PGCE - Further Education

What makes PGCE in Further Education (FE) at Worcester special?

The PGCE in Further Education at Worcester is a teaching qualification. It provides access to excellent learning and training opportunities across the FE sector: further education colleges, schools (14-19), work based learning and adult and community settings. The course is suitable for graduates who want to train to teach in the post 14 sector which is celebrated for the diversity of its learners, learning locations and subjects on offer.

Trainees who complete the course will be eligible for apply for QTLS (Qualified Teacher Training and Skills) with the Society for Training. This is an additional qualification which is undertaken after the PGCE. It is equivalent to QTS and is suitable for those who may consider teaching post-14 learners in the schools sector.

The course is designed to provide generic core content on teaching, learning and assessment. This is complemented by subject specialism content which is delivered in smaller subject groups.

Collaborative working features across all aspects of course teaching and teaching practice; this approach is key to making the course successful, stimulating and enjoyable.

Key Features

• Teaching placements in relevant settings to support effective subject specialism development
• Focus on current Professional Standards throughout the programme
• Progression route to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) (equivalent to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Highly skilled and experienced tutors
• A cohesive programme which successfully links theory and practice through carefully chosen teaching, learning and assessment activities
• Collaborative, research-informed learning tasks

Where could it take you?

Career planning is a key focus of the course and is supported through tutorial activity, individual career planning, networking events and generic career sessions.

Course qualifications provide opportunities to gain teaching employment in a wide variety of settings, depending on your teaching subject and level. Additionally, you will be able to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status through the Education and Training Foundation’s Society for Education and Training.

You will be able to progress to further Level 7 qualifications depending on you aspirations. Employment levels for recently qualified Education and Trainee teachers are above 90% (UW, 17-18).

Academic requirements: Honours degree normally (2:2) or higher from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject area. Applicants with a 3rd class degree will be considered on an individual basis. All entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (formerly grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English Language and mathematics (or equivalent) (for 2022 entry, applicants must have these qualifications by the start of the course). Alternatively, we offer equivalency test if you don’t have the required GCSE grade to apply for our courses. Trainees who begin courses before providing evidence of the required GCSE standard (or equivalent) will not be eligible for financial incentives, such as bursaries or grants until they achieve the required standard.