass/fail basis. 1 credit equates to approximately 27 hours of coursework. Each course is open to 35 participants.
Cost and cancellation policy
Costs for the courses
Early-bird application to all courses (15 credits): 1350 euros. Deadline: June 12, 2026.
Regular costs: 1500 euros, or 100 euros per credit, e.g., 500 euros for 5 credits and 200 euros for 2 credits.
Deadline: August 28, 2026 (fall term) and December 11 (spring term).
Cancellation policy
Cancellations made after the participant has confirmed their place in the course will be charged 50% of the full fee. The full fee will be charged if the cancellation is not made before the start of the course. Cancellations must be submitted by email to the course organiser.
Contact
Charlotta Hilli
chilli@abo.fi
University lecturer in higher education pedagogy, Åbo Akademi University Research profile: https://research.abo.fi/en/persons/charlotta-hilli/
2027-2028
During the academic year 2027-2028, the following courses will be offered. A detailed schedule and application form will be available in March 2027.
Teaching in higher education, (5cr)
The course invites participants to engage in critical reflection on their roles as educators and the evolving purpose of higher education in today’s challenging landscape. Through an exploration of pedagogical theories and research, participants will develop skills in planning effective teaching strategies. Additionally, participants will design a higher education course.
• Participants will reflect on their role as teachers and the purpose of higher education in precarious times.
• Participants will gain skills in planning and organizing teaching based on established pedagogical theories and research.
• Participants will design a course in higher education.
October-November, 2027 4 workshops
Developing teaching methods in higher education, (3cr)
This course explores the design principles underlying various teaching methods in higher education. Participants will explore relevant instructional strategies and their applicability across different learning environments and redesign teaching methods for an existing course.
- Understand design principles for different teaching methods in HE
- Redesign teaching methods in a higher education course
November-December, 2027 3 workshops
Developing higher education curricula, (5cr)
This course explores traditions of leading and developing curricula in higher education. Participants will gain an understanding of different approaches to curriculum leadership, design and implementation. The course includes a critical analysis of an existing course program, enabling participants to evaluate its alignment with educational goals.
- Understand different traditions of leading and developing curricula in HE
- Analyse a course programme in higher education with educational leadership theories
February-April, 2028 4 workshops
Assessment in Higher Education, (2cr)
This micro course introduces common assessment methods in higher education. The course will also include hands-on activities in which participants will evaluate assessment methods, gaining insights into their strengths and limitations.
- Understand the basics of assessment in HE
- Evaluate relevant assessment methods regarding a course
May 2028, 3 workshops
Scope
2-15 ETCS
Fee
100-1500 €
Language
English
Course Duration
(All courses)
2.10.2026-14.5.2027