Professional Graduate Certificate in Education

These programmes lead to initial teaching qualifications for those who teach or intend to teach in further education colleges, sixth-form colleges, adult education centres, art colleges, healthcare or community organisations, the public services and a wide range of commercial and voluntary organisations. The PGCE/PCE is endorsed by SVUK as DTLLS (Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning sector).

The programmes are offered in three modes of study: full-time attendance will benefit those wishing to obtain a qualification before seeking employment and incorporates a period of supervised teaching practice; part-time attendance and flexible learning are aimed at teachers and trainers who are already employed.

The programme covers the skills needed for teaching and classroom management and helps students to explore the theory underpinning teaching and learning. There is also the option to take an additional Skills for Life course in literacy, numeracy or ESOL.

Student placements for the full time programme are sourced by the University of Greenwich. Applicants are advised to apply early to allow us the time necessary to find a suitable placement. Students on the part-time attending or flexible mode are already in employment so will not require a placement.

Applicants have the opportunity to combine the PGCE/PCE (full time) with a Skills for Life subject (Literacy, ESOL or Numeracy). Applicants who have already completed a PGCE/PCE who would like to teach Skills for Life can apply for our Level 5 Additional Diploma.

Aims of the programme

• To provide initial training for practising and prospective teachers and trainers
• To respond to the changing needs of employers in the Lifelong Learning Sector
• To encourage the growth of professionalism in the Lifelong Learning Sector

Content

• Planning and Enabling Learning, including the 6-credit Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (15 credits)
• Assessment and Learning (15 credits)
• Theories and Principles of Learning (15 credits)
• Managing Behaviours in the Learning Environment (15 credits)
• Curriculum Design and Implementation for Inclusive Practice (15 credits)
• Wider Professional Practice (15 credits)
• Subject Specialist Study (15 credits)
• Continued Professional Development (15 credits)

The Lifelong Learning sector offers a wide range of subjects. Therefore, the teaching at the university is focussed on the generic teaching skills. There is specific subject input within the assignments and at the placement.

Applicants for this programme are subject to the following:

• Criminal Records Bureau check
• Occupational health screening