PGCE Further Education & Skills Sector
Our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) will give you the skills to become a teacher in Further Education colleges.
This PGCE focuses on teaching in a variety of settings, including colleges, adult education centres, and community organisations. The course helps you build your knowledge of pedagogy and develop vital classroom management skills. Full-time students can access placements in various subject areas, including animal care, art and design, beauty and hairdressing, catering, childcare, construction, leisure and tourism, humanities, photography and sport science.
We offer endorsements in the following subject areas, which is equivalent to a Level 5 diploma in the teaching of the subject area:
- Numeracy
- Literacy
- ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)
- ESOL and Literacy.
You will complete at least 100 hours of teaching experience (125 hours for ESOL and literacy). For distance learning, you must be in a teaching/training role, and all practice is carried out in your setting.
We also offer QTLS in partnership with the Society of Education and Training (SET), making us the first provider to offer this in London.
School
Locations
Duration
- 1 years full-time
- 2 years distance learning
Start month
September; January
Home/international fees 2023/24
* January 2024 starters pay the 2023/24 fees.
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
The course team are experienced Further Education teachers and lecturers from a variety of specialisms. They are passionate about the role they play in supporting and producing new teachers/ lecturers for the Further Education and Skills Sector.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
If you are
Applicants should have:
- A 2:2 or above in an honours degree in a relevant subject
- Level 3 qualification in relevant subject if degree is not in a relevant subject
- GCSE English at C or above or equivalent. We accept equivalency tests from Equivalency Testing for Career Development and A Star Equivalency Testing.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Further information about entry
Candidates must also:
- Attend a Selection Day (not applicable for distance applications)
- Complete diagnostic literacy task for all applicants
- Complete specialist literacy and numeracy tests for literacy/ESOL and numeracy teaching specialisms
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
For distance programme equating to year 1 of the programme. Direct entry into Year Two is available for the distance programme with evidence of appropriate prior learning.
How you will learn
Learning experience
In a typical week, learning takes place through a combination of lectures and seminars. You will be able to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller group sessions.
Class sizes
We offer personalised learning with small tutor groups of 25. The typical student intake per year averages 45. Lectures are normally attended by 45, and seminars/tutorials by 20-25.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for coursework and presentations, lesson planning and action research. Our library and online resources will support your further reading and research. You can also join a range of student societies, including the education societies.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of contact hours (lectures, seminars, etc), independent learning, and assessments. For full-time students, the workload should be roughly equivalent to a full-time job.
Assessment
The course is entirely coursework based. You will be assessed on the quality of written assignments and also your classroom teaching. Your teaching will be observed on eight occasions by your mentor and tutor, and you will need to pass all courses.
Feedback summary
Information coming soon.
Dates and timetables
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2023/24 fees *
| Full-time (per year) | Full-time (per year) | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
* January 2024 starters pay the 2023/24 fees.
Fees are assessed based on your country of domicile, with students domiciled in the EU charged international fees. If you are unsure, find out more about how your fee status is assessed.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from just over £100 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
As part of our core course, you will be based in a placement college where you will participate in a range of professional activities.
How long is my placement?
80% of the programme is placement.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates of this course can pursue a teaching career in the Further Education and Skills sector.
Do you provide employability services?
Our services are designed to help you achieve your potential and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate career.
The Employability and Careers Service provides support when you are preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles. It includes CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops.
Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the industry and will provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
Support from the department
Our tutors provide personalised support.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Teacher training at the University of Greenwich
Study at a university with over a century of experience training teachers. We’ve got strong links with schools, and our primary education courses are rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Visit our teacher training degrees page.
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020 8331 9000• Live chat• courseinfo@gre.ac.uk•More information