There are two awards available:-
• Graduates normally work towards a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or, if appropriate a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma with some modules at Master’s level.
• Those with other appropriate qualifications may work towards a Certificate in Education (CertEd).
The structure of the programme is the same for both routes and participants on each work together for much of the course.
Both qualifications are structured around four 30 credit modules (two in each year) which are based on different aspects of teachers’ work such as designing learning materials, assessing students, and evaluating learning and teaching.
You will study four modules as part of this course. These are:
• Research Informed Teaching, Learning and Assessment. This module aims to develop 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 seeks to develop positive approaches to the management of group and individual behaviours and promotes an 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. The module is assessed by means of a practical micro-teaching assignment and the design of an intervention, strategy, activity or resource, underpinned by an understanding of key principles of teaching, learning and
assessment.
• Becoming a subject specialist tutor The module reviews your practice as a trainee teacher. It explores your teaching values, knowledge of your subject specialism, and your knowledge and understanding of how you're learning to teach. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to identify and respond to students’ needs, and how to use suitable teaching, learning and assessment strategies to develop inclusive teaching and learning environments. You'll have the chance to evaluate your teaching effectiveness and develop as a reflective practitioner as well as engage in personal and professional development planning, against the appropriate Professional Standards, to recognise and develop relevant subject specialist knowledge, behaviours and skills. This will include further development of English, Maths and digital skills for you and
your students
• Being a subject specialist tutor. This module builds on previous generic and subject specialist development in two ways. Firstly, it contributes to your development of more advanced strategies and methods for promoting learning and, secondly, it involves a focus on specific specialist areas and the critical analysis subject specialist pedagogy. The module seeks to enhance your ability
to reflect critically on, and to evaluate, teaching and learning; by recognising particular curriculum and professional challenges; and by enabling you to develop critical responses to these concerns in sophisticated, innovative and
creative ways. Key learning activities of the module are practical teaching experience and the engagement with other specialists through collaborative practice. The module is assessed through a Teaching Portfolio and a Conference Paper dealing with teaching and learning in the specialist subject
One optional module will be selected from:
Curriculum and Context
This module enhances critical understanding of policy and issues in curriculum development within lifelong learning. It will examine the impact of policy on curriculum practice, investigate factors driving curriculum change, and explore contemporary issues affecting curriculum design. The module encourages critical reflection and promotes an analytical and reflexive approach to understanding curriculum development and delivery in lifelong learning.
English as an Additional Language (EAL): Curriculum and Context
This module aims to enhance your critical understanding of English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision within lifelong learning. Including analysis of education and training policies and practices for EAL learners and their impact on curriculum development. The module focuses on effective strategies for supporting EAL learners' achievements and involves engaging with research to evaluate and improve professional practice.
SEND: Curriculum and Context
This module enhances your understanding of special educational needs and disability (SEN/D) provision and disability equality in lifelong learning. Including critical analysis of effective strategies for supporting SEN/D learners in both mainstream and specialist contexts. The module covers education reform, UK policy on post-16 SEN/D provision, and the impact of various policies on the SEN/D curriculum. You will use evidence to evaluate and improve professional practice.
EDI and Social Justice: Curriculum and Context
This module examines how lifelong learning can address inequity and disadvantage, introducing key frameworks for understanding equality, diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Including a critique of the socio-political ideologies affecting curriculum design and implementation and analyse sector expectations regarding inclusion and equality. The module also explores how lifelong learning can broaden opportunities for diverse students and assesses key philosophical positions on inclusive education, prompting you to critically appraise your values in relation to inclusive practice.
