Post-Compulsory Education and Training, Cert Ed, PGCE, ProfGCE

This course is suitable for applicants with experience in a wide variety of subjects and industries. It leads to a teaching qualification in the post-compulsory education sector, which can also be used to teach in schools. Those holding a degree in the subject they wish to teach will take the PGCE or ProfGCE, and those with vocational qualifications and/or experience will take the Cert Ed.

This course is offered at three award levels:

• PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate in Education, where Masters-Level credits can be gained
• ProfGCE - Professional Graduate Certificate in Education or
• Cert Ed - Certificate in Education.

The awards meet the national professional standards, determined by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) and prepares you to meet the requirements for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS). QTLS is the licence required to practice in the post-compulsory education sector and has recently been recognised as equivalent to QTS allowing holders to work in secondary schools.

We equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the demanding role of teacher / lecturer. The course is endorsed within the national framework for the sector and constitutes the University's equivalent of the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS).

Any questions?

Email
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200
AskNTU

The aims of the course are to prepare students to plan, implement and evaluate teaching and learning activities in the post-compulsory education sector and to help students to develop appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes. It equips students with an ability to reflect upon and learn from their professional practice and build students' confidence in their ability to perform their professional roles whilst creating a sound foundation for further professional and career development.

The teaching experience in partner colleges / centres is central to the course. You will be supported throughout the experience by a mentor who specialises in your subject area, giving you the confidence to take your industry experience into the classroom.

All students follow a course of study and research which covers an introduction to post-compulsory education; curriculum issues, particularly around inclusive practice; enterprise and quality; principles of learning and the characteristics of the post-14 learner; planning for learning and methods of teaching and assessment. Fully integrated into this course is a structured and supervised practical teaching component in one of our partner institutions.

The course consists of four modules:

• Learning and Teaching: in Post-Compulsory Education and Training
• Learning and Teaching: the Professional Teacher
• Learning and Teaching: the Subject Specialist and Wider Context
• Independent Study: Post-Compulsory Education and Training.

On the part-time pre-service programme, two modules are completed in Year One and two in Year Two.

Teaching experience

Full-time study
There are two full-time blocks of teaching practice - six weeks in the second half of the autumn term and ten weeks in the spring / summer terms. In addition, course students will spend one day a week in their host college early in the autumn term, and two days a week in January and February. During their time in the host college students are supported by a mentor - a member of staff from that college who is a specialist in the student's subject area.

Part-time study
Teaching practice is undertaken one day a week over the duration of the programme. During their time in the host college/centre students are supported by a mentor - a member of staff from that centre who is a specialist in the student's subject area. University sessions are held one day a week, in the morning, with directed private study activities being planned for the afternoon. This path is ideal for students who wish to work or have other commitments whilst on the course.

Assessment

Students are assessed on both course work and their teaching practice. The focus of assignments is determined by students own practice and subject specialism.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change