PGCE (Education & Training) / CertEd (Education & Training)

Overview

This University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) approved PGCE/Certificate in Education (Education & Training) is a pre-service teacher training course leading to a professional qualification that will allow you to teach in Further Education Colleges, Sixth Form Colleges, adult education and a wide range of other training and educational settings. You can study this course full-time for one year, or part-time over two years.

This is one course with two qualification outcomes: the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Education and Training) is awarded if you are entering the course with at least an Honours degree, the Certification in Education (Education and Training) is awarded if you are entering with another form of qualification such as a Level 3 Vocational qualification. The latter may be the case if you wish to teach in a vocational area such as Catering or Hair and Beauty, for example.

The course is approved by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and has run for a number of years. The course mixes theory with teaching practice and satisfactory achievement of all modules is required. If you are offered a place on this course we will have agreed a teaching practice placement for you before we confirm this offer. This can depend on your subject specialism and the availability of a suitable and supportive placement for the duration of your studies.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the course you’ll be assessed by Essays, Presentations including Group Presentations, Portfolio Building as well as Self-Assessment and Peer Assessment methods. You will also undertake assessments of your teaching practice during your placements. The assessments are designed to showcase the opportunities within the sector and help prepare you for teaching roles.

Teaching and Learning

The learning environment and facilities include lecture theatres, classrooms, technology suites, laboratories and workshops, library and skills labs, art and photography studios, small group and quiet zones. Learning methods will vary according to the programme of study but will include lectures and group tutorials. In addition, seminars, field trips, work placements, role play or scenario activities, laboratory and workshop practical, demonstrations, guest lectures, discussions and debates all contribute to the learning experience to support the acquisition of subject specific skills and knowledge and the development of transferable and employment related skills.

What can I do next?

If you enter the programme with an Honours degree you will leave with the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Those entering with a Level 3 vocational qualification will leave with a Certificate in Education. In either case you will be ready to embark upon your teaching career. Some students receive offers to work at the institution where they have conducted their teaching placements, following an application process.

If you have gained the PGCE (Education and Training) you may wish to progress to a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDip) at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Alternatively, if you have gained the CertEd, you may wish to top up to a BA (Hons).