*Applications are now open for September 2024
 
Please complete an online application via Staffordshire University. Click here for the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PCET) and here for the Certificate in Education (PCET). 

This qualification is awarded by Staffordshire University.



 

PGCE Post 16

The course is offered as a full time (one year) programme, or 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.

Certificate in Education

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 lecturers, 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: Certificate in Education Post-Compulsory Education and Training. 

Holders of the Certificate in Education (PCET) could use the credits towards completing a BA Degree in Education (which we offer at the college). 

CertEd – The course consists of one Level 4 module at 40 credits, three Level 5 modules: one at 40 credits and two at 20 credits. 

PGCE – The course consists of one Level 4 module at 40 credits, one Level 6 module at 20 credits and two Level 7 modules, one at 20 credits and one at 40 credits.   

Entry requirements 


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.

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 6.5 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.


You will be invited for interview prior to acceptance and enrolment onto the course.

How to apply:

Please complete an online application via Staffordshire University. Click here for the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PCET) and here for the Certificate in Education (PCET).

Additional Information for this course:

Employer Endorsement Form

Guidance and Information Booklet

Application Flow Chart

Student Finance Flow Chart

Information on full-time student finance can be found here

Bursary

The Department for Education will be offering a Further Education (FE) initial teacher education (ITE) pre-service bursaries programme for the 2024 to 2025 academic year. Tax-free bursaries will be available to trainees who are training pre-service (i.e. before entering paid teaching employment) to teach high-priority subjects in the FE sector in England.

The eligible subjects and bursary values are set out in the table below.

Subject

Bursary Value

Mathematics
Science (including chemistry, physics and biology)
Engineering (and/or manufacturing)
Computing

£30,000
£30,000
£30,000
£30,000

  SEND

£15,000

  English (capped at 100 places)

£15,000



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PGCE Post 16 Alumni

Lana D

Lana D

Learning Support Assistant

Lana has now completed the PGCE Post 16 course for teaching Photography. As an ex-pupil, Lana decided to further her studies with us. During her placement at the college, she taught Photography and also covered lessons in Graphics, Fine Art, and Textiles with immense enthusiasm. Since finishing the PGCE course, Lana has successfully secured a job at the college as a Learning Support Assistant to broaden her experience and skill set.

Josh L

Josh L

Teacher in Law

Josh has now completed the PGCE Post 16 course for teaching Law & Criminology. Josh will be continuing his teaching post at the same place as where he completed his placement in September, which is here at Ashton Sixth Form College within both the Law Department and The Psychology/Criminology department! Josh has worked within these departments, at the college, as part of his placement since September 2021 and he has shown immense care and pride for our learners. He is a true professional and is continuing to develop at an extremely fast pace given all the experience gained from both the PGCE course and from the placement at the college.

Nicole S

Nicole S

Teacher

Nicole has now completed the PGCE Post 16 course for teaching Psychology and will be starting a teaching post at a school in Sheffield, in September 2022. Nicole has worked with our Higher Education department at the college as part of her placement and has been very attentive to our learners. She is a true professional.

Download Course Information

September 2024
Cost: £5990
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