Postgraduate Certificate in Education (incorporating Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector)
ObjectivesThis programme aims to provide graduates with the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes appropriate to their individual professional needs, to become teachers, lecturers, trainers and tutors in post-16 education. This course aims to provide teachers, lecturers, trainers and adult-education tutors in post-16 education and training with the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and professional values necessary for teaching and learning as appropriate to their individual professional needs. This course may be studied at the Plymouth campus, East Devon, partner colleges and at certain military bases. All appropriately qualified candidates will be given equal consideration during the selection process. The University of Plymouth does not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, colour, disability, religion, nationality, age, sexual orientation or any other irrelevant distinction.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements A Bachelors or Masters degree or equivalent. Part time students must normally be actively engaged in a teaching/training capacity or be working in a government funded educational or training environment.
Academic titlePostgraduate Certificate in Education
Course descriptionProgramme highlights
-Includes accreditation to national standards (LLUK)
-Open to all professionals in post-16 education and training
-Combines the learning of theory with practical experience
New programme developments
The government, along with teacher education providers, is currently aiming to raise levels of professionalism and quality in the post compulsory education and training sector, and is reviewing and reorganising all teaching qualifications in the sector. The University of Plymouth has been strongly involved in this process, helping to represent and fulfil the needs of trainee teachers/tutors and employers across the South West.
Further study, research and employment opportunities
The programme enables students to develop as professional practitioners in post compulsory education and to gain accreditation to national standards.
Full-time students will be offered appropriate placements in post-16 institutions such as FE colleges and sixth form colleges. A specialist group works in prison education departments.
Part-time and in-service students will already be involved in teaching and professional practice, and the programme will help individuals in terms of professional development and career progression.
Many former students have moved from voluntary teaching to paid teaching or from part-time teaching to full-time teaching posts as a result of the programme. Others have gained promotion as a result of skills and knowledge gained on the programme. Further study is also possible with many former students progressing to the masters programme.
Training bursaries may be available for full time students, however this is subject to eligibility and availabilty.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a course application form before the end of February.
Fees and funding for this course are subject to change therefore, you are advised to contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date information.
General programme structure
The programme can be studied either full or part time.
The one year full-time route involves two days a week at the University and two days in a placement normally arranged by the University.
The part-time route involves either attendance on one morning or one evening a week. Students will have teaching practice of 240 hours during the period of the programme.
Successful completion of the programme is determined by continous assessment based on module assignments, teaching observations and professional practice portfolio modules.
The PGCE is committed to developing expertise in both teaching and the support of learning within a framework of reflective practice. The professional practice modules provide the opportunity to reflect on the development of professional practice. This will include teaching observations by tutors, mentors and peers.
Detailed programme structure
The course consists of six core modules:
Processes of Learning and Teaching (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector and Planning and Enabling Learning)
Enabling Learning and Assessment
Theories and Principles for Planning and Enabling Learning
Continuing Personal and Professional Development
Curriculum Design for Inclusive Practice
Wider Professional Practice
Peer support groups are an important part of course organisation and learning. Critical analysis and reflective practice are at the heart of the course philosophy. Teaching observations will be carried out by tutors, mentors and peers in an atmosphere of professional evaluation and support.
National teacher education requirements for literacy and numeracy are addressed in the course.
Learning and assessment
The programme team is committed to reflective practice and collaborative learning. Assessment is seen as integral to the learning and hence a continuous assessment process is used.