PGCE/PCE: Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) Canterbury Christ Church University programme

General information

This programme is offered as an in-service qualification for those who wish to gain a recognised, national teaching qualification and who are not yet employed as teachers in the post-compulsory education and training sector.

Students on this programme come from a wide range of teaching or training environments such as the Police Force, London Ambulance Service, local authority services, private companies and the National Health Service. Applicants from a registered charitable organisation who are teaching/training in a voluntary capacity will also be considered on an individual basis.

If you already have a degree you will study for the DTLLS PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education). If you do not have a degree you will study for the PCE (Professional Certificate in Education).

The programme is unsuitable for those working in primary education.

At Bromley College we offer two modes for the DTLLS programme. The programme offered through the University of Greenwich is flexible (distance learning) and is suitable for those trainees who live some distance from the college, have irregular work hours (eg shift work) or who cannot attend a weekly class. Trainees are guided and supported by their assigned personal tutor and attend study days held in half term breaks, group and individual tutorials.

The programme offered through the Canterbury Christchurch University is a taught (attending) programme with weekly classes and is suitable for those who would prefer to study alongside other trainees in a more traditional classroom setting.

Would you like to train whilst continuing to work in your existing job? Our PGCE and DTTLS internships might be right for you. The internship programme includes similar course content and assessment, but placements will be completed in classrooms at Bromley College.

Course content

This programme is part-time and taught over a two-year period.

In year one you will study the following modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Teaching and Learning
• Module 2: Planning for Assessment and Learning
• Module 3: Theory in Professional Practice

In year two you will study the following modules:

• Module 4: Professional Development
• Module 5: Curriculum Studies
• Module 6: Professional Investigation

Teaching and assessment

For this programme there are weekly taught classes.

Trainees will take assessments to the value of 60 credits in each year. Each module consists of a range of assessments including assignments, module reflections, teacher and peer observations, case studies, micro teach, and supervised teaching experiences (STEs or observations) - there are four observations carried in year one and four observations in year two.

Trainees should be working as teachers/trainers for 50 hours in year one and 50 hours in year two.

Entry requirements

You must be teaching for a minimum of two hours per week. We require a letter from your place of employment to verify this.

Trainees who are accepted onto this programme will need to have a minimum of 50 hours employment as a teacher or trainer in an FE college or sixth form college, or be working as a trainer for an organisation in year one of the programme and completing a minimum of 50 hours of employment in year two.

You need to have qualifications and experience in your area of expertise. We expect you to have GCSE English and Maths at A*-C or equivalent, as well as a Level 3 or Level 4 in your specialist area, or a degree. You must have (or will need to obtain) an Enhanced CRB check.

You will be required to present your original certificates to the university - photocopies are not accepted. You will also be asked to undertake a short handwritten test to assess your writing skills.

You will need to nominate a mentor from your setting/organisation - they should hold a recognised teaching/training qualification and have been in a teaching/training role for at least three years.

A pre-entry interview will be conducted with all those who apply for this programme.

Additional course costs

Trainees may wish to purchase textbooks on the reading list.

Progression

Trainees who successfully complete this programme will gain Qualified Teaching and Learning Status (QTLS) with the Institute for Learning (IfL).

Dates and times

This programme begins in September 2012. Trainees will be required to attend Bromley College on Tuesday evenings from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm throughout the academic year.