Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Further Education and Training)
Our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) will support you in gaining the skills to become a teacher in the Further Education sector.
The course is for those who teach or intend to teach in further education colleges, sixth-form colleges, adult education centres, art colleges, healthcare, or community organisations, the public services, and a wide range of commercial and voluntary organisations.
The course provides the skills needed for teaching and learning and classroom management and help trainees to explore the theory underpinning teaching practices. Leaders’ ambitions are for their trainees to become innovative teachers and future leaders in the further education and training sector. They successfully recruit trainees who represent diverse communities and who act as role models for learners in a wide range of settings, including colleges and schools (Ofsted 2023).
The course is offered full-time and part-time. Full-time attendance will benefit those wishing to obtain a qualification before seeking employment and which incorporates a period of supervised teaching practice (pre-service). The part-time mode is aimed at teachers and trainers who are already employed (in service).
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School
Location
Duration
- 1 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
Start month
September; January
Home/international fees 2025/26
£9,250 /£17,500
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
The course team are experienced Further Education teachers and lecturers from a variety of specialisms. They are passionate about the role they play in supporting and producing new teachers/ lecturers for the Further Education and Training sector.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
- An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2 or above in a relevant subject
- In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
Application and selection
- Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview/selection day
Applicants will also be required to:
- Provide an academic or professional reference
- Complete a Suitability Declaration
- Pass an Occupational Health check
- Pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- For more information, please use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
If you already hold a teaching or training qualification, please refer to the Tariff of Qualifications (ITT) Database for accreditation of prior learning and discuss with the admissions tutor at the interview.
How you will learn
Teaching
In a typical week, learning takes place through a combination of lectures and seminars. You will be studying Level 7 modules where you will be able to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller group sessions. You will be supported by a university tutor and placement/workplace mentor. Module resources are accessible via Moodle.
Class sizes
We offer personalised learning with small tutor groups of 25. The typical student intake per year averages 45. Lectures are normally attended by 45, and seminars/tutorials by 20-25.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for course work, presentations and portfolio building linked to your subject specialist knowledge. Our library and online resources will support further reading and research.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of contact hours (lectures, seminars, etc), independent learning, and assessments. For full-time students, the workload should be roughly equivalent to a full-time job.
Assessment
The course is entirely coursework based. You will be assessed on the quality of written assignments and classroom teaching. Your teaching will be observed on eight occasions by your mentor and tutor, and you will need to pass all modules.
Feedback summary
Information coming soon.
Dates and timetables
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £9,250 | £2,312 per 30 credits | N/A |
| International | £17,500 | £4,375 per 30 credits | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Resources: you may need to purchase books for your studies (estimate, £100 per year).
Placements: you are expected to pay for your transport to your placements during the year.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
Full-time students are placed in a college where they will complete a minimum of 150 hours teaching.
Part-time students will undertake a minimum of 150 hours of teaching to meet the sector requirements.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates of this course can pursue a teaching career in the Further Education and Training sector.
Currently 85% of trainees get employment from the placement setting where they train during their study.
Do you provide employability services?
Our services are designed to help you achieve your potential and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate career.
The Employability and Careers Service provides support when you are preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles. It includes CV clinics, mock interviews, and employability skills workshops.
Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the industry and will provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.
We hold an Employability Fair which is attended by Partnership schools.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject expert librarians, and our academic skills centre.
Support from the department
During the course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will support your studies. Your tutor will be on hand to offer both personal career and academic guidance. Support is tailored to meet the needs of each of our students to ensure high quality outcomes.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Teacher training at the University of Greenwich
We’ve over a century of experience training excellent teachers and strong links with schools and employers. Our courses are also rated good by Ofsted for our Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Further Education and Training teaching (Ofsted, 2023).
Visit our teacher training degrees page.
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