Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Higher Education Academy?

The Higher Education Academy, or just Academy for short, was formed when the functions of the Learning and Teaching Support Network (LTSN), the Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (ILTHE), the National Co-ordination Team (NCT), the Nation Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) and a number of other bodies came together into national organisation in 2004.

The Academy supports learning and teaching in higher education across the whole of the UK in as wide as way as possible. It provides subject-specific and generic teaching resources, supports research into HE learning and teaching, accredits programmes for registered practitioner status, provides staff development support and is focused on improving the student learning experience.

To find out more visit: the Higher Edcuation Academy website.

What is the Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies?

The Subject Centre is one of the 24 subject centres throughout the UK and provides learning and teaching support to the subjects of philosophy, theology, religious studies, history and philosophy of science, applied and professional ethics, and related disciplines. There are resources and support materials available here on this website or available from the Centre directly (see the contact details below). We also offer wide range of workshops and visits packages that are constantly being updated to reflect the needs of individuals and departments. Please contact us to find out more.

Who can use the Subject Centre? What does it cost?

Anyone can use the Subject Centre resources provided they acknowledge the source of the copyright materials. All the services (visits and departmental workshops) are available to anyone in teaching or teaching support in UK higher education within the disciplines we cover. Additionally, we offer individual consultancies to academics in these disciplines free of charge. If you are registered you will receive further free resources (see below).

What services can I expect if I register with the Subject Centre?

If you register with us you will receive our peer-reviewed journal Discourse, updates by email (if desired), news and mailings, guides and briefings. All our services are free of charge (see above).

Is the Subject Centre part of the QAA and the process of review?

No. Although the Academy works to help staff with the processes involved in internal reviews and external reviews, it is separate from the QAA.

Who works for the Subject Centre? Are they academics?

All the staff who deliver the Subject Centre services are or have been academic teachers in the disciplines the Centre supports and have a wealth of experience of their own. This means they will always endeavour to understand the particular context in which you work and that makes your own teaching experience unique.

Does the Subject Centre award grants for development?

Occasionally the Subject Centre makes money available for funded mini-projects and we will notify you when the bidding process begins: some of the resources and scholarly articles on this website are the product of such funding, so this should give you an idea of the kind of projects that the Centre funds. Additionally, there are occasional grants for more focused work on topics such as employability and ethics. If you have an idea that you think might be of interest to us, please contact us (see the address below). However, please keep in mind that funds are limited.

I need specific help with a problem in my department. Whom should I contact?

If you already have a contact name for your department (see the Staff page) contact them in the first instance, by telephone or email. Otherwise, please email enquiries@prs.heacademy.ac.uk or telephone 0113 343 4184.

How is the work of the Subject Centre evaluated?

The Subject Centre is independently evaluated annually by a professional external evaluator and reports twice a year to executive of the Academy. Strict standards are applied to all the subject centres to ensure growing effectiveness and value for money. If you wish to know more, please contact us.