Post-Compulsory Education and Training Cert Ed / PGCE; ProfGCE
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: One year full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Post-Compulsory teaching at Nottingham Trent University (NTU)
This teacher training course is suitable for applicants with subject experience from a wide variety of areas and industries. It leads to a teaching qualification in the post-compulsory education and training sector. The awards meet the national professional standards, and will enable you to register through NTU for professional formation in order to achieve Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS). Registration for QTLS through NTU in the academic year immediately following qualification is free of charge to completing students. QTLS is the badge of professionalism for the sector and has been recognised as equivalent to QTS allowing holders to work in secondary schools.
We equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the demanding role of teacher / lecturer. The course is endorsed within the national framework for the sector and constitutes the University's equivalent of the Diploma in Education and Training.
of ProfGCE Post-Compulsory Education and Training graduates were in high-skilled jobs 15 months after completing their studies (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020/21)
What you’ll study
This degree is offered at three award levels. You apply for either the PGCE or CertEd depending on your qualifications and will be assessed for the ProfGCE whilst on the course:
- PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate in Education
You will join this level if you have a good honours degree. You will also be able to study for 60 Masters-level credits, giving you a head-start on gaining a postgraduate qualification.You may join this level from the CertEd. - ProfGCE - Professional Graduate Certificate in Education
You may join this level from the CertEd. - Cert Ed - Certificate in Education
If you have the equivalent to A-levels or have significant experience in your intended subject specialism, you will join the Cert Ed.
The aims of the course are to prepare students to plan, implement and evaluate teaching and learning activities in the post-compulsory education 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.
All students follow a course of study and research which covers an introduction to post-compulsory education; curriculum issues, particularly around inclusive practice; 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.
Placements
The teaching experience in partner colleges / centres is central to the course. You will be supported throughout the experience by a mentor who specialises in your subject area, giving you the confidence to take your industry experience into the classroom.
What will I teach?
This course equips you with the skills required to teach, but not subject-specific knowledge. Schools and colleges have a wide curriculum and as long as we can find you an appropriate placement, we can accept you to train for any subject you have the relevant experience to teach.
Students are assessed on both coursework and their teaching practice. The focus of assessments is determined by the student's own practice and subject specialism.
Structure
This course has been designed to specifically enable you to develop your academic and teaching skills in a structured and coherent way. The teaching placement underpins the whole course and is linked to all assessments; practical teaching is linked specifically to assessments one, two, and three.
The assessments are linear to enable you to build on and develop your knowledge and experience, with later assessments consolidating and extending earlier learning and skills, particularly in relation to professional practice. This development is both focused and aspirational, taking you from being a ‘Beginning Teacher’ at the start (assessment one), through being a ‘Developing and Professional Teacher’ (assessment two) to becoming an ‘Independent and Innovative Teacher’ with a clear subject-specific focus (assessment three).
Assessment One: Teaching and Learning: in PCET (40 credit points)
This assessment will introduce you to the post compulsory sector, exploring the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a teacher, introducing generic teaching, learning and assessment methods, exploring behaviour management and establishing early inclusive and reflective practice. To align to sector qualifications, the content of this assessment meets the award in Education and Training Foundation requirements for the Education and Training Certificate (via LSIS, the Learning and Skills Improvement Service, brand).
Assessment Two: Learning and Teaching: the professional tutor (20 credit points)
This assessment will build on assessment one and develop a deeper understanding of inclusive planning, learning, teaching and assessment, particularly in relation to notions of ‘good practice’ in the sector, as drawn from learning, assessment and communication theory. Through activities at the university and within the subject specialist placement, strategies explored in assessment one will be extended to support ongoing personal professional development. It seeks to ensure that you have a comprehensive knowledge of the theory and practice of planning, learning, teaching and assessment so that you can: work confidently and effectively with learners; consider equality and diversity; draw on a range of inclusive and differentiated teaching and assessment methods; devise and deliver vibrant learning experiences in the classroom, and demonstrate high expectations of learners in relation to their learning and progress. The content of this assessment meets the award in Education and Training for the Education and Training Certificate (via LSIS, the Learning and Skills Improvement Service, brand).
Assessment Three: Learning and Teaching: the subject specialist and wider context (20 credit points)
Assessment Three will investigate the key concepts relating to subject specialist education to support you in implementing a pedagogical approach within the classroom. You will identify and reflect upon recent education research and debate to gain an understanding of what might be considered ‘best practice’ within your subject and its delivery in your placement colleges/provider/workplace. You will explore modes of delivery that ensure engagement with and enjoyment of the subject and will develop the range of practical skills associated with this. Upon completing this assessment you will be able to devise and deliver vibrant subject specialist learning experiences in the classroom.
Assessment Four: PCET: Independent Study (40 credit points)
This assessment will support you in the development of enquiry skills within the context of your subject specialist placement. You will undertake a small scale project which will contribute, in some way, to your subject department and your own subject specialist development. You will negotiate the focus and aims with your personal tutor and placement mentor and draw on a range of sources to develop and extend your knowledge. In addition, professional discussion will be encouraged so that peer feedback can support project planning and implementation. It is intended that this engagement in a range of professional activities will extend your knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to your subject specialism, professional practice and placement, and allow you to contribute to your subject department or placement centre/workplace.
Taught sessions for the assessment will use interactive teaching strategies to explore the nature of ‘enquiry’ and research; to support the development of your critical evaluation and critical thinking skills, and provide guidance on how to plan, manage and present your project.
How you’re taught
Teaching experience
We will only accept students if we believe we can provide a relevant placement opportunity, or if you have an appropriate agreed placement arranged prior to applying.
Teaching practice is undertaken three days a week (a minimum of 150 hours teaching) 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 college who is a specialist in the student's subject area. University sessions are held one day a week.
Careers and employability
The post-compulsory education sector covers a multitude of different educational environments including:
- colleges of further education
- community learning and development centres
- places of work
- adult education centres
- libraries, archives and information services
- private training organisations
- sixth form colleges
- prisons and young offender institutions
- voluntary and charity organisations
- universities.
On gaining the award, students typically pursue a career in one of these areas teaching as lecturers or tutors within their specialist field. QTLS is completed post-qualification and within your employing institution through professional formation, which involves you demonstrating your skills and knowledge in your professional practice. Applications are made by you through NTU in the academic year immediately following qualification, free of charge.
The CertEd 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 Education.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
For the Prof GCE / PGCE:
- a UK honours degree, at a minimum Third Class in the intended subject specialism; and
- relevant work experience will strengthen your application.
For the Cert Ed:
- A-level at grade C or equivalent; or
- substantial industrial / commercial experience in the intended subject specialism.
Other requirements:
- an interview
- an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and any other safeguarding checks that may be necessary; and
- GCSE English and Mathematics at minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent; and
- two academic or vocational references.
Basic knowledge of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is an advantage.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
What are we looking for?
For the Prof GCE / PGCE:
- a UK honours degree, at a minimum Third Class in the intended subject specialism; and
- relevant work experience will strengthen your application.
For the Cert Ed:
- A-level at grade C or equivalent; or
- substantial industrial / commercial experience in the intended subject specialism.
Other requirements:
- an interview
- an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and any other safeguarding checks that may be necessary; and
- GCSE English and Mathematics at minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent; and
- two academic or vocational references.
Basic knowledge of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is an advantage.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
For guidance, course fees for September 2023 are:
| Course | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| PGCE PCET | £9,250 |
Home students can apply for a student loan for tuition and maintenance fees. In addition students may be eligible for maintenance or special support grants.
For guidance, course fees for September 2023 are:
| Course | International/ EU students |
|---|---|
| PGCE PCET | £16,800 |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your postgraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Application Dates
To join this course in 2024, applications must be made before 12 July 2024 with the last interviews taking place in the first two weeks in September for late applications. Any application made after 12 July 2024 or an applicant who has not provided the necessary information before the last interviews will be considered for entry in 2025 only.
To ensure you have a place on the course we recommend you apply as soon as possible.
How to apply
This course is offered at three award levels. You apply for either the PGCE or CertEd depending on your qualifications and will be assessed for the ProfGCE whilst on the course. You do not need to make multiple applications if you'd like to complete more than one pathway. Please apply to your preferred pathway and mention within the personal statement the pathways you'd like to complete.
Ready to join us? Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Application Dates
To join this course in 2024, international applications must be made before 12 July 2024 in order to complete all the necessary requirements in relation to visas.
To ensure you have a place on the course we recommend you apply as soon as possible.
How to apply
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.