Post-Compulsory Education and Training

at Ashton Sixth Form College

PGCE

Location

Ashton Sixth Form College

Start dates available

  • September 2026

The course is offered as a part-time programme and intended for those interested in working in the Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) sector.

The aim of the course is to equip teachers with the skills and attributes necessary for them to deliver high quality training to their learners.

The course is designed primarily for those who teach post-16 learners and is designed around a framework of Professional Standards for teaching and supporting learning in the PCET sector.

This practical work-based course provides opportunities to develop professional understanding and knowledge through academic study, practice and critical reflection on your experiences. Trainees will need to be self-motivated and self-organised and to engage in online lecturers, work-based tasks and tutorials.

Trainees will also need to work with peers and develop their practice through teaching observations. Assessment is therefore a blend of critically evaluated professional practice informed by formal academic tasks. This focus on creativity and innovation in the workplace supported by research and reflection is aimed at developing trainees’ careers as well as equipping them with the skills and attributes to develop high quality teaching and learning to their learners.

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

Course content

The course consists of one Level 5 module at 40 credits, one level 6 module at 20 credits and two level 7 modules, one at 20 credits and one at 40 credits. 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.

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.

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.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Action Research Into Subject Specialist Pedagogy 20 credits
Develop Own Professional Competence And Knowledge 40 credits

Location

You will study at Ashton Sixth Form College but receive a qualification from University of Staffordshire.

Ashton Sixth Form College is a leading provider of post-16 education in the Tameside borough. With years of experience, dedicated teaching, high expectations for learners and a diverse study programme, learners achieve and exceed.

Ashton Sixth Form College website
Ashton Sixth Form College logo

Entry requirements

Evidence of satisfactory English language skills is required for trainees where English is not their first language, such as IELTS 6.0 or above (with a minimum of 5.5 in each category).

Normally a 2:1 classification degree. A minimum of a Level 3 qualification or equivalent in the specialist subject relevant to trainees’ teaching area, e.g. GCE, A Level, NVQ3, BTEC Higher, L3 Certificate in an appropriate Key Skills, HND. Equivalence will be utilised in specialisms where no Level 3 qualification exists.

A minimum of GCSE in English, at Grade C, or Level 2 equivalent already held or gained as part of initial needs analysis and induction.

You will be required to successfully complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application and be certified fit to teach.

You will be invited for interview prior to your acceptance and enrolment onto the course. Teaching practice should take place as defined within the LSIS (2013) guidance documentation. You will be provided with a teaching placement post enrolment.

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

Teaching

Students learn in different ways. To help everyone get the most out of their studies, we teach through a combination of lectures, workshops, and practical sessions. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Feedback

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Fees

For the course starting on 14 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands
Part-time £3,995 per year of study

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 an alumni discount off your course fee for any subsequent postgraduate taught course. For further information please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Ashton Sixth Form College PGCE Part-time 14 September 2026 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. 

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021