PGCE Further Education - Level 7

This is a two-year part-time PGCE FE programme.

Validated by Canterbury Christ Church University, PGCE Further Education is a professional course that will qualify you to teach in the lifelong learning sector. This sector offers you a breadth of potential employment routes including further education colleges, sixth form colleges, adult and community learning, work-based learning and prison education.

The course is endorsed by the Education and Training Foundation, and those obtaining the PGCE FE will be eligible to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status. QTLS now has parity with QTS, and is a recognised qualification for teaching in the school sector. The PGCE FE has a long and successful record of high achievement. The course will encourage you to think critically, and you will be supported by a dedicated and professional team throughout the programme. The six modules you will cover are designed to complement and enhance your professional practice. You will undertake a professional placement within your subject area.

Generic teaching skills are also covered, meaning that on completion you could work in a number of settings - from sixth form colleges through to prison education.

How will I be assessed?

You will submit a range of assignments including reflections, essays and practical tasks and lesson observations to earn 20 credits for each one of the six modules on the programme. You will be observed in your teaching placement on eight occasions at regular intervals during the programme, four times by your CCCU and CONEL personal tutor, and four times by your subject specific mentor in your placement. The aim of these observations is to work with you to develop your practice.

You will also be required to make regular entries in a personalised reflective journal known as the Progress Log, which will chart targets set and achieved against the professional standards.

What can I do after?

By qualifying as a teacher with the PGCE FE you could be opening a pathway to a rewarding, varied and exciting career in this vibrant and invaluable sector. You will be working with a huge variety of learners, helping them to succeed in qualifications that will make a real difference to their professional lives. Upon successful completion of the programme you can teach in a variety of further education settings, including sixth form colleges, adult and community learning settings, work-based learning and prison education. You could progress into employment or other HE programmes including Diplomas (Teaching English and Maths), MA Professional Learning and Education and other CPD courses.

You should have a good honours degree at 2.2 or above and demonstrate competence regarding communication. In your application you will need to indicate sound reasons for wanting to teach in post compulsory education and have a clear awareness of the sector. Academic and/or industrial and commercial experience to demonstrate involvement with young people or adults in the community would be advantageous. Level 3 qualification and/or experience in your specialist subject. GCSEs at grade 4 or above in English Language and Maths or Functional Skills in English and Maths at Level 2, or working towards achievement of these.