Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) without QTS

Program Overview

The PGCE without QTS at Anglia Ruskin University is a part-time, distance learning program designed for practicing teachers or individuals completing Initial Teacher Training. It enhances teaching skills and knowledge, enabling participants to implement new educational strategies and explore career paths in education. The program emphasizes collaboration, critical reflection, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles and further postgraduate study.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The PGCE without QTS course at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a part-time, distance learning program designed for practicing teachers or individuals completing Initial Teacher Training (ITT) with school-based partnerships.
• Objectives: The program aims to enhance the teaching skills and knowledge of participants, enabling them to implement new educational strategies in their work environments.
It provides a platform for critical reflection on teaching practices, developing effective learning strategies, and exploring career paths in education.
• Program Description: The PGCE without QTS consists of a combination of online learning, assignments, and work-based professional inquiry.
Participants engage with expert lecturers and fellow teachers to develop a deep understanding of educational theories and issues. The program emphasizes collaboration, enabling participants to establish professional networks and support systems.

Outline:

• Content: The PGCE without QTS covers a range of topics related to education, including:
• Educational theories and policies
• Curriculum development and assessment
• Teaching methodologies and strategies
• Special Educational Needs (SEND)
• Leadership and management in education
• Structure: The program consists of two core modules: "The Reflective Practitioner" and "Professional Evidenced-based Enquiry."
Each module includes a variety of learning activities, such as online discussions, workshops, and assignments. Participants are also required to complete a work-based professional enquiry project.
• Course Schedule: The PGCE without QTS is delivered part-time over one academic year.
Teaching sessions are typically held on Tuesday evenings from 6-7 pm. The program follows a flexible schedule that allows participants to balance their studies with other commitments.
• Individual Modules:
• Module 1: The Reflective Practitioner: This module focuses on developing participants' reflective practice skills, enabling them to critically analyze their teaching and identify areas for improvement.

Module 2: Professional Evidenced-based Enquiry:

This module guides participants in conducting a work-based professional enquiry, allowing them to investigate a specific issue or topic in their teaching context.

Assessment:

• The PGCE without QTS program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate participants' learning and progress.
These methods include:
• Patchwork text: A composite of short reflective pieces that demonstrate participants' professional experiences and growth over time.
• Presentations: Participants are required to deliver presentations on their professional enquiry project and other relevant topics.
• Enquiry-based project: A comprehensive research project that explores a specific aspect of teaching and learning in participants' own professional settings.
• The assessment criteria are designed to evaluate participants' knowledge, understanding, and application of educational principles and theories.
The emphasis is on critical reflection, evidence-based practice, and the development of effective teaching strategies.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The PGCE without QTS program utilizes a blend of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles. These methods include:

• Online learning: The program is primarily delivered through Canvas, an online learning platform that provides access to course materials, discussion forums, and support resources.
• Live webinars and workshops: Participants engage in live interactive sessions with expert lecturers to discuss course content, participate in group activities, and receive feedback.
• Independent study: Participants are expected to engage in self-directed learning through readings, research, and online discussions.

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced lecturers and practitioners who are actively involved in educational research and innovation. Their expertise covers various aspects of education, including curriculum design, assessment, teaching methodologies, and leadership.

Unique Features:

• The PGCE without QTS program places strong emphasis on collaborative learning and peer support.
Participants are encouraged to engage with each other through online discussions, forums, and group work.
• The program provides opportunities for participants to apply their learning directly in their workplace, connecting theory with practical implementation.
• ARU utilizes various digital assessment methods, allowing participants to showcase their skills and knowledge in innovative and engaging ways.
• The program is supported by the university's Employability Service, which provides guidance and resources to assist participants with career planning and professional development.

Careers:

• The PGCE without QTS program is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to advance their careers in education.
Graduates can pursue various roles, such as:
• Highly skilled classroom teachers
• Year-group or phase leaders
• Assistant or deputy headteachers
• Curriculum subject experts
• Specialists in Special Educational Needs (SEND) or supporting high-achieving learners
• The program also prepares participants to pursue further postgraduate study, including MA Education degrees, doctoral programs, and professional doctorates.

Tuition fees for distance learning students (2024/25) £2,100 Distance learning students starting 2024/25 (part-time, per year) ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount. Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.