Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Further Education and Training)

Our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) will support you in gaining the skills to become a teacher in the Further Education sector.

The course is for those who teach or intend to teach in further education colleges, sixth-form colleges, adult education centres, art colleges, healthcare, or community organisations, the public services, and a wide range of commercial and voluntary organisations.

The course provides the skills needed for teaching and learning and classroom management and help trainees to explore the theory underpinning teaching practices. Leaders’ ambitions are for their trainees to become innovative teachers and future leaders in the further education and training sector. They successfully recruit trainees who represent diverse communities and who act as role models for learners in a wide range of settings, including colleges and schools (Ofsted 2023).

The course is offered full-time and part-time. Full-time attendance will benefit those wishing to obtain a qualification before seeking employment and which incorporates a period of supervised teaching practice (pre-service). The part-time mode is aimed at teachers and trainers who are already employed (in service).

School

Education

Location

Avery Hill Campus

Duration

• 1 years full-time
• 2 years part-time

Start month

September; January

Home /international fees 2025/26

£9,535 /£17,500

What you should know about this course

• Our course offers transition through the professional formation process leading to QTLS status.
• The course is representative of the students we teach and the communities we serve.
• We develop local teachers who teach with passion and purpose for the empowerment of the learners they teach.

What you will study

Full time

Part time

• Full time
• Part time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• The Curriculum Examined (20 credits)
• Theories of Learning & Teaching and Applications (20 credits)
• Exploring the FE Teaching Role (20 credits)
• Professional Practice 1 (20 credits)
• Professional Practice 2 (20 credits)
• Research and Practice in Subject Specialist Pedagogy (20 credits)

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Theories of Learning & Teaching and Applications (20 credits)
• Exploring the FE Teaching Role (20 credits)
• Professional Practice 1 (20 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• The Curriculum Examined (20 credits)
• Professional Practice 2 (20 credits)
• Research and Practice in Subject Specialist Pedagogy (20 credits)

Entry requirements

If you are a UK citizen or have permanent residency from outside the UK

• An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2 or above in a relevant subject
• In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.

International entry requirements

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.

How you will learn

Teaching

In a typical week, learning takes place through a combination of lectures and seminars. You will be studying Level 7 modules where you will be able to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller group sessions. You will be supported by a university tutor and placement/workplace mentor. Module resources are accessible via Moodle.

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 course work, presentations and portfolio building linked to your subject specialist knowledge. Our library and online resources will support further reading and research.

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 classroom teaching. Your teaching will be observed on eight occasions by your mentor and tutor, and you will need to pass all modules.

Fees and funding

University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.

Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning
---|---|---|---
Home | £9,535 | £2,384 per 30 credits | N/A
International | £17,500 | £4,375 per 30 credits | N/A

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.

The Greenwich Bursary

This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.

Careers and placements

Will I have a work placement?

Full-time students are placed in a college where they will complete a minimum of 150 hours teaching.

Part-time students will undertake a minimum of 150 hours of teaching to meet the sector requirements.

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

Graduates of this course can pursue a teaching career in the Further Education and Training sector.

Currently 85% of trainees get employment from the placement setting where they train during their study.

Accommodation

Avery Hill

Our Avery Hill halls of residence are a home away from home to over 1,200 students. For those studying in Greenwich, our free shuttle bus service takes you to Greenwich campus in only 25 minutes. Excellent transport links also mean you can be in central London in under 30 minutes, and you're a short walk away from the historic Eltham Palace.

The Avery Hill student village has many useful facilities including a convenience store, launderette and two cafes. The halls are an ideal option for those wanting access to the hustle and bustle of London while living in a safe and relaxing parkland environment.

With our seven different halls, you have a variety of options depending on your preferences and budget. Rooms start at £133.98/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills, access to our on-site gym, 24/7 security and 24-hour residential support.

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 expert librarians, and our academic skills centre.

Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics.

Support from the department

During the course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will support your studies. Your tutor will be on hand to offer both personal career and academic guidance. Support is tailored to meet the needs of each of our students to ensure high quality outcomes.

---

Degree Overview:

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills to become teachers in the Further Education sector. The program caters to those who teach or aspire to teach in various settings, including further education colleges, sixth-form colleges, adult education centers, art colleges, healthcare, community organizations, public services, and commercial and voluntary organizations. The course emphasizes the development of teaching and learning skills, classroom management, and exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of teaching practices. The University of Greenwich actively recruits trainees who represent diverse communities and serve as role models for learners in various settings.

---

Outline:

The PGCE program is offered in both full-time and part-time formats. Full-time attendance is suitable for those seeking a qualification before employment, incorporating a period of supervised teaching practice (pre-service). The part-time mode is designed for teachers and trainers already employed (in-service).

---

Full-time Mode (September Start):

• Year 1:
• The Curriculum Examined (20 credits)
• Theories of Learning & Teaching and Applications (20 credits)
• Exploring the FE Teaching Role (20 credits)
• Professional Practice 1 (20 credits)
• Professional Practice 2 (20 credits)
• Research and Practice in Subject Specialist Pedagogy (20 credits)

---

Part-time Mode (January and September Start):

• Year 1:
• Theories of Learning & Teaching and Applications (20 credits)
• Exploring the FE Teaching Role (20 credits)
• Professional Practice 1 (20 credits)
• Year 2:
• The Curriculum Examined (20 credits)
• Professional Practice 2 (20 credits)
• Research and Practice in Subject Specialist Pedagogy (20 credits)

---

Assessment:

The PGCE program is entirely coursework-based. Assessment is conducted through written assignments and classroom teaching observations. Trainees undergo eight teaching observations by their mentor and tutor, and successful completion of all modules is required.

---

Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of lectures and seminars. Students engage in smaller group sessions to discuss and develop their understanding of lecture topics. Class sizes are typically small, with tutor groups of 25 students. The average student intake per year is 45. Lectures are attended by 45 students, while seminars/tutorials have 20-25 participants.

---

Careers:

Graduates of the PGCE program are well-prepared for teaching careers in the Further Education and Training sector. The program boasts a high employment rate, with 85% of trainees securing employment from their placement settings during their studies.

---

Other:

The course offers a transition through the professional formation process, leading to QTLS status. The program is representative of the students it teaches and the communities it serves. The University of Greenwich aims to develop local teachers who teach with passion and purpose, empowering the learners they educate.

---

Home Fees:

• Full-time: £9,250
• Part-time: £2,312 per 30 credits

---

International Fees:

• Full-time: £17,000
• Part-time: £4,250 per 30 credits

---

Payment:

• The university accepts a range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers.

University of Greenwich: A Summary

---

Overview:

The University of Greenwich is a public university located in London and Kent, England. It boasts three campuses: Greenwich, Avery Hill, and Medway. The university is known for its diverse student body, with students from over 150 countries, and its commitment to providing a high-quality student experience.

---

Services Offered:

The University of Greenwich offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options are available at all three campuses.

Careers:

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

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, counseling, and disability support.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships and bursaries are available to help students finance their studies.

Digital Student Centre:

A digital platform offering support for new and returning students.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Greenwich offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:

Lively Students' Union:

Each campus has a Students' Union that organizes social events, clubs, and societies.

Modern Facilities:

The university has invested in modern facilities, including libraries, labs, and sports centers.

Excellent Transport Links:

All campuses are easily accessible by public transport, with connections to central London.

Campus Bus Service:

A bus service connects the three campuses.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Award-Winning Research:

The university is recognized for its high-quality research, which has won numerous awards.

Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

This recognition highlights the university's commitment to providing an outstanding student experience.

Diverse Community:

The university welcomes students from all over the world, creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Flexible Learning Options:

The university offers a range of flexible learning options, including online and part-time study.

Strong Graduate Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of graduate employment, with many graduates going on to successful careers.

---

Academic Programs:

The University of Greenwich offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. Some of the key academic strengths include:

Business and Management:

The university is known for its strong business programs, including MBA and MSc programs.

Engineering and Technology:

The university offers a range of engineering and technology programs, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science.

Arts and Humanities:

The university has a strong reputation in the arts and humanities, with programs in English literature, history, and creative writing.

Health and Social Care:

The university offers a range of health and social care programs, including nursing, social work, and psychology.

---

Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has launched a university-wide transformation for a Greener future.

• The university is home to the Greenwich Portraits series, which celebrates the diverse journeys of its students and alumni.

• Student Life and Campus Experience:

  While the context mentions the Students' Union and facilities, it does not provide detailed information on student life and campus experiences.

Key Reasons to Study There:

The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the key reasons to study at the University of Greenwich.