Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Teaching Post-16 and Further Education)

Course Description

The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Teaching Post-16 and Further Education) offers education, training, and development to graduates who are practicing or aspiring teachers in the education, training, and skills sector such as further education colleges, private sector training providers, and offender education.

Key Facts

• Award: PGDE
• Duration: 1 year (FT), 2 years (PT)
• Mode of Study: Full-time, Part-time
• Start Date: September 2025
• Awarding Institution: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution Code: B38

Course Summary

This program develops participants' knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of teaching, learning, and assessment, and teachers' wider, professional engagement in the sector. It offers a challenging, supportive, and rewarding experience to promote informed, reflective, and effective teaching and professional development.

Why Study This Course

• Pre-service bursaries available in selected subjects for up to £26,000
• Trainees who complete the course will be eligible to apply for QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) with the Society for Education and Training
• You can specialize in your chosen subject and gain over 150 hours of experience in a post-16 placement setting
• The program has two routes, so is open to both graduates (PGDE route) and non-graduates who have extensive industry experience and are looking to teach in their vocational specialist field (CertEd route)

Course Structure

• Teaching My Specialist Subject
• Learners and Learning
• Teachers and Teaching
• Effective Digital and Online Pedagogies
• Responsive Teaching
• Professional Practice in Further Education and Post-16

Entry Requirements

• A bachelor's degree
• Typically, minimum Level 3 in the subject the trainee intends to teach
• Level 2 qualification in Mathematics and English
• Access to a minimum of 150 hours of teaching over the period of the program, with suitable Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) documentation and an identified mentor

How You Will Be Taught

• Directed learning, which typically involves scheduled learning and tutorials with the program teaching team
• Placement of approximately 90 days
• Independent study, which may include reading, research, portfolio building, group projects, action planning, developmental activities, events, and maintaining industry connections

Assessment

• Each module carries three assessment components, typically including such tasks as essay, case study, reflective reports, individual and presentations, peer review, action planning, and evaluation of day-to-day teaching practice
• Teaching practice is integral to successful completion of the program
• You will undergo a minimum of ten teaching observations, working with tutors and mentors to identify suitable opportunities for observation, dialogic review, and feedback

Careers and Further Study

• This course will ensure that you are prepared to teach in the Further Education and Skills sector
• On successful completion of this program, you will be eligible to apply for the professional status of Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) via the Society for Education and Training (SET)
• Progression from this program has many routes, whether that is onto further study at Master's level or into employment

Support

• Studying at BGU is a student-centered experience
• Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community
• You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice

Fees and Funding

• A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory
• Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step

Related Courses

• English Language & Teaching with Foundation Year
• Education Studies and TESOL with Foundation Year
• PGCE Secondary
• PGCE Primary (Full Time)
• PGCE Primary (Part-Time)
• EdD (Doctorate of Education)
• Education Studies and English with Foundation Year
• Education Studies and English
• Foundation course
• International Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• Education with TESOL
• International Education
• FdA Primary Teaching Studies
• Primary Education with QTS
• Primary Teaching Studies with QTS
• Assessment Only Route to QTS (Primary and Secondary)
• Certificate in Education (Teaching Post-16 and Further Education)
• FdA Education in Practice
• Education in Practice
• English Language & Teaching
• Education Studies and Sociology
• Education Studies and Sociology with Foundation Year
• Education Studies and Theology, Philosophy & Ethics with Foundation Year
• Education Studies and Theology, Philosophy & Ethics
• FdA Early Childhood Education in Practice (Grantham)
• FdA Education in Practice (Grantham)
• Education Studies
• Education Studies and History
• Education Studies and Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion (SENDI)
• Education Studies and Sport
• Education Studies and TESOL
• Psychology and Education Studies
• Education Studies and History with Foundation Year
• Education Studies and Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion (SENDI) with Foundation Year
• Education Studies and Sport with Foundation Year
• Education Studies with Foundation Year
• Psychology and Education Studies with Foundation Year
• Education
• Education (English as an Additional Language)
• Early Years Education
• Educational Leadership and Management
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

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Outline:

This program offers three specialist routes: Vocational, Academic, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It combines teaching practice, academic learning, and personal and professional development. Teaching practice will be undertaken within an arranged placement to develop the teaching of your specialist subject. You will be allocated a work-based mentor, who will typically be a professional practitioner with expertise in your subject or a closely allied area. Throughout the program, modules are delivered concurrently with your teaching practice, allowing you to make robust connections between theory and practice and develop the habit of reflective evaluation. All modules reinforce the concept of reflective practice as essential to effective teaching and learning, as well as the personal and professional development within your chosen specialist subject. The first two modules will introduce you to the learning and skills sector, associated policies, and professional expectations. These include, for example, approaches to and principles of effective planning for teaching and learning, underpinning theories of teaching and learning, and the role of assessment in the teaching and learning cycle. The second half of the program offers opportunities for deeper exploration of philosophies of teaching, curriculum design, and the subject-specific characteristics of teaching and learning in your chosen subject area, whether it be subject/vocational, Mathematics, or English.

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Assessment:

This course seeks to enable you to engage with and evaluate a range of assessment techniques. Each module carries three assessment components, typically including such tasks as essays, case studies, reflective reports, individual and group presentations, peer review, action planning, and evaluation of your day-to-day teaching practice. Teaching practice is integral to successful completion of the program. The planning, evaluation, and feedback for each of the observations will be compiled within your teaching portfolio. You will also maintain a professional development portfolio, which promotes personal and professional development. The components of this portfolio are aligned to module assessments and the Learning and Skills Teacher Occupational Standards and include, for example, reflective accounts, peer observations, and a structured personal development plan.

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Teaching:

All modules contain elements of theory and practice, and require you to take responsibility for your progress by maintaining a personal development portfolio and teaching practice portfolio, tracking your progression. A named personal tutor, cohort learning sets, and online learning materials are available to support you as you progress. Your learning experience will be made up of directed learning, which typically involves scheduled learning and tutorials with the program teaching team, as well as a placement of approximately 90 days. This will enable you to undertake the required minimum 150 hours of teaching time and to engage with a variety of activities in order to develop the teaching of your specialist subject. As part of this, you will be expected to undertake independent study, which may include reading, research, portfolio building, group projects, action planning, developmental activities, events, and maintaining industry connections.

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Careers:

This course will ensure that you are prepared to teach in the Further Education and Skills sector. It has been written in direct consultation with further education colleges, considering their perspectives as employers. On successful completion of this program, you will be eligible to apply for the professional status of Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) via the Society for Education and Training (SET). This professional status will qualify you to teach in FE colleges, schools, sixth form colleges, academies, training providers, offender learning/prison education, or in the voluntary sector. Since April 2012, FE-trained teachers with QTLS have been recognized through an Act of Parliament as equivalent in status to teachers with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in schools, opening up opportunities for career development and wider employment. This course offers a robust professional development route to QTLS and further development of careers. Progression from this program has many routes, whether that is onto further study at Master's level or into employment.

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Other:

This program is designed for graduates who are practicing or aspiring teachers in the education, training, and skills sector such as further education colleges, private sector training providers, and offender education. It provides a route into teaching in the training and skills sector for graduates and leads to a robust teaching qualification recognized in the sector. The program develops participants' knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of teaching, learning, and assessment, and teachers' wider professional engagement in the sector. The program offers a challenging, supportive, and rewarding experience to promote informed, reflective, and effective teaching and professional development.

Bishop Grosseteste University: A Summary

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Overview:

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is a public university located in Lincoln, England. It is known for its high student satisfaction rates, ranking first in the UK for student satisfaction according to the Times Higher Education. BGU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with a particular focus on teacher training and other education-related programs.

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Services Offered:

BGU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

BGU boasts strong academic support, ranking first in the National Student Survey 2024 for this category.

Student Advice & Wellbeing:

The university offers dedicated support services for student well-being, including counseling and guidance.

Library:

BGU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources for students.

IT Services:

Students have access to various IT resources and support.

Accommodation:

BGU provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

Careers:

The university offers career guidance and support to help students find employment after graduation.

Alumni Network:

BGU has a strong alumni network that provides support and networking opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

BGU offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various clubs and societies, engage in sports activities, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Students' Union. The university is located in the historic city of Lincoln, offering a rich cultural experience and numerous attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Student Satisfaction:

BGU consistently ranks high in student satisfaction surveys, indicating a positive learning environment and supportive community.

Strong Academic Support:

The university provides excellent academic support services to help students succeed in their studies.

Focus on Teacher Training:

BGU is a leading provider of teacher training programs, offering various routes into teaching.

Vibrant Campus Life:

BGU offers a lively campus experience with numerous opportunities for student engagement.

Location in Lincoln:

The university is situated in a historic and charming city with plenty to offer students.

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Academic Programs:

BGU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Courses:

BGU offers a variety of undergraduate degrees in various fields, including education, business, humanities, and social sciences.

Postgraduate Courses:

The university offers postgraduate programs, including Master's degrees and doctoral studies, with a strong focus on teacher training and education-related fields.

Apprenticeships:

BGU offers degree apprenticeships in various fields, allowing students to gain practical experience while earning a degree.

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Other: