PGCE Postgraduate Certificate in Education (non-QTS Online)

Course overview

This programme is delivered as fully online distance learning provision. It is a part-time programme which can be taken flexibly, on its own, or alongside part-time employment. It allows you to attain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education without the QTS element. This award is recognised in a wide range of educational settings. The two modules on this programme will enable you to critically analyse learning and teaching. In doing so you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key theories of learning and teaching, and to reflect on their application in your chosen setting.

The modules are delivered in a highly interactive and engaging manner, through the VLE Blackboard site. This will enable you to become part of a wider learning community. Learning will be supported by a wide range of social media tools.

Course summary

The PGCE (non-QTS) comprises two fully online Masters Level modules: Raising the Achievement of Learners and Quality Teaching in Educational Settings.

The first module, Raising the Achievement of Learners, aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the enabling factors and barriers that impact on learners’ achievement. It seeks to develop your ability to critically evaluate theories and research-informed literature around the topic of learners’ achievement and to be critically reflective of practice. It is concerned with ‘first-order’ endeavour (Marton, 1981), i.e. with the learners in your educational establishment or in your care.

The second module, Quality teaching in Educational Settings, aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the principles of quality teaching. It is therefore concerned with ‘second-order’ endeavour (Marton, 1981) in that it focuses on aspects of instruction that best promote successful learning. It will develop your ability to examine and critique a range of pedagogical approaches that are underpinned by research evidence and learning theories. It will enable you to analyse and synthesise these approaches and put your understanding of quality learning and teaching into practice in a professional context. Marton, F. (1981) ‘Phenomenography: Describing conceptions of the world around us’. Instructional Science (10) 177-200

The pedagogy of this programme is centred on providing you with a fulfilling online learning experience through which your potential can be maximised.

The tutor team will be adopting key principles in the delivery of the programme and these are summarised in a social constructivist approach. This approach aims to promote your independence and collaboration as a learner. You will also be expected to work cooperatively and share your findings with others as a means of promoting good practice.