Teacher Education

Postgraduate Certificate in Education In-Service Lifelong Learning

Postgraduate Certificate
Leaflet Code: L8105


Overview

Whether your interest lies in teaching in a college, training provider, charity, prison, school or specialist school, this course will help you towards achieving your goals.

To study on this course, you will need to have 100 hours of teaching practice in place, to run across the duration of the course. If you are an employed volunteer teacher, you will be required to arrange
your own teaching placement, as this is an in-service course. On application, it is advisable to join the Society for Education and Training (SET).

During your studies you will have the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of curriculum concepts and policies to develop more advanced strategies and methods for your teaching, learning and curriculum development. Focussing on your subject specialist area, you’ll spend a significant amount of time learning in your place
of work, putting theory into practice. You’ll be highly motivated and determined, able to work independently and as a member of a team with good time management skills.

On successful completion of your studies you’ll be eligible to follow a professional formation process through the Society for Education and Training, to apply for professional Qualified Teacher Learning
and Skills (QTLS) status.

  • Shena Simon Campus
  • Part Time
  • 2 years
  • September 2023

You will be taught by a team of experienced teacher educators with a wealth of knowledge from the education sector. All staff have or are working towards higher level Master’s and Doctorate qualifications in Education. Our staff maintain strong links with The University of Huddersfield and regularly update their knowledge and skills with the university.

You should provide two satisfactory references and evidence of your existing qualifications

You should complete a satisfactory interview, including a literacy assessment and short presentation
You should identify a work-based mentor who can support you in your subject specialism


Year 1: Research-informed teaching, learning and assessment (30 credits)
This module develops your understanding of how people learn in the lifelong learning sector and of the role of assessment in enabling learning and achievement. It introduces theories and principles of learning and assessment and develops your ability to apply research evidence in designing effective learning and assessment strategies and materials. It develops positive approaches to the management of group and individual behaviours and promotes and inclusive approach to teaching, learning and assessment. It introduces the role of key transferable skills and the ways in which people learn English, maths and digital skills.

Year 2: Becoming A Subject Specialist Teacher (60 credits)
Build on both your generic and subject specialist developments to enhance teaching for students, supported by practical teaching experience, evaluation and feedback. You’ll also attend a two-day specialist conference at The University of Huddersfield where you will present your specialist conference paper to your peers.

The course is run in a classroom environment, allowing you to share your ideas and reflections with your peers. You will also receive tutorial support and sessions focused on wider areas in lifelong learning throughout your course. In addition, you are required to complete at least 50 hours of teaching per year.

Examples of assessments on the course include:
• Micro teach to peers
• Personal skills presentation
• Written assignments including essays, reports and reflective journals
• Reflective journals and accounts of your teaching
• Online personalised portfolio identifying skills development and areas to improve
• Teaching observations, evaluations and reflections
• Self and peer assessment
In the second year of your studies you will attend a two-day specialist conference at The University of Huddersfield.
Your module specification and course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

There are two main costs you will have whilst studying and if you are a home student studying on a full-time course, you can apply for student finance to cover both of these:

 Your tuition fees for each year of your course.
 Help with your living costs e.g. rent, food, clothing, course materials, entertainment.

You can find more details, including the actual tuition fee charged on our Fees, Funding and Finance Page.

Learn more

All of the books required for the course are available either from the library or as e-books. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. You may also need to print assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £50 each year for books and printing

There is a requirement to attend a two-day specialist conference at The University of Huddersfield in year 2 of the course, so you will need to factor in travel expenses and accommodation expenses if you intend to stay overnight

As an employed volunteer teacher you may also need to factor in travel costs to your place of work

You will be required to have an enhanced DBS check for this course to ensure you meet our safeguarding requirements