About this qualification
Delivered by our partners at the National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE).
This teacher training qualification is tailored specifically for trainee teachers in independent schools (junior, preparatory and senior) in the UK.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Education teacher training qualification is tailored specifically for trainee teachers employed in independent schools (junior, preparatory and senior) in the UK. It has been designed to sit alongside the national Teachers’ Standards in England and upon successful completion could significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at a later stage. Qualified Teacher Status is the recognised award to teach in state-maintained schools in England.
Entry Requirements
Prior experience in teaching or in schools is not a prerequisite of acceptance onto the qualification.
Employment
Must be employed in a school for the duration of your study.
Higher Education
Hold a UK undergraduate degree or equivalent.
English as a Foreign Language
Participants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in verbal and written English language equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall with no component less than 5.5, or TEFL 600. If you have IELTS 6.0 you may be eligible to study our online pre-sessional English qualification.
Qualification information
The qualification aims to develop teachers who are confident, inspiring and highly effective in transferring knowledge and skills to their pupils. In doing so, the qualification aims to:
- Enable you to explore wider perspectives in education and have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of codes of practice and contemporary issues affecting schools.
- Equip you with the skills to reflect on your personal and professional development and respond positively to feedback through critical analysis of your practice.
- Support you to develop an inquiry-led approach to research of your own practice and reflect on strategies for effective teaching and learning.
- Foster a culture of independent learning and self-awareness so you can take responsibility for your own professional development while understanding your strengths, weaknesses and how to progress your own teaching.
Career Path
While this qualification does not provide Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – the recognised award to teach in state-maintained schools in England – the qualification has been designed to sit alongside the national Teachers’ Standards in England and national guidelines for Initial Teacher Training (ITT), so may significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to gain QTS at a later stage.
Successful completion of the qualification will result in 60 Level 7 credits that may be transferred as prior learning credits for future study at master’s degree level.
Units Covered
A 15-credit module consists of 150 hours of learning, which comprises a mix of directed and self-directed study.
During your study, you will have access to an experienced team, including associate lecturers, progression coaches and student experience officers, who will support your studies through regular feedback and dedicated live seminars.
How you’ll be taught
The qualification comprises four modules and is typically studied on a part-time basis over one academic year (three school terms). You’ll receive day-to-day guidance from a school-based mentor trained by the university, and will also be assigned a university tutor who will visit you in your school up to twice a year.
The modular structure of the qualification is blended in approach. It combines online distance learning with practical in-school support. There are also optional face-to-face sessions, which aim to provide valuable peer support and a collaborative learning environment for trainees to have the chance to learn from one another while sharing and reflecting on experiences away from school.
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 1
Behaviour and Classroom Management
This module aims to develop your understanding of principles of educational psychology, neuroscience and contemporary educational theory on behaviour. You will explore how children learn, what influences behaviour and what strategies and interventions are effective for promoting good teaching and learning.
Unit 2
Curriculum Delivery and Assessment
This module aims to develop your knowledge of subject pedagogy, effective lesson planning and application of statutory codes for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as principles of assessment and feedback practices.
Unit 3
Development of the Teachers’ Standards
This module aims to develop a reflective and self-critical approach to teaching. As such, you will be required to demonstrate effective practice via critical evaluation and systematic analysis of your own teaching practice in line with The National Teachers’ Standards in England (Department for Education 2012).
Unit 4
Practical Teaching Practice
The Practical Teaching Practice module is practice-based and runs throughout the qualification. You will be encouraged to set, review and show that you can meet targets related to your professional practice and demonstrate your competency in all of the Teachers’ Standards.
We regularly review our qualification content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, qualification modules may be updated.
How you’ll be assessed
Assessment throughout the PGCE aims to be varied, engaging and designed to stimulate learning. It includes lesson observations, case study research, oral presentations and written assignments.
The Practical Teaching Practice module culminates in a summative assessment at the end of the year via a portfolio of evidence. You are required to collate evidence for this throughout the qualification and it will be assessed formatively across the first three modules of study.
Fees & Funding
Student
Full-time
Part-time
UK
£4,500
£2,250 per year
