Course overview
You focus on developing knowledge of your learners and explore a range of evidence-based teaching and assessment theories and strategies, in addition to your subject knowledge and subject specific pedagogy.
You select an area to specialise in:
- business management, and administration
- childcare and early years education
- construction and the built environment
- creative and design
- digital and computing
- engineering and manufacturing
- English
- finance, accountancy and procurement
- health and social care
- hospitality and catering
- humanities
- legal services, law and human resources
- mathematics
- public and protective services
- science
- SEND and preparation for life
- social sciences
- sport, physical education and personal fitness
- transport and logistics
- travel and tourism
You develop further by undertaking two intensive teaching practices within further education and skills settings, putting your knowledge and understanding of education into practice. On placement you practice teaching strategies, learn how to manage a classroom environment, and develop evidence-based approaches from skilled professionals.
This is an award of Teesside University delivered in partnership with Darlington College.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Exploring Learning and Teaching in my Subject
Study theory and pedagogy in the further education and skills sector. Fundamental learning, teaching and assessment theories are critically explored, focusing on contemporary theories and methods.
This module is the first part of your mandatory practice placement. During the placement, you benefit from the support of a subject specialist mentor and a pastoral mentor.
You complete a toolkit for creating positive learning environments. Focusing on ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion, developing critical reflective practice, and the ability to manage data, make evidence-informed decisions, and forecast outcomes.
This module is the second part of your mandatory practice placement. During the placement, you benefit from the support of a subject specialist mentor and a pastoral mentor.
You extend your toolkit by experiencing and exploring a variety of more complex approaches to teaching, learning and assessment confidently motivating and inspiring learners to succeed, adapting the learning environment to cater for a range of learner needs, consistently evaluating and reflecting on your own practice, and possessing the practical skills required for successful classroom practice.
Refining Learning and Teaching in my Subject
Develop your understanding of critical theories and pedagogical knowledge. Curriculum theory is explored with a particular focus on sequencing and adapting learning to enhance outcomes.
You enhance your professional capabilities, analyse your professional development needs and create an action plan to meet them, within the policy, ethical, professional, and subject-specific framework of Further Education and Skills.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You attend college for two days a week and then attend your placement for three days a week. You learn in seminars and workshops. A range of specialist tutors contribute to your seminar sessions - these are supported through a virtual learning environment where you access a range of resources to support course activities.
You observe experienced practitioners, using simulations or training classes, and by watching good practice video footage and move up to teaching on your own through a graduated and managed process.
Your two practice mentors support your time on placement and help you develop reflective practice skills as an aid to your learning and professional development.
How you are assessed
Your knowledge, professional skills and ability to integrate theoretical and practical aspects of your experience is assessed. Assessments align with the Department for Education’s requirements for the sector.
Assessment methods include a practice portfolio, podcast audio or video, observations of teaching practice, written assessments such as writing a critical essay, a report and a portfolio.
Entry requirements
First degree (or equivalent) from a UK university. Plus GCSE (or equivalent) in English and maths grade 4 or above.
We consider those with relevant experience and the potential to become good or outstanding teachers without a degree, or those who may have studied qualifications at Level 6 with degree equivalency that are not traditional degree routes (some professional qualifications).
You also attend an interview that includes an application form, submission of two references.
Referees must confirm that they know of no reason why you cannot work with children. Admissions will also check there are no breaks in your employment or education history.
References must be either be academic (your university tutor), professional (your manager), school experience (headteacher of the school you’ve been working in) or character (mentor or someone you know from volunteering).
If you’re still studying or have graduated in the last five years, one of your references should be an academic reference. If you already work in a school, one of your references should be from your headteacher. Make sure you provide a professional email address, not a personal email address for each reference.
You also complete tasks designed to assess written English and you must be able to analyse and manage information and data.
You must complete a satisfactory Occupational Health Clearance (further details will be provided) and Declaration of Suitability for Teacher Training document in line with the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education. Any declarations made may be subject to a panel process before a decision can be made. You must also complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records check with children’s barred list information
We are not accepting applications from international students requiring a Student Visa.
These checks should be completed before a programme starts.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
Employability
Career opportunities
Graduates go on to work in a variety of professions including further education colleges and training organisations, sixth form colleges, secondary schools or higher education institutions. Others have taken the opportunity to further their studies through relevant continuing professional development or masters’ courses at the University.
Work placement
You undertake a teaching practice placement that forms an integral part of your teacher training. You are placed in two further education and skills settings, to encounter a range of teaching opportunities.
You receive support from two mentors, a subject specialist who is competent and teaching in your subject area, and a pastoral support mentor for general advice and support. This mentor may support more than one trainee in the placement, maybe acting for a group of trainees.
You are expected to cover travelling costs to and from your placement.
Placement in a further education and skills setting is dependent on variables such as availability of your subject and mentors, and while we endeavour to take your location preferences into account, you should be prepared to travel across the Tees Valley.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.