Post-Compulsory Education and Training PGCE

UCAS code

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

If you’re interested in teaching in the Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) sector, this full-time PGCE course will provide the skills and experience you need.

The practical work-based course is designed primarily for those who teach post-16 learners and is built around a framework of professional standards for teaching and supporting learning in the PCET sector.

This course provides opportunities to develop professional understanding and knowledge through academic study, practice and critical reflection on your experiences.

You’ll complete a series of academic modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7. You’ll also spend two days per week on work placement at a local FE or sixth form college, putting the theories you learn into practice.

You’ll need to be self-motivated and self-organised and to engage in online learning, work-based tasks and tutorials. You’ll also need to work with peers and develop your practice through teaching observations.

The focus on creativity and innovation in the workplace supported by research and reflection is aimed at developing your career as well as equipping you with the skills and attributes to develop high-quality teaching and learning to your students.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: PGCE Post-Compulsory Education and Training

Work placements

At the University of Staffordshire, we know our partner local FE and sixth form colleges very well and can match your development needs with your college placements.

We have a wide outreach across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire.

We aim to keep travel time to placements to under 60 minutes from the University’s Stoke on Trent Campus, however this may increase to accommodate rural locations or public transport restrictions.

Course content

The course consists of one Level 5 40-credit module, one Level 6 20-credit module and two Level 7 20 and 40-credit modules. Each module is delivered using a variety of learning approaches.

Successful completion of the modules will lead to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate Education (PCET) worth 120 credits.

60 of these credits could be used towards the full MA Education course at University of Staffordshire .

The normal timeframe for completion will be one academic year. All modules will be assessed using University of Staffordshire's criteria for work undertaken at Levels 5, 6 and 7. All learning outcomes must be met.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Entry requirements

You’ll normally need:

  • A 2:2 classification degree.
  • A minimum of GCSE in English and Maths, at Grade C, or Level 2 equivalent.

You’ll be required to successfully complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application and be certified fit to teach. The cost of Enhanced DBS is included in your course fee.

You’ll be invited for an interview prior to your acceptance and enrolment on the course.

Returning to education? We’ll help you every step of the way. Find out more about our support for mature students (anyone over 21).

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need IELTS 6.5 or above (with a minimum of 6.0 in each category), or equivalent.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

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Facilities

Libraries

We have Libraries and service desks at both sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Our experienced and friendly staff can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and help with referencing.

Careers

After completing the course, you’ll be equipped to teach in the following sectors:

  • FE colleges
  • Sixth forms
  • Private training organisation
  • Voluntary organisations
  • Work-based training
  • Prisons
  • Young offender institutes

If you’re unsure about teaching in these sectors, most of our FE partner colleges will provide advice and guidance.

After completing the PGCE you can also enter the MA Education at Postgraduate Diploma level and complete a full Masters in two years of part-time study.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed by measurement of your performance on placements, through observed teaching, and through written assignments/observations.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments.

Independent learning

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

• Reading journals, articles and books

• Working on projects, alone or in a group

• Researching in the library

• Preparing coursework

• Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at University of Staffordshire .

Staff

You'll be taught by staff who have a range of academic and industry experience. 

Tina Richardson

Senior Lecturer

I have extensive expertise of working in the secondary and post compulsory sector as well as experience of teaching in Greece and China. I am also an external examiner for PGCE Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) courses.

Tina's profile

Dr Sandra Murray

Lecturer

I am passionate about learning and constantly seeking new challenges. My focus is now on developing the next generation of Further Education teachers alongside developing a research profile whilst supporting and developing the research of others

Sandra's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 8 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 per course £16,750 per course
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

You can apply to the Student Loans Company (SLC) for the following support:

  • Tuition Fee Loan – To cover the cost of your tuition fees.
  • Maintenance Loan – To support you with living costs such as food, accommodation and travel.

For more information and how to apply visit www.gov.uk/teacher-training-funding.

Scholarships and additional funding

Bursaries of up to £30k may be available in certain shortage areas.

Your eligibility for financial support, and the amount you can expect to receive, will depend on the subject you choose to teach and your degree classification or highest relevant academic qualification.

For more information and how to apply visit: https://www.teachinfurthereducation.education.gov.uk/funding-and-training-options#Bursaries

You may also be eligible for a University of Staffordshire  bursary when you choose to study one of our postgraduate Education courses. Visit our Fees and Bursaries page to find out more.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus PGCE Full-time 8 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

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