What You Will Study
There are two awards available:-
• Graduates normally work towards a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or, if appropriate a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma with some modules at Master’s level.
• Those with other appropriate qualifications may work towards a Certificate in Education (CertEd).
The structure of the programme is the same for both routes and participants on each work together for much of the course.
Both qualifications are structured around four 30 credit modules (two in each year) which are based on different aspects of teachers’ work such as designing learning materials, assessing students, and evaluating learning and teaching.
You will study four modules as part of this course. These are:
• Research Informed Teaching, Learning and Assessment. This module aims to develop your understanding of how people learn in the Lifelong Learning Sector and of the role of assessment in enabling learning and achievement. It introduces theories and principles of learning and assessment and develops your ability to apply research evidence in designing effective learning and assessment strategies and materials. It seeks to develop positive approaches to the management of group and individual behaviours and promotes an inclusive approach to teaching, learning and assessment. It introduces the role of key transferable skills and the ways in which people learn English, Maths and digital skills. The module is assessed by means of a practical micro-teaching assignment and the design of an intervention, strategy, activity or resource, underpinned by an understanding of key principles of teaching, learning and assessment.
• Becoming a subject specialist tutor The module reviews your practice as a trainee teacher. It explores your teaching values, knowledge of your subject specialism, and your knowledge and understanding of how you're learning to teach. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to identify and respond to students’ needs, and how to use suitable teaching, learning and assessment strategies to develop inclusive teaching and learning environments. You'll have the chance to evaluate your teaching effectiveness and develop as a reflective practitioner as well as engage in personal and professional development planning, against the appropriate Professional Standards, to recognise and develop relevant subject specialist knowledge, behaviours and skills. This will include further development of English, Maths and digital skills for you and your students
• Being a subject specialist tutor. This module builds on previous generic and subject specialist development in two ways. Firstly, it contributes to your development of more advanced strategies and methods for promoting learning and, secondly, it involves a focus on specific specialist areas and the critical analysis subject specialist pedagogy. The module seeks to enhance your ability to reflect critically on, and to evaluate, teaching and learning; by recognising particular curriculum and professional challenges; and by enabling you to develop critical responses to these concerns in sophisticated, innovative and creative ways. Key learning activities of the module are practical teaching experience and the engagement with other specialists through collaborative practice. The module is assessed through a Teaching Portfolio and a Conference Paper dealing with teaching and learning in the specialist subject
One optional module will be selected from:
Curriculum and Context
This module enhances critical understanding of policy and issues in curriculum development within lifelong learning. It will examine the impact of policy on curriculum practice, investigate factors driving curriculum change, and explore contemporary issues affecting curriculum design. The module encourages critical reflection and promotes an analytical and reflexive approach to understanding curriculum development and delivery in lifelong learning.
English as an Additional Language (EAL): Curriculum and Context
This module aims to enhance your critical understanding of English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision within lifelong learning. Including analysis of education and training policies and practices for EAL learners and their impact on curriculum development. The module focuses on effective strategies for supporting EAL learners' achievements and involves engaging with research to evaluate and improve professional practice.
SEND: Curriculum and Context
This module enhances your understanding of special educational needs and disability (SEN/D) provision and disability equality in lifelong learning. Including critical analysis of effective strategies for supporting SEN/D learners in both mainstream and specialist contexts. The module covers education reform, UK policy on post-16 SEN/D provision, and the impact of various policies on the SEN/D curriculum. You will use evidence to evaluate and improve professional practice.
EDI and Social Justice: Curriculum and Context
This module examines how lifelong learning can address inequity and disadvantage, introducing key frameworks for understanding equality, diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Including a critique of the socio-political ideologies affecting curriculum design and implementation and analyse sector expectations regarding inclusion and equality. The module also explores how lifelong learning can broaden opportunities for diverse students and assesses key philosophical positions on inclusive education, prompting you to critically appraise your values in relation to inclusive practice.
- Attendance Expectations
The attendance requirement for tutor-led group sessions is three hours per week, this is usually one evening but we also offer daytime classes if there is enough demand.
- How You Will Be Assessed
Academic credit is gained by undertaking assignments and providing evidence of achievement. This allows you to explore topics that are of interest to you, relevant to your working environment, and to your career development.
Observations of your teaching will be conducted by tutors and mentors (four per year) who will assess your skills and give feedback.
- Entry Requirements
You should normally be in employment as a teacher or trainer at a recognised training or educational establishment, or be willing to find a suitable placement, for a minimum of 250 hours of teaching related practice (at least 125 hours in any one year) in total over the 2 years. Voluntary teaching/training may be acceptable in some circumstances (please check with your local centre).
- For Post-graduate Certificate in education, you must have a UK first degree or equivalent related to your specialist area
- Relevant work experience in some specialist subject areas
In addition, you must also have at the start of the course:
- GCSE or Level 2 equivalent in English and Maths
- Provide confirmation of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Provide one satisfactory reference
- Complete a satisfactory interview
- Identify a work-based mentor who can support you in your subject specialism If you already hold a teaching qualification at level 4 or above or have substantial knowledge and experience of teaching, you may be able to make a claim for accreditation of prior learning.
The course is particularly suitable if you have work experience and/or qualifications in industry, including business and administration, hair and beauty, health and social care, public services or construction, engineering and many other vocational areas. We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups.
- Fee Information
These fees relate to 2024/25:
£3,680 per year
- Further Study
Those who complete the Certificate in Education could proceed to the BA (Hons) in Education and Professional Development. Those who complete the PGCE may wish to progress to a Masters degree.