School of Education

PGCE Further Education

PGCE Full-time 1 year

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in further education from the University of Wolverhampton is an ideal qualification for those looking to enter the field of teaching. This qualification equips graduates with the knowledge and skills required to teach learners aged 16 years and above, across all areas of further education including secondary schools, sixth form colleges and adult learning centres.

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in further education from the University of Wolverhampton is an ideal qualification for those looking to enter the field of teaching. This qualification equips graduates with the knowledge and skills required to teach learners aged 16 years and above, across all areas of further education including secondary schools, sixth form colleges and adult learning centres.

Award
PGCE
Start date(s)
September 2024, September 2025
UCAS Code
U488
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (1 year)
Campus location
University: Walsall Campus
School
School of Education
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

Studying a PGCE in Further Education is ideal for those looking to further their education career and make a real difference to the lives of students. Our further PGCE has been designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to become successful teachers within further education, widening participation and helping adults develop new skills. 

The PGCE will offer you an opportunity to gain invaluable experience in teaching learners aged 16 years or over in further education settings, giving you the confidence and ability required for this important role. This qualification is critical for developing teaching knowledge of both theory and practice within further education; such as face-to-face teaching, distance learning, e-learning, managing support staff and creating effective assessment strategies.

You will be supported by a dedicated personal tutor in building your professional identity, capable of providing learning experiences to students while remaining mindful of cultural and linguistic diversity and reflecting on your own performance. Completing this course will enable you to pursue Qualified Teaching, Learning and Skills status (QTLS), equivalent to Qualified Teaching Status (QTS), supporting a range of careers in Lifelong Learning including Further and Adult Education lecturing.

What happens on the course?

This type of PGCE focuses primarily on teaching adults, including students over 16 years of age and those studying at a higher education level. The programme covers all aspects of teaching further learners and promotes an understanding of how adult learners can be supported through their learning journey. 

The course content for a PGCE in Further Education will provide trainee teachers with an introduction to educational theories such as behaviourism and constructivism, as well as methods for assessing student progress. In addition to this, trainees will also learn about planning and delivering lessons for adults, exploring different approaches to meeting the needs of various learner groups.

How are you taught throughout the PGCE in Further Education?

We provide classroom-based experience and theoretical insight, which means that the course equips students with the necessary groundwork skills to become successful teachers.

The PGCE includes taught elements across a range of topics relevant to further education, as well as training sessions which allow student teachers to practise teaching under supervision. These sessions cover theory and practical lessons plans, allowing student teachers to gain a deeper understanding of their field. In addition, support is also provided regarding assessment approaches and methods for engaging learners.

By combining these elements together, the University of Wolverhampton provides an effective learning environment that enables its student teachers to develop into well-rounded professionals with an understanding of contemporary educational approaches.

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Further Education is a popular route for professionals looking to pursue careers in further education. As a PGCE student, you will gain an understanding of the principles and practice of teaching across a range of post compulsory areas such as colleges, sixth forms and universities. This qualification can provide you with the expertise to teach in any number of post compulsory contexts. 

Once qualified, there are many potential career paths open to those who hold a PGCE in Further Education. These include:

  • Lecturer or course leader at a college or university
  • Tutoring adult learners
  • Leading field trips for students studying outdoor activities
  • Becoming an educational consultant for organisations or companies
  • Taking on research projects within the field

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2024-25
Home Part-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Part-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Part-time £9250 per year 2024-25
International Full-time £13450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14950 per year 2024-25
International Part-time £13450 per year 2022-23
International Part-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Part-time £14950 per year 2024-25

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

  • To hold a honours degree (normally 2:2 or above) of a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification  in a subject related to the area you wish to teach with vocational / professional experience considered carefully in each individual circumstance.
  • To have achieved grade C/4 or above in GCSEs English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications.

Please note we do NOT accept GCSE Short Courses or GCSE Equivalent Tests.

Please see equivalent GCSE qualifications we do accept. If you unsure please contact our Admissions Department admissions@wlv.ac.uk for clarification.

Your personal statement is an important part of the application process. We will be reviewing your personal statement to find out more about you and we will also be reviewing your spelling, grammar and punctuation and you have followed the UCAS (for undergraduate applications) or DfE Apply (for post graduate applications) guidance regarding length and what to include. Your application will not be successful if you do not demonstrate the high standards of accuracy the teaching profession demands.

You will be required to provide evidence of your original qualifications.

You must be sure that you wish to embark on a career of teaching in Post-Compulsory Education before applying for this course. In order to achieve this we recommend that you gain some experience within the post compulsory sector. We expect you to research your subject area within the post-compulsory context, and to visit a further education establishment to make an informed decision about how your subject specialism fits into the national vocational framework.

All applicants that are successful with their application will be invited to an interview. This will include a presentation and a panel-based interview. Please view information regarding interview preparation.

Further information regarding the interview process can be found at https://www.wlv.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply/4---after-youve-applied/subject-specific-applications/.

We will not accept applicants onto our professional courses who have been unsuccessful on professional courses at other institutions of higher education.

Free Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health Check:

Due to the professional nature of some of our courses you may also be required to complete a Declaration of Health and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check. We will coordinate both of these non-academic conditions with you should your course require this and you receive an offer from us.

There will be no cost for the DBS this is free to applicants who have secured an offer and have chosen to study at the University of Wolverhampton.

POST COMPULSORY EDUCATION Frequently Asked Questions

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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