Program Overview

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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
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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.