Professional Certificate in Education (Further Education and Training)
Our Professional Certificate in Education (PCE) will give you the skills to become a teacher in the Further Education sector.
This course is for you if you 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 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
£9,535 /£17,500
What you should know about this course
* The Department for Education has indicated that it intends to raise the Home tuition fee limit from £9,250 to £9,535 for 2025/26.
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
- A level 3 qualification in a relevant subject
- In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered. 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.
- You can also read our admissions policy
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
If you 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
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
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, presentation, and portfolio subject knowledge. Our library and online resources will support your further reading and research. You can also join a range of student societies.
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
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
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* | £9,535 | £2,384 per 30 credits | N/A |
| International | £17,500 | £4,375 per 30 credits | N/A |
* The Department for Education has indicated that it intends to raise the Home tuition fee limit from £9,250 to £9,535 for 2025/26.
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, £150 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 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 online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics.
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 individual 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 undergraduate 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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