Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time by distance learning, Part-time, Part-time by distance learningDuration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-timeStart date
January 2024, September 2024, January 2025Accredited
Yes
Overview
Learn to teach at college level on this Further Education and Training PGCE – rated Outstanding by Ofsted after its latest inspection – and support and inspire students aged 16 and above as they prepare to take their first career steps.
You'll gain theoretical teaching expertise at University and real classroom experience on placements in real educational settings, developing the confidence and skills to become a reflective and resilient further education teacher. You'll also explore how to teach and design learning programmes in a range of specialist subjects alongside your course teachers and work-based subject mentors.
If you're not yet working in further education, you can study this course full-time at the University or by distance learning. Or, if you already have a role in further education, you can study part-time by distance learning or at one of our partner colleges, alongside your job. If you choose to study by distance learning, you'll still do your teaching placements in person.
Wherever and however you study, you’ll be a student of the University of Portsmouth, so you’ll have access to all of our facilities and support.
Once you graduate, you'll be ready to begin your teaching career in further education institutions, such as colleges, sixth-forms and private training providers.
You can start this course in September or January (distance learning option only).
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students. The part-time course is available to International students who do not require a Student Route Visa.
You can study this course full-time at the University, part-time at one of our partner colleges or full-time or part-time by distance learning.
While studying at our partner colleges, you can access our student support services and community including study support, the Students' Union and our library's online resources.
Course highlights
- Gain the skills, confidence and knowledge to become a further education teacher, through a combination of real teaching experience and the study of theories and contemporary issues within further education
- Reflect on your own teaching practice and design a curriculum in a specialist subject area
- Share your experiences and learn from other PGCE students in lectures and seminars
- Gain 750 hours of work experience on teaching placements arranged by the University (full-time only)
- Study in a way that suits you and your career - full-time at the University or by distance learning, or part-time by distance learning or at one of our partner colleges: Chichester College (Chichester or Crawley campus), South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus, Havant and South Downs College, or Isle of Wight College
- Be eligible for membership of the Society for Education & Training (SET) when you graduate, which enables you to work towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status
Recognition
The PGCE and CertEd Further Education and Training Courses are professional teaching qualifications which are recognised by further education providers in the UK. PGCE and CertEd graduates can also apply to the Society for Education and Training (SET) to gain QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning & Skills) status.
The courses are also inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) and received Outstanding across the board in all four key judgement areas in 2018.
Trainees make rapid progress and develop into independent, strongly reflective and resilient teachers who are well prepared for work in the further education sector and a range of professional and vocational training settings.
What you'll study on this PGCE Further Education and Training course
Full-time (on campus or distance learning)
All modules on this PGCE Further Education and Training are core.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Construct a research design which will critically examine an opportunity to enhance the learning process for a group or individual.
- Critically examine and communicate findings from a range of sources which contribute to an individual piece of research.
- Apply research findings to subject specific pedagogy.
- Design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
- Critically reflect on own teaching practice in order to support learner achievement and progression.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Evaluate active, student centred learning techniques including their effectiveness and appropriateness for teaching. learning and assessment.
- Critically reflect on the use of active learning methods within subject specialism.
- Design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
- Critically reflect on own and other's teaching practice in order to support learner achievement and progression.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically examine the implications and impact of current policies and changes within the further education sector to a variety of stakeholders and subject pedagogy.
- Positively contribute to a group research project and reflect on your individual and group's performance.
- Design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
- Critically reflect on own teaching practice in order to support learner achievement and progression.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically examine the application of learning theories and principles to classroom practice.
- Investigate and critically review strategies designed to develop wider skills within learners such as English, mathematics and broader skills relevant to learners' progression and career aims.
- Critically review strategies to improve learning such as effective behaviour management and blended learning.
- Design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
- Critically reflect on own teaching practice in order to support learner achievement and progression.
Part-time (at partner college or distance learning)
All modules on this PGCE Further Education and Training are core.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Evaluate active, student centred learning techniques including their effectiveness and appropriateness for teaching. learning and assessment.
- Critically reflect on the use of active learning methods within subject specialism.
- Design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
- Critically reflect on own and other's teaching practice in order to support learner achievement and progression.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically examine the application of learning theories and principles to classroom practice.
- Investigate and critically review strategies designed to develop wider skills within learners such as English, mathematics and broader skills relevant to learners' progression and career aims.
- Critically review strategies to improve learning such as effective behaviour management and blended learning.
- Design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
- Critically reflect on own teaching practice in order to support learner achievement and progression.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Construct a research design which will critically examine an opportunity to enhance the learning process for a group or individual.
- Critically examine and communicate findings from a range of sources which contribute to an individual piece of research.
- Apply research findings to subject specific pedagogy.
- Design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
- Critically reflect on own teaching practice in order to support learner achievement and progression.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically examine the implications and impact of current policies and changes within the further education sector to a variety of stakeholders and subject pedagogy.
- Positively contribute to a group research project and reflect on your individual and group's performance.
- Design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
- Critically reflect on own teaching practice in order to support learner achievement and progression.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Careers and opportunities
Careers this course prepares you for
On this Further Education and Training PGCE, you'll gain the formal teaching qualification you need to teach in further education settings such as colleges, sixth-forms and private training providers.
This PGCE is a professional teaching qualification recognised by further education providers in the UK. When you graduate, you'll also be eligible to apply to the Society for Education & Training (SET) to gain Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which is recognised as comparable to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
As a new further education teaching professional in 2023, you could expect a starting salary of £25,454 in the UK. A PGCE is an internationally-recognised qualification, so you'll also be able to work as a teacher overseas, including in the USA, Canada and Australia.
You could also earn 60 postgraduate credits on this course, which you could put towards a full Master's degree (worth 180 credits) in the future.
The partnership achieves outstanding employment rates, with exceptionally high levels of progression for trainees to positions of enhanced responsibility.
Graduates of this course have gone on to work in:
- further education colleges
- sixth-form colleges
- private training providers
- public services
- voluntary organisations
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- Further education maths teacher
- Social sciences teacher
- Sociology and Criminology college lecturer
- Project coordinator
- Educational support worker
- Learning support tutor
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Placements and work experience
On this PGCE Further Education and Training course, you'll spend approximately 750 hours building teaching experience on placements in real further education settings. You'll work with students and teaching professionals, and have the support of a placement mentor.
You'll be able to put your theoretical learning into action and develop the practical teaching skills and techniques you'll need in future teaching roles.
Placements for full-time students
If you're not already working in teaching and/or further education, you can take the full-time version of this course at the University or by distance learning. If you choose to study online by distance learning, you'll still do your teaching placements in person.
If you study full-time on campus, we'll work with you to find teaching placements at a further education provider that suits you, and we'll arrange these for you. If you study full-time by distance learning, you'll be required to secure your own teaching placement where you will teach at least 100 hours and have an identified subject mentor, or you will be provided with a teaching placement by the University.
Your choice of placement provider isn't limited to the list of partner colleges below – you may be able to do your placement at any further education provider in the Hampshire/south coast region, dependent on arrangements.
Teaching experience for part-time students
If you are already working in teaching and/or further education, the part-time version of this course is designed for you.
If you study this course part-time, you'll study at one of our partner colleges or online by distance learning. You'll also need to carry out teaching hours within your current role, with an identified subject mentor that includes at least 50 hours of teaching each year.
Our partner college websites have more information for the part-time version of this course:
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your PGCE, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus or in online sessions, and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
It is our expectation that all international students will join us here on campus in Portsmouth.
Course structure
This PGCE course will take:
- 1 year (full-time study)
- 2 years (part-time study)
Full-time study
The full-time version of this PGCE Further Education and Training lasts 36 weeks, between September and June. If you study full-time, you'll attend lectures and seminars at University or online, and spend time in person at a work placement each week.
For the first 3 weeks of the course, you'll be in University 5 days a week if you study on campus, or in online sessions for 2-3 hours a week if you study by distance learning.
You'll then spend 2 weeks on placement induction, spending 3 of the 5 days on placement.
After this, you'll spend Monday-Thursday on teaching placements, and just Fridays studying. Your working hours will be similar to a full-time job – times will vary but you'll generally be studying or on placement from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
If you study on campus, you may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. These sessions will also be recorded for distance learning students.
Part-time study
If you study part-time, you'll attend one of our partner colleges once a week, or spend 2-3 hours a week in online sessions if you study by distance learning.
You'll also be using your own teaching hours, where you'll teach at least 50 hours each year.
See our partner college websites for details of the part-time version of this course:
Teaching methods on this course include:
- seminars
- workshops
- lectures
- one-to-one and group tutorials
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Mrs Jo Elliott
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- research-based essays
- teaching practice files
- digital presentations
- lesson observations
- logging personal development
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Term dates
September start
The PGCE academic year runs from September to the following June/July. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter, and half terms in October, February and May.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14-18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter, and half terms in October, February and May.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Supporting your learning
If you study this course full-time or part-time by distance learning, you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. If you choose to study on campus, you'll also get face-to-face support.
You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your Master's.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Café offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
If you study part-time at one of our partner colleges, you’ll still be a student of the University of Portsmouth.
Of the people and services above, you’ll have access to Academic skills support, Wellbeing and mental health support, Disability advice and additional support, and Library support.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (January 2024 start)
-
Full-time (on campus)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £9,250
- EU students – £9,250 (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £17,200
-
Full-time (distance learning)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £7,250
- EU students – £7,250 (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £7,250
-
Part-time (distance learning)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £3,630 per year
- EU students – £3,630 per year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £3,630 per year
-
Part-time (at partner college)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £2,730 per year
- EU students – £2,730 per year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £2,730 per year
Full-time (on campus)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £9,250
- EU students – £9,250 (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £18,100
Full-time (distance learning)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £7,250
- EU students – £7,250 (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £7,250
Part-time (distance learning)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £3,630 per year
- EU students – £3,630 per year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £3,630 per year
Part-time (at partner college)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £2,870 per year
- EU students – £2,870 per year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £2,870per year
Tuition fees (September 2024 / January 2025 start)
- Full-time (on campus): £9,250
- Full-time (distance learning): £7,250
- Part-time (at partner college): For partner college fee information, please contact Department of Student and Academic Administration on +44 (0)23 9284 5259.
- Part-time (distance learning): £3,630 per year
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time (on campus): £9,250
- Full-time (distance learning): £7,250
- Part-time (at partner college): For partner college fee information, please contact Department of Student and Academic Administration on +44 (0)23 9284 5259.
- Part-time (distance learning): £3,630 per year
- Full time (on campus): £18,100
- Full-time (distance learning): £7,250
- Part-time (at partner college): For partner college fee information, please contact Department of Student and Academic Administration on +44 (0)23 9284 5259.
- Part-time (distance learning): £3,630 per year
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available funding for teacher training.
If you're a UK student who achieved a first in your undergraduate degree you may be eligible for a £3,000 University of Portsmouth scholarship.
Fees and funding for teacher training
Find out more about how much teacher training costs, as well the options available to you for funding, including scholarships and bursaries.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Discover how you can fund your Master's study at Portsmouth – including loans, scholarships and bursaries – and read our guidance on topics like how to budget, and how to get support if you're disabled or have dependents.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: If you choose to study on-campus, accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Placement expenses: You'll need to budget for travel to and from your placement or placements.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students. The part-time course is available to International students who do not require a Student Route Visa.
January 2024
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Formal qualifications, experiential learning and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are also considered.
- GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- Part-time students are required to have secured their own teaching placement where you will teach at least 50 hours per year and have an identified subject mentor.
- Full time students who study on campus will be provided with a teaching placement by the University. Full time students who study by distance learning are required to have secured their own teaching placement where you will teach at least 100 hours per year and have an identified subject mentor or will be provided with a teaching placement by the university.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
- All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
September 2024 / January 2025
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Formal qualifications, experiential learning and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are also considered.
- GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- Part-time students are required to have secured their own teaching placement where you will teach at least 50 hours per year and have an identified subject mentor.
- Full time students who study on campus will be provided with a teaching placement by the University. Full time students who study by distance learning are required to have secured their own teaching placement where you will teach at least 100 hours per year and have an identified subject mentor or will be provided with a teaching placement by the university.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
- All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
Equivalency qualifications in place of GCSEs
If you don't have a GCSE in Maths or English, you can still apply for this course. We accept equivalency qualifications in place of these GCSEs, which you can obtain from one of two providers - Equivalency Testing or A Star Equivalency.
These providers also offer discounts for PGCE offer holders. To find out more about equivalency qualifications for this PGCE, please email us.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this PGCE are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying to study on-campus as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our postgraduate application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Starting in January 2024
Starting in September 2024
Apply now (Full-time on campus)
Starting in September 2024 – part-time at a partner college
Chichester College (Chichester campus)
Chichester College (Crawley campus)
South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus
Starting in January 2025
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2023, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.