Cert Ed / PGCE / ProfGCE in Post-Compulsory Education and Training

Nottingham Trent University

Post-Compulsory teaching at Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

This teacher training course is suitable for applicants with subject experience from a wide variety of areas and industries. It leads to a teaching qualification in the post-compulsory education and training sector. The awards meet the national professional standards, and will enable you to register through NTU for professional formation in order to achieve Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS). Registration for QTLS through NTU in the academic year immediately following qualification is free of charge to completing students. QTLS is the badge of professionalism for the sector and has 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 Education and Training.

This course is also offered with subject specialist pathways:

• English and Literacy
• Mathematics and Numeracy
• Special and Inclusive Practice

What you'll study

This degree is offered at three award levels. You apply for either the PGCE or CertEd depending on your qualifications and will be assessed for the ProfGCE whilst on the course:

• PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate in Education

You will join this level if you have a good honours degree. You will also be able to study for 60 Masters-level credits, giving you a head-start on gaining a postgraduate qualification.You may join this level from the CertEd.

• ProfGCE - Professional Graduate Certificate in Education

You may join this level from the CertEd.

• Cert Ed - Certificate in Education

If you have the equivalent to A-levels or have significant experience in your intended subject specialism, you will join the Cert Ed.

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.

All students follow a course of study and research which covers an introduction to post-compulsory education; curriculum issues, particularly around inclusive practice; 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.

What will I teach?

This course equips you with the skills required to teach, but not subject-specific knowledge. Schools and colleges have a wide curriculum and as long as we can find you an appropriate placement, we can accept you to train for any subject you have the relevant experience to teach.

Careers and employability

The post-compulsory education sector covers a multitude of different educational environments including:

• colleges of further education
• community learning and development centres
• places of work
• adult education centres
• libraries, archives and information services
• private training organisations
• sixth form colleges
• prisons and young offender institutions
• voluntary and charity organisations
• universities.