Navigating the complexities of pursuing my Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice at UA while concurrently teaching at the University of Westminster presented a unique set of challenges.
Initially, I embarked on the PGCert journey as an Associate Lecturer (AL) in a MATV at LCC. However, a shift in 2023 led to the introduction of a full-time staff position, resulting in my redundancy. This setback, however, opened a new avenue for me at the University of Westminster, where I secured part-time employment as a lecturer, instructing undergraduates in the creation of video content.
It seemed logical to anchor my action research project within this context. I was fortunate to have the guidance of my PGCert tutor, Lindsay, and the support of numerous staff members at Westminster. The initial step of obtaining ethics approval from UAL for my project was straightforward, though I initially grappled with determining the exact methodology for my research. Following fruitful discussions with Lindsay, I opted to conduct a focus group at the University of Westminster’s Harrow Campus, and my revised ethics form was swiftly approved.
Ethics Form V1 | Ethics Form V2
However, an unexpected hurdle arose when I sought to carry out research on Westminster’s campus. With my project being affiliated with UAL, Westminster’s ethics board required separate approval due to the on-campus nature of my research. This necessitated a formal application process that initially seemed to stall, as my attempts to engage with the ethics board via email went unanswered. This delay forced me to postpone my planned focus group sessions on two occasions.
A chance encounter with Doug Specht )Director of Teaching and Learning at the School of Media and Communications) on campus, proved to be a turning point. He offered to expedite the process by reviewing and approving my ethics form himself. After forwarding him the necessary documentation, I received confirmation that my research and focus group activities had been officially sanctioned, allowing me to proceed with my project. This experience underscored the importance of persistence and the value of supportive colleagues in navigating institutional procedures.
