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 the 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 three to four hours of teaching per week (a minimum of 150 hours over the two-year programme, with 20 hours of experience in another subject area).

The course consists of the following modules:

Module 1 - Teaching, Learning And Assessment In Post-Compulsory Education And Training

The purpose of this module is to help to provide you with knowledge, understanding and skills relating to teaching, learning and assessment in Post-compulsory education and training. It includes understanding the role and responsibilities of a teacher in education and training, agreeing on individual learning goals and planning, delivering and assessing inclusive teaching and learning. [40 Credits at Level 5]

Module 2 - Curriculum Design For Inclusive Practice

The purpose of the module is to develop your knowledge and skills to include the application of theories, principles and models of learning, communication, assessment and curriculum development within your own area of specialism. [20 Credits at Level 5]

Module 3 - Action Research Into Subject Specialist Pedagogy

The purpose of the module is to provide you with knowledge, understanding and skills relating to wider professional practice in education and training. To understand the place of evidence-based teaching and learning through conducting your own Action Research. It includes understanding professionalism and professional values in education and training, the policy context of education and training, the impact of being accountable to stakeholders and external bodies, and the organisational context of education and training. [20 Credits at Level 5]

Module 4 - Develop Own Professional Competence And Knowledge

Building on Modules 1, 2, & 3, the purpose of the module is to develop your teaching, learning and assessment in education and training. It includes applying theories, principles and models of learning, communication and assessment in relation to planning, delivering and assessing inclusive teaching and learning. [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. You’ll be assessed by measurement of your performance on placements, through observed teaching, and written assignments/observations.

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.