PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education and Training

Course Specification

This course is designed for those who want to teach in a Further Education College, a Sixth Form College, a work-based learning setting, adult and community education, sector or in public sector training such as Police, Fire Service, Health Service or Prison Service. The equivalence of QTLS and QTS also offers a route into teaching in the secondary sector, particularly 14-18 curriculum.

If you are following the Certificate in Education pathway

• A level 3 qualification in the subject/skill area you wish to teach
  
  

If you are following the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) pathway:

• As above PLUS normally a 2:1 classification degree
  
  

In addition for both awards:

• GCSE Grade C in English Language (or equivalent)
• A current DBS
• 100 hours teaching practice and access to a subject specific mentor
  
  

All applicants will be required to attend an interview to determine eligibility. Please read the Staffordshire University recruitment pack for further guidance on entry requirements and the application process.

The course provides a variety of content and experience which will give you a range of skills and knowledge in the Further Education and Training sector. The course has been validated against the Professional Standards published by the Education and Training Foundation in 2014. The course is delivered one afternoon/twilight per week. In addition you will need to undertake 2-3 hours teaching per week (100 hours a year), this can be paid or voluntary and the College may be able to support you in finding a placement within its curriculum areas. The course consists of the following modules:

• Teaching Learning and Assessment in PCET – 30 Credits at Level Four
• Theories, principles and models in PCET – 30 Credits at Level Five
• Developing Teaching, Learning and Assessment – 30 Credits at Level Seven
• Action Research and wider professional practice in PCET – 30 Credits at Level Seven
  
  

The course is delivered through a number of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. All tuition is face to face with tutors, although online resources and use of a virtual learning environment is part of the course. You will be allocated a personal tutor to support you.

There are no exams. Assessment consists of coursework eg reports, presentations, reflective accounts as well as observations of professional practice supported by portfolios of evidence. You will be assessed at Level 7 - this is post graduate level. You must pass all modules to achieve the award.

£9,000 for UK and EU applicants, £12,250 for International students. Financial support is available through student loans. www.gov.uk/teacher-training-funding.

Please note that the PGCE and Level 5 Certificate in Education programmes are currently being revised and there may be changes to modules/delivery from September 2022. 

You can apply online by clicking on this link where you will need to create an account as a new user. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.