Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - Level 7*

Entry Requirements

To study on the PGCE you must have access to an appropriate teaching placement which must satisfy 100 teaching hours and 200 hours of teaching-related activities together with the following:

• Minimum of a 2:2 degree in the subject specialism in which you would like to teach
• If you are a holder of an overseas qualification, you can check with the UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC) to identify if they are the equivalent to those required for entry to the PGCE.
• If English is not your first language, you will need to achieve an IELTS 6 overall with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking or are able to evidence an equivalent English Language qualification.
• GCSE English and maths 4/C or above

This and evidence of these are essential when applying for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Bursaries. For more information and to determine your eligibility, please visit the FE ITE bursaries funding manual.

Please note that functional skills in English and maths will not be accepted for entry onto this programme.

If you successfully meet the criteria, you will be invited to a professional discussion with the teaching team and a 15-minute Developmental Teaching Opportunity based on a topic you would teach. Following the successful completion of these, and essential evidence of your qualifications has been provided, you will be invited to formally enrol, complete Level 2 safeguarding training and apply for your enhanced DBS check with barred list information, which is required as part of your funding agreement and as a condition of your enrolment. For more information, please visit the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Should you be unsuccessful in your application, guidance will be provided to support you further.

Course Detail

This PGCE is a full time taught programme delivered over two consecutive days which is enriched with a flexible teaching placement that enables you to acquire the required skills and knowledge to design and deliver effective teaching sessions in your subject specialism.

You will be able to effectively create positive and productive learning environments supporting the learning and progression of those that you teach.

Curriculum themes focus on theories and models of learning, communication and assessment and effectively contribute to your ability to critically reflect on theory to inform your developing teaching practice.

Curriculum design, and the external environment in which education and training operates, is further explored and this provides an appreciation of the dynamic and evolving nature of the education and training sector.

You will have the opportunity to undertake independent research to further enhance your knowledge of education and training and develop the requisite skills, knowledge and behaviours to progress to and in future employment.

Employability is at the heart of this PGCE, which has been designed to reflect the knowledge, skills and professional attributes sought by employers: intelligent, flexible, self-aware lifelong learners with communication, interactive and team working skills, who add value to and transform organisations.

• Honours degree in your chosen subject area (minimum 2:2 classification)
• GCSE English Language and Maths grade 4 (previously grade C) or above.
• You must obtain satisfactory DBS clearance prior to starting the programme. While having a previous conviction will not necessarily preclude you from undertaking a PGCE; consideration will be given on a case by case basis.
• You will need to complete a successful professional discussion with the curriculum.

Applications for the PGCE must be received by the deadline of 14 July 2023.

Applications after this date may be considered providing applicants meet all the above, including having already found a teaching placement of at least 100 teaching hours plus the 200 hours of teaching-related activities.

Qualification Obtained

Industry Placement and Field Trips

You will need to secure an appropriate work-based teaching placement to undertake at least 100 hours’ solo teaching practice and an additional 200 hours’ teaching-related activities.

Any teaching placement must be confirmed one week before the start date of the course at the latest.

For some subject specialisms we may be able to support you in securing a placement internally at Blackpool and The Fylde College. If not, you will be responsible for sourcing your own teaching placement.

Work-based learning is an essential component of the PGCE. It is through undertaking teaching practice that you will start to draw connections between classroom theory and practice.

Prior to starting the programme, you will need to secure an appropriate teaching placement in your subject area. The responsibility for this lies with yourself however we will provide you with guidance on how to do this, supporting you where we can.

Your work placement must total 300 hours, to comprise 100 hours’ solo teaching and 200 hours’ teaching-related practice.

Learning and Teaching Methods

The PGCE is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, workshops and independent digital learning. A compulsory work placement is also included, allowing you to observe a wide range of teaching practices and to develop your own effective teaching style.

Throughout the programme, you will be supported by our expert tutors and a subject specialist mentor, who will work closely with you to develop your teaching and professional skills.

You will need to attend College two days a week (typically Thursdays and Fridays), when you will develop your knowledge of approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. The PGCE is based at the University Centre however your placement may be elsewhere.

In addition, you will need to undertake at least 100 hours’ solo teaching practice and up to 200 hours’ teaching-related practice, which could include attending meetings, working with qualified teachers, observing different teaching sessions, marketing and open events. These activities are flexible and can occur throughout the week.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

You will need to cover the cost of your enhanced DBS check which is currently £44 (this is not reimbursed). You will also be expected to cover the cost of your travel to and from your work placement and provide your own stationery.

Tuition Fees

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Career Options and Progression

Successful completion of this PGCE will equip you for a variety of private and public teaching and training posts across the further education and skills sector.

These include teaching in the NHS, police, prison service, further education colleges, secondary schools from 14+, training providers and sixth form colleges as well as within adult and community learning and apprenticeship provision.