Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (ProfGCE) for Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET)/Professional Certificate in Education (PCE) for Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET)
Telephone: 01792 284098 Email: he@gcs.ac.uk
Overview
Awarding body: University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Do you want to teach in further education, adult learning or vocational training?
Teaching in the post-16 sector is one of the most direct ways to turn your expertise into impact for the next generation. Gower College Swansea offers two professionally recognised, flexible and practice-focused teaching qualifications.
Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (ProfGCE) — PCET
For graduates moving into teaching in further or adult education.
If you hold a degree and want to teach learners aged 16 and over, the ProfGCE is a full, level 6 teaching qualification that develops both your subject pedagogy and your professional practice in the classroom across all humanities, sports and STEM subjects. You have also the option of choosing Level 7 modules as part of your studies.
Suitable for: graduates, career changers, and industry professionals with degree-level qualifications seeking qualified teacher status in the FE and skills sector.
Professional Certificate in Education (PCE) — PCET
For skilled practitioners moving into vocational teaching.
If you have substantial industry experience and vocational qualifications in your field, this route with a combination of Level 5 and Level 6 modules is designed to build your teaching experience. It is specifically built for those who teach practical, skills-based subjects such as Construction, Hair and Beauty, Motor Vehicle, Hospitality and other vocational sectors, where teachers and lecturers with real-world expertise is highly valued.
Suitable for: experienced tradespeople, salon professionals, technicians and practitioners ready to pass on their skills in a college or training environment.
Both programmes begin in September and are delivered part-time alongside teaching practice.
Holders of these qualifications are eligible for teaching roles in further education, sixth forms, adult education and training and development roles across the post-compulsory and adult education sectors. The current salary range for further education lecturers in Wales is £32,000 to £51,000, with increases for those who move into management or leadership roles, see NASUWT | Pay Scales (Wales) for further details.
Key information
- Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (ProfGCE) for Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) 2:2 degree or above is desirable, or a recognised equivalent, in a relevant subject area. If you are offering a vocational subject you are normally expected also to demonstrate that you have some relevant vocational experience.
- Professional Certificate in Education (PCE) for Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) you will need a Level 3 vocational qualification and relevant industry/sector experience to join the course. Once with us you will develop skills, confidence and understanding of learning, teaching and assessment in your subject.
- Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (ProfGCE) for Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) (Level 7 optional modules) In the second year of the course, there is the opportunity to study modules at Level 7. Please note there is eligibility criteria and this can be discussed at interview. (Year 2 Level 7 Modules - The emergent professional practitioner, professional practice, practitioner research).
For both courses:
- Mathematics and English language GCSE Grade C or above, or equivalent, are desirable.
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on the Child Workforce and Child Barring List and subscription to the DBS Update Service. (Overseas equivalent required for non-uk applicants)
- English Language Requirements - If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We may also accept other English language tests.
- Part-time applicants are required to undertake 100 hours of teaching as part of the programme. Students are recommended to undertake 50 hours of teaching and 6 hours of observation of an experienced tutor in the first year and 50 hours of teaching in the second year.
- An interview is required for this course.
Modules
Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (ProfGCE) for Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET)
Y1 Level 6
- Preparing for teaching and learning
- Inclusive practice in PCET
- Digital skills to support innovative learning and teaching.
Y2 Level 6/7
- The emergent professional practitioner
- Professional practice
- Practitioner research.
- Preparing for teaching and learning
- Inclusive practice in PCET
- Digital skills to support innovative learning and teaching.
Y2 Level 6
- The emergent professional practitioner
- Professional practice
- Practitioner research.
Assessment
There are no exams, assessment is 100% coursework.
You are assessed in many different ways including practical and interactive activities, as well as written coursework.
Placements
Students are expected to secure their own placement, although we do our best to support this process. The process for finding placements will be discussed further at interview.
We make every effort to ensure you have the most productive and supportive professional development experience possible.
Course costs
£2,600 per year Students may be entitled to a bursary and support to study on the programmes provided they meet certain eligibility criteria.
For information on financial support - including tuition fee loans - please visit Student Finance Wales .
Additional fees
- A Laptop is required for the course - cost from around £400 upwards. Please note: students will have access to Microsoft office 365.
- £49.50 for a DBS check which is an essential element of this course
- £16 to join the DBS update service
- Travel to and from college, or placement
- Photocopying, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
- Printing and binding
- Gowns for graduation ceremonies.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David welcomes applications on the basis of prior learning, further details can be found at Academic Office UWTSD