This course is offered at three award levels:
- PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate in Education, where Masters-Level credits can be gained
- ProfGCE - Professional Graduate Certificate in Education or
- Cert Ed - Certificate in Education.
The awards meet the national professional standards, determined by Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) and prepares you to meet the requirements for QTLS, which is the licence required to practice in the Lifelong Learning Sector. They equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the demanding role of teacher/lecturer in the Lifelong Learning Sector and address LLUK's minimum core requirements for language, literacy and numeracy. The course is endorsed within the national framework for the sector and constitutes the University's equivalent of the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS).
Any questions?
Email
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 3014
Visit the School of Education website
Please note the following information for applicants
The aims of the course are to prepare students to plan, implement and evaluate teaching and learning activities in the Lifelong Learning 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.
The teaching experience in the host college/centre is central to the course.
Teaching experience
Full-time study
There are two full-time blocks of teaching practice - six weeks in the second half of the autumn term and ten weeks in the spring/summer terms. In addition, course students will spend one day a week in their host college early in the autumn term, and two days a week in January and February. During their time in the host college students are supported by a mentor - a member of staff from that college who is a specialist in the student's subject area.
Part-time study
Teaching practice is undertaken one day a week over the duration of the programme. During their time in the host college/centre students are supported by a mentor - a member of staff from that centre who is a specialist in the student's subject area. University sessions are held one day a week, in the morning, with directed private study activities being planned for the afternoon.
All students follow a course of study and research which covers an introduction to post-compulsory education; curriculum issues, particularly around inclusive practice; enterprise 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.
The course consists of six modules:
- Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector
- Preparing, Planning, Teaching and Assessing
- Professional Practice (Part A)
- Professional Practice (Part B)
- Curriculum Development for Inclusive Practice
- Independent Study.
On the part-time pre-service programme, three modules are completed in Year One and three in Year Two.
Assessment
Students are assessed on both course work and their teaching practice. The focus of assignments is determined by students own practice and subject specialism.
Funding
For the latest information on funding and training bursaries visit Lifelong Learning UK.
On gaining the award, students typically pursue a career in post-16 education or training, teaching as lecturers or tutors within their specialist field. The course offers a foundation for professional development. For those who wish to progress to graduate status they can undertake the BA (Hons) Education award. Graduates who successfully complete the PGCE or ProfGCE course can progress to the MA/MSc Education.
Full-time study
Teaching placement in college will occur in the second half of the autumn term. You will be supported by your subject mentor and observed in your teaching by your university tutor and subject mentor. In the spring term you spend half the week in placement and half in university-based sessions until the half-term break. You will then be based in the colleges until the start of the summer term.
Part-time study
Teaching placement will be arranged by the University, in a college or the wider sector, depending on your subject specialism. You will attend placement one day a week (a minimum of three hours per week teaching). You will be supported by your subject mentor and observed in your teaching by your university tutor and subject mentor.
Skills for Life teachers
Those who wish to teach Literacy (English), Numeracy (Mathematics) and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) to adults in England will need a level four or five subject specialist certificate (the Additional Diploma) and a teaching qualification. Both are necessary to ensure that you have both the teaching skills and subject expertise to support learners. In addition to the general entry requirements you will also need the following:
- ESOL and Literacy subject specialisms: GCSE English and Mathematics at minimum grade C or equivalent plus A-Level English at minimum grade C or equivalent
- Numeracy subject specialism: GCSE English and Mathematics at minimum grade C or equivalent plus A-Level Mathematics at minimum grade C or equivalent
NTU also offer a part-time integrated programme that combines both the subject specialisation and teaching qualifications required to teach Literacy or ESOL. For further information visit Initial Teacher Training.
Application form
For an application form please email or telephone: +44(0)115 848 3014 or +44(0)115 848 6382.
