About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: X341
- Applications: GTTR
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Education
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: One year full-time
- Delivery: Full-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Jo Thompson
Introduction
Teachers, tutors and trainers in the post compulsory education and training sector (16 plus) work with a wide range of learners in colleges, work-based learning organisations, prisons, voluntary and adult community organisations.
Graduates of degree subjects not widely taught on PGCE secondary courses such as law, media, veterinary nursing, art history, nursing, childcare, drama and accountancy can teach their subject specialism by studying PGCE PCET. Our current students have a variety of experience which enriches the course and creates a community of practice. We welcome new graduates, career changers, applicants with industry experience and from the uniformed services. The PGCE PCET course provides a Master's level accredited teaching qualification for those who wish to gain employment in this sector.
By the end of the course, PCET trainees will be eligible for QTLS (Qualified Teacher in the Learning and Skills sector) status and registration with the sector professional body the Institute for Learning (IfL).
Student's view
Tracey - PGCE (PCET)
Tracey decided to change careers after working in a bank.
Structure
Content
This one year full-time programme of training in Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) involves a combination of practical teaching for two or three days a week on a placement in a college, together with attendance at the University. The course begins in early September and concludes in early July.
You will, on completion of the course, meet the relevant professional standards in teaching, reflection on practice and scholarly activity in Education. The award is approved by LLUK and is nationally recognised as an advanced professional qualification for teaching in the post-16 sector.
You will also have a good grasp of the application of your subject, how post-16 education and training is organised, how you might be expected to participate in management, what the current issues are and the way things are going.
You will develop a reflective, independently-minded approach to problems and identify your own educational values. Above all, you will discover the pleasure of working together with students towards their own independence as learners.
Most trainees particularly value the company and support of their fellow trainee teachers and the course provides lots of opportunities for learning together with enjoyment. For example, there is usually a valuable residential experience early in the course, which everyone is normally expected to attend.
Course structure
Autumn term
- Two days per week at University (Thursday and Friday)
- Two days per week on teaching practice (weeks one to three, observation only)
- One day per week private preparation
Spring term
- One day per week at University (Friday)
- Three days per week on teaching practice
- One day per week private preparation
Summer term
- Two days per week at University (Thursday and Friday)
- Two days per week on teaching practice (weeks one to three, observation only)
- One day per week private preparation
Why do the course?
- One year full-time
- Ofsted Grade 'good with outstanding features' in recent inspection
- Purpose built facilities
- Students gain first hand experience of a variety of learning environments
- FE college placement in the West region or Bristol
- Fully SVUK approved, and under successor arrangements, managed by the Institute for learning (IfL)
- The course includes 40 credits of assessment at Master’s Level, which can be credited towards an Master’s degree, a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education is available as an alternative award.
- Placements run continually throughout the year, not just as short ‘block’ placements. This benefits students who have the opportunity to fully engage in the tutor role throughout the academic year, building strong relationships with colleagues and gaining useful insight into the full academic cycle for later job applications. You will be supported by a mentor on placement.
Assessment
There are no formal exams. Practical teaching is assessed throughout the year. The course also assesses trainees' understanding of education and learning theory and practice, with a series of coursework assignments. All trainees must also carry out a small enquiry related to their teaching subject.
Special Features
Placements
We invite one or more of our partner colleges to offer a placement for the supervised practical teaching component of the course.
When a place is available, a formal acceptance will be issued to successful applicants. You must be prepared to teach a range of abilities on both academic and vocational courses and be willing to teach evening classes as these can be an important part of the work of the sector.
Study facilities
The Department of Education at UWE's Frenchay Campus has excellent facilities and resources for learning and teaching. Its modern, purpose-built facilities provide high quality teaching rooms with state-of-the-art technology available. The Department has excellent IT facilities and houses an Open Learning Area with the latest equipment.
Find out more about our education facilities
Careers/further study
A PGCE will guarantee to future employers that you have a thorough professional grounding in methods of helping adult students with varying abilities and needs to learn. It will tell them you know how to assess learners, can use educational equipment, prepare materials and use information and communications technology (ICT). It will show you have undertaken a small scale research project and can work alone and in a team. You should note that this qualification would allow you to teach in sixth form colleges, but does not lead to a teaching qualification with under 16s.
Success in the PGCE (PCET) can help you into a career in further education collegesand also in the independent education sector, in community education, in industry or the public services as a trainer or as an education/training officer.
Entry
Entry requirements
Applicants should have an honours degree, normally at 2:1. You must also have chosen a related teaching subject in which a suitable placement can be found. Please note we do not train specialist teachers of basic skills, or ESOL.
Applicants should note that the offer of a place on the course is dependent on a college placement being available.
All applicants should also have GCSE grade C or above in mathematics and English language. (University tests in mathematics and English language may be available for some applicants)
Applicants must pass an initial selection process and short-listed candidates will be interviewed at the Department of Education. Entry is subject to satisfactory interview to assess professional suitability and subject to successful medical and Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance. If you would like information regarding issues that could disqualify you from teaching training, please contact us on +44 (0)117 32 83333.
Please note: students who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements, but have significant life and/or work experience and are able to demonstrate potential academic competence at postgraduate level, will be considered on an individual basis.
Fees
For details about fees please see our fees and funding web pages.
How to apply
Please apply online at: www.gttr.ac.uk.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011