PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education and Training

Please note: the cutoff date for applications is 3 September 2025.

Course Specification

This course is designed for those who want to teach in a Further Education College, a Sixth Form College, a work-based learning setting, adult and community education sector or in public sector training such as Police, Fire Service, Health Service or Prison Service. The equivalence of QTLS and QTS also offers a route into teaching in the secondary sector, particularly 14-18 curriculum.

• A level 3 qualification in the subject/skill area you wish to teach

• PLUS normally a 2:1 classification degree

In addition:

• A minimum of GCSE in English and Maths, at Grade C/4, or Level 2 equivalent:-
• A current DBS
• 150 hours of teaching practice and access to a subject-specific mentor (with 20 hours of experience in another subject area).

International Students: You will need to have reached a certain standard of speaking English. Please see our ESOL course. International applicants require a current IELTS 6.5 score, with no single skill being below 5.5.

All applicants will be required to attend an interview to determine eligibility. The offer of a place is dependent upon a satisfactory DBS check (formally CRB) which confirms that there are no contra-indications to you working with children and vulnerable adults.

The course provides a variety of content and experience which will give you a range of skills and knowledge in the Further Education and Training sector. The course has been validated against the Professional Standards introduced by the Education and Training Foundation in 2014 and updated in 2022. The course will be delivered in the first year on Wednesday mornings and in the second year on Wednesday afternoons. In addition, you will need to undertake 3-4 hours teaching per week (a minimum of 150 hours over the 2 year programme, with 20 hours experience in another subject area).

The course consists of the following modules:

• Teaching Learning and Assessment in PCET – 40 Credits at Level 5
• Curriculum Design for Inclusive Practice - 20 Credits at Level 5
• Action Research into Subject Specialist Pedagogy - 20 Credits at Level 5
• Develop Own Professional Competence and Knowledge - 40 Credits at Level 5

The course is delivered through several lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. All tuition is face-to-face with tutors, although online resources and the use of a virtual learning environment are part of the course. You will be allocated a personal tutor to support you.

There are no exams. Assessment consists of coursework e.g. reports, presentations, reflective accounts as well as observations of professional practice supported by portfolios of evidence. You will be assessed at Levels 4, 6 and 7 - this is post graduate level. You must pass all modules to achieve the award.

£9,000 for UK and EU applicants, £12,250 for International students. Financial support is available through student loans. www.gov.uk/teacher-training-funding.

Please use this link to Staffordshire University for further information: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/course/post-compulsory-education-training-pgce-ushr

Please click the Apply button at the top of this page and fill out a short form in order to receive your Staffordshire University application link and a guide on applying.

If you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring Admissions on 01743 653111 / 653333 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.