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Postgraduate study
Education and Training

Education and Training Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

This course is designed to train those aiming to become inspirational teachers in education and training sector educational settings such as further education colleges, training providers and adult community settings.

 

Course overview

You are supported to become a professional, personable, confident, critical, resilient and reflective teacher who can motivate learners to achieve highly and realise their full potential.

This course has been developed to embed The Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers in Education and Training, and it combines academic study with substantial placement experience and observation of practice. The one year full-time programme comprises four modules across three key strands (professional skills, research and theory). These are delivered across the year to allow understanding, skills and practical application to take place over time. The course structure will develop your knowledge and skills and enable you to fully meet the professional standards of the sector.

Study this course and you may be eligible for a £2,500 Sir Keith Skeoch postgraduate scholarship.

Top reasons to study this course
> The teaching team of knowledgeable and experienced staff support you to develop your teaching practice, and your share your learning journey with mentors and peers from diverse backgrounds.
> Make a difference to the life chances of people by providing opportunities for them to develop.
> You matter – and will be part of a community which encourages you to find your voice, with professional and personal supervision, and support specific to your needs.

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Course details

Course structure

Core modules

Developing Learning and Teaching

You gain a detailed overview of the core concepts underpinning learning, teaching and assessment, which is the starting point for becoming a professional teacher in the education and training sector. The module considers the roles, responsibilities and professional standards for teachers and focuses on the development of a range of practice skills, providing opportunities for trainees to engage with a variety of creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. It also focuses on the general principles and processes underpinning: the creation of positive, inclusive and effective learning environments; the development of critical reflective practice skills; the ability to manage data to support the progress of students; and, making evidence informed decisions in practice.

Enhancing Learning and Teaching

You are supported to enhance and extend approaches to learning, teaching and assessment in a variety of complex and challenging ways. You will be encouraged to underpin your learning and teaching with evidence-informed strategies and will develop the skills required to rigorously and consistently evaluate your own practice. You look beyond your own direct experience and consider a breadth and range of educational settings, and to reflect on the broader context of education for your students. You will be supported to demonstrate a depth of understanding in relation to your subject specialism and its delivery. You comprehensively and fully evidence your progression against the professional standards for the sector and develop the skills required to contribute in a meaningful way to development and CPD within educational contexts.

Evidence Informed Learning and Teaching

You research an aspect of your practice to develop pedagogic knowledge, and to explicitly link theory to practice in professional educational contexts. This module will also support the development of professional confidence and contribute to the creation of high quality student learning experiences. You develop your understanding of planning, implementing and evaluating an ethical, rigorous and credible piece of practitioner research. You are supported in becoming effective, professional and research informed practitioners, and to confidently execute and disseminate a piece of research.

Thinking in Learning and Teaching

You critically explore a variety of traditional and contemporary theories in learning, teaching and assessment. You analyse the impact of government policy, curriculum theory, and professional standards on the sector, and consider quality processes and their impact. You also explore wider perceptions of education and training, and trends within your individual teaching specialism.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

Learning and teaching are central to all aspects of this course. You are a student completing a higher education qualification but you are also a trainee teacher who is expected to apply the knowledge and skills you acquire to your own classrooms. All aspects of this course are therefore designed to support you to develop academically whilst also supporting the development of practical, professional expertise across a range of contexts.

This course is built around a clear focus on developing resilient, autonomous, reflective practitioners who will become outstanding teachers within the education and training sector. The learning and teaching strategy of this course supports that goal and aims to ensure that you:

  • are introduced to a wide variety of innovative, inspiring and creative approaches to learning, teaching and assessment;
  • take every opportunity to engage with research informed practice and to feel confident in evaluating educational research;
  • experience the active modelling of L&T strategies within your taught sessions and that you consistently engage in the collaborative evaluation of modelled practice;
  • develop a wide-ranging, independent and flexible approach to reflection, reflective practice and the linking of theory to practice;
  • acquire the skills and knowledge required to meet the professional standards of the sector, understand the changes taking place within the sector and independently pursue your own continued personal and professional development; and,
  • are made aware of current issues and changes within the education and training sector and contextualise these within education as a whole.

How you are assessed

You are assessed on your knowledge, professional skills and your ability to integrate the theoretical and the practical aspects of your experience. Approaches to assessment have been designed to align with professional standards for the sector.

The overall assessment load has been carefully considered to prevent overload or the bunching of assessments, whilst also ensuring that all aspects of the course remain fully integrated and the experience of trainees is a fully holistic one. Throughout the course approaches to assessment are actively modelled for, and discussed with, trainees as an essential aspect of the teacher training process

Specific assessment tasks include completing a Professional Standards Portfolio, an academic poster, observations of teaching practice, and written assessments such as writing a critical evaluation and a journal-style article.

 

Entry requirements

GCSE (or standard equivalent) in English grade C (4) or above.

First degree (minimum of a 2:2). In exceptional cases prospective students who do not meet this criterion but are able to demonstrate suitable significant experience and/or further study may be considered for the programme.

A teaching practice placement of at least 100 hours in an appropriate context (this must be arranged by you and evidenced through a teaching practice agreement signed by the placement provider).

Satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Successful completion of a formal interview that demonstrates:

  • intellectual and academic suitability for the course;
  • possession of the appropriate attitudes and values expected of a teacher working in the education and training sector;
  • the ability to communicate clearly and accurately in standard English


For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

 

Employability

Career opportunities

Appropriate careers are in the full teaching role in learning and skills sector educational contexts. Graduates go on to work in a variety of professions including further education colleges and training organisations. Some students gain employment in secondary schools or higher education. Other students have taken the opportunity to further their studies on relevant continuing professional development or postgraduate study at Teesside.

Work placement

You will undertake a significant teaching practice placement that will form an integral part of your training as a teacher. During placement you will receive support from a designated mentor who will provide formative feedback verbally and in writing.

Mentors receive detailed information about the course and their role and are required to undertake mentor training (this is available via face-to-face sessions, on a 1-2-1 basis or via completion of a distance training package). There is regular communication between mentors and the University-based teaching team.

During placement you will continue to be supported by tutors.

 
 

Full-time

2024/25 entry

Fee for UK applicants
£6,950

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Part-time

  • Not available part-time
 

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Initial Teacher Training

Providing the Tees Valley with informed and resilient trainees, equipped with the knowledge and skills to forge successful teaching careers within the early career framework.

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