Professional / Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Prepare to teach in the post-compulsory sector with our PGCE programme, awarded by Oxford Brookes University.

This is a two-year, part-time programme for people who teach or want to teach in the post-compulsory sector (further education, higher education, the health service, adult and community education, the prison service, the armed forces or private training providers).

The programme incorporates the outcomes for Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) and the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS).

It enables students to apply for Professional Formation (following graduation), leading to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status via the Institute for Learning (IfL). QTLS now has parity of esteem with QTS in schools.

Upon successful completion, those with a Level 3 professional or vocational qualification will be awarded the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory Education). Anyone who would like to continue has the opportunity to progress.

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver Award

Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that Activate Learning delivers high quality teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It consistently exceeds rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education.

What I'll learn

This programme is an excellent development opportunity for a career in teaching or training in a wide range of post-compulsory institutions.

Please note that as programmes are reviewed regularly, the module list may vary from what is shown here.

Year 1 (Level 6)

• introduction to teaching in the lifelong learning sector (incorporates PTLLS outcomes)
• curriculum and assessment of and for learning
• theories and principles of planning and enabling learning
• digital literacy

Year 2 (Level 6/ Level 7)

• continuing personal and professional development
• curriculum development for inclusive practice
• wider professional practice
• personal development record (PDR)

All modules in Year 2 with the exception of PDR are offered at Level 7.

Successful completion may be at a level 6 earning a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Post Compulsory Education) or a level 7 earning a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.  Anyone who would like to continue has the opportunity to progress.
 

How I'll learn

Whilst this is a generic course for teaching in the post-compulsory sector, there is a very strong element of subject specialism. This is achieved with a mentor from your curriculum area. This mentor will be an appropriately qualified and experienced professional, with a real interest in assisting in the development of teachers or trainers in your subject. Mentors will be offered training in aspects of our PGCE and observation. All of your teaching practice will be with your own students or trainees in your regular workplace.

You will have a minimum of two tutorials each year with your personal tutor, with additional academic support from module tutors.

Throughout the year, you will be given opportunities to:

• participate in lectures, seminars and workshops which develop your knowledge and understanding of issues relating to the teaching of your subject
• work in groups to examine and discuss issues relating to the teaching of your subject
• plan and deliver short lessons to your peers (micro-teaching)
• observe and analyse teaching (both actual and on video)
• compile an individual portfolio of schemes of work, lesson plans, tutor reports and self-evaluation of observed sessions
• work with a wide range of practical resources, including appropriate computer hardware and software
• work with a number of expert teachers during teaching practice who will train and support you
• take responsibility for the planning, preparation, delivery and evaluation of your own lessons
• work in a variety of contexts with trainees representing a range of programmes and levels

If you do not have a recognised disability or specific learning difficulty, but feel that you require additional support with your studies, you may be eligible to access some discrete sessions in one of the following areas:

• assistive software training
• IT up-skilling
• essay planning and structure
• proofreading and editing written work
• bibliographies and referencing
• time management and personal organisation
• revision and exam tips
• presentation techniques

N.B. Your eligibility for any of the above support will be reviewed with your course tutors and a member of the study support team on your campus.

You will have full access to the learning centres and IT resources on campus at the college. We are also able to offer a range of assistive resources to support students with additional needs. Each campus has a well stocked library and access to a wide range of e-learning materials, which are constantly updated and extended to meet course requirements. The college offers a wide range of other resources and facilities which will be available to you, further details of which can found in the higher education student handbook.

As well as being enrolled at the College, you will be enrolled with Oxford Brookes University and so will benefit from the same facilities and services as on-campus students. These include: use of Brookes’ libraries, Centre for Sport and Students’ Union, study support and mentoring and professional advice and information from Brookes’ Careers and Employment Centre

How I'll be assessed

Whilst this is a generic course for teaching in the post-compulsory sector, there is a very strong element of subject specialism. This is achieved with a mentor from your curriculum area. This mentor will be an appropriately qualified and experienced professional with a real interest in assisting in the development of teachers or trainers in your subject. Mentors will be offered training in aspects of our PGCE and observation. All of your teaching practice will be with your own students or trainees in your regular workplace.

You will be assessed throughout the programme in a number of different ways.

• observation of a minimum of four teaching practice sessions per year, three by college staff and one by your specialist subject mentor
• micro teach (Year 1 only)
• peer assessment
• presentations
• written submissions
• group work
• reflective professional journal
• personal development planning

Entry Requirements

Applicants to the programme must possess the following minimum qualifications:

• English: An NQF Level 2 qualification in English or communication, normally grade A*-C or 4 and above, GCSE or O-level English Language, or otherwise be able to satisfy the university’s requirements with regard to English language proficiency prior to beginning the programme.
• Maths: Candidates on the in-service programme must demonstrate grade A*-C or 4 and above. GCSE maths or equivalent prior to beginning the programme.
• A university degree or a recognised professional or trade qualification at NQF Level 3 or above for admission to the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Post-compulsory Education).
• Opportunity to undertake a minimum of 50 hours teaching in each year of the programme

Students wishing to take the postgraduate route (Level 7) in year 2 will normally have a degree or equivalent qualification. The decision to take this route is made at the start of the second year in consultation with tutors.

All applicants are required to attend an interview and initial assessment before admission to the programme. Applicants must provide one written reference from someone who is able to comment on their teaching practice.

All applicants will be required to obtain enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance for working with children and young people and as teachers.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate that their level of English is acceptable, by achieving a score in a recognised test such as:

• British Council IELTS: normally minimum Level 6 in all four elements (reading, writing, speaking and listening).

How to Apply

Applicants should apply directly to the college/Activate Learning. Click 'APPLY NOW' and fill in the online application form. Following your application, you will be invited to attend a course presentation and initial assessment prior to a one-to-one interview.

Fees

Home/EU Fees for 2019 entry £3,100 per year

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