Post-Compulsory Education and Training

Location:: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:: Full-time
Duration:: 1 Year
Start date:: 16 September 2019

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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 4, 5 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

You’ll undertake a work placement at a local FE or sixth form college. This will be two days per week for the duration of the course.

We’ll find and allocate you a placement as part of the course.

Course content

The course consists of one Level 4 30-credit module, one Level 5 30-credit module and two Level 7 30-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.

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

The normal timeframe for completion will be one academic year. All modules will be assessed using Staffordshire University’s criteria for work undertaken at Levels 4, 5 and 7. All learning outcomes must be met.

Entry requirements

You’ll normally need:

A 2:1 classification degree.

A minimum of GCSE in English, 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.

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

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need IELTS 6.0 or above (with a minimum of 5.5 in each category), or equivalent.

Facilities

Libraries

We have Libraries and Service desks on all our sites in Stoke, Stafford and Shrewsbury. All have experienced and friendly staff who can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and even help with referencing.

Some libraries are open 24/7 at key times in the academic year and we have a 24 hour help line too.

Learning Spaces

We also house our new 21st century teaching and learning classrooms with integrated Wolf Vision technology to enhance interactive learning through the use of mobile technologies in theory lessons.

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.

Teaching and assessment

Overview

Study time

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, 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 AccessAbility 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 Staffordshire University.

Fees

Overview

Additional costs

Financial support

For the course starting on 16 September 2019 the tuition fees are:

Study option
Full time

UK / EU / Channel Islands
£9,250 per course

International (Non-EU)
£12,500 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you have previously completed an undergraduate degree with us, you may be entitled to a discount off your course fee for any subsequent postgraduate taught course. For further information please contact Graduate Relations.

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

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

As a PGCE student, you may be eligible for student finance to cover your fee and a maintenance loan. Find out more at the Government Education and Learning website.

Bursaries and scholarships

There is also a bursary opportunity for students thinking of Maths or English teaching – please contact tina.richardson@staffs.ac.uk for further info.

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Location:

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Award:

PGCE