Post Graduate Certificate in Training (PCET)

The course is offered as a part-time (two year) programme and intended for those interested in working in the Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) sector.

The aim of the course is to equip teachers with the skills and attributes necessary for them to deliver high-quality training to their learners.

The course is designed primarily for those who teach post-16 learners and is designed around a framework of Professional Standards for teaching and supporting learning in the PCET sector.

This practical work-based course provides opportunities to develop professional understanding and knowledge through academic study, practice, and critical reflection on your experiences. Trainees will need to be self-motivated and self-organised and to engage in online lectures, work-based tasks, and tutorials. Trainees will also need to work with peers and develop their practice through teaching observations. Assessment is therefore a blend of critically evaluated professional practice informed by formal academic tasks. This focus on creativity and innovation in the workplace supported by research and reflection is aimed at developing trainees’ careers as well as equipping them with the skills and attributes to develop high-quality teaching and learning to their learners.

On successful completion of the study, we will issue the following award: PGCE Post-Compulsory Education and Training.

After completing the course, you’ll be equipped to teach in the following sectors:

• FE colleges
• Sixth forms
• Private training organisation
• Voluntary organisations
• Work-based training
• Prisons
• Young offender institutes

If you’re unsure about teaching in these sectors, most of our FE partner colleges will provide advice and guidance.

After completing the PGCE you can also enter the MA Education at Postgraduate Diploma level and complete a full Masters in two years of part-time study.

If you are applying for the PGCE then you normally have a 2:1 classification degree in the specialist subject relevant to your teaching. If you are applying for the Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) then you will need a minimum of a Level 3 qualification or equivalent in the specialist subject relevant to your teaching area, e.g. GCE A Level, NVQ3, BTEC Higher, L3 Certificate in an appropriate Key Skills, HND. Equivalence will be utilised in specialisms where no Level 3 qualification exists. The recommended entry requirements for both the PGCE and Cert Ed are as follows: A minimum of GCSE in English, at Grade C or Level 2 equivalent already held or gained as part of initial needs analysis and induction; If English is not your first language you will be expected to have achieved an IELTS score of 6.0 or above (with a minimum of 5.5 in each category); A minimum of 100 hours teaching to be secured and evidenced by employer institution prior to enrolment; Must be aged 19 or over.