PG Cert Education (Educational Practice)

Overview

This programme will give you a chance to understand theories of learning, philosophy and education led by expert tutors.

Working alongside fellow teaching professionals, this course examines professional practice in higher education. It enables you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to engage in a range of practices to ensure ongoing professional development, including critical reflection, research and enquiry, and participation in discourse with relevant communities of practice.

Throughout this course, you’ll explore a broad range of topics including:

• an introductory overview of the historical and philosophical context in which educational practice sits
• learning the fundamental principles of assessment and key issues in contemporary educational assessment practice
• the theory and practice of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL)
• developing your skills as reflective professional practitioners
• learning pedagogical strategies

Once you have completed our PG Certificate Education (Educational Practice) you have the option to progress onto our PG Dip Education or our full Masters programme.

Teaching methods

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will have access to your study materials 24/7, including:

• multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments
• discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students
• live Q&A sessions with your tutors
• a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals
• support from academic staff and your Student Support team

To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.

Assessment methods

Rather than fretting about exams, you will be assessed exclusively through assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, or by submitting longer written pieces.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

• Our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent.
• You will always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme.
• You will be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log onto the learning platform.
• There is a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work.
• You will have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise.

Career prospects

This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Educational Practice) is an ideal stepping stone for qualified teachers to expand and enhance their professional development in order to access senior leadership roles.

Due to a broad range of subjects covered on this course, this advanced qualification will also support career development of students with some teaching or educational experience.

Students will have an opportunity to improve their professional practice and attain leadership roles in their chosen career paths as teachers, lecturers, training advisers and administrators, special education professionals, policy developers, researchers, local government and healthcare trainers as well as other related professions.

At University of Essex Online, we believe that everyone should be able to access education. That is why we offer two different entry routes onto our PG Cert Education (Educational Practice), which considers academic or work-based experience. Academic entry route - You must have the following qualifications as a minimum: an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification. Work experience entry route - You must meet the following criteria: at least two years’ teaching experience in a post-compulsory educational setting.