UCAS code
X301Mode of Study
Full-time, Part-timeDuration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-timeStart date
September 2023, September 2024Accredited
Yes
Overview
If you have a level 3 qualification and several years' professional experience in a relevant subject area, plus a desire to help students begin their careers through further education, this Certificate in Further Education and Training (CertEd) course will enable you to teach at college level.
On this course – which is rated Outstanding by Ofsted – you'll learn the most effective teaching techniques by spending time on teaching placements in real education settings and exploring teaching theory in lectures and seminars. You'll also develop subject specific knowledge by working closely with course teachers and work-based subject mentors.
If you're not yet working or teaching in further education, you can study this course full-time at the University. If you do already have a role in further education, you can study part-time at one of our partner colleges, alongside your job. Wherever you study, you’ll be a student of the University of Portsmouth, so you’ll have access to all of our facilities and support.
After the course, you'll be able to take up teaching roles in further education colleges, sixth-form colleges and private training providers, or to top up your Certificate to a full Bachelor’s degree.
Up to £29,000 for students who train to teach in further education in 2023
You can study this course full-time at the University or part-time at one of our partner colleges.
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
- Develop your skills as a teacher through practical experience in the classroom and theoretical study around further education
- Join fellow professionals from many different backgrounds for lectures and seminars, creating an effective peer network where you can share ideas and experiences
- Get more than 100 hours of work experience on teaching placements arranged by the University (full-time only)
- Choose to study full-time at the University or part-time at one of our partner colleges: Chichester College, Eastleigh College, Havant and South Downs College, Isle of Wight College or St Vincent 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
Recognised by:
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.
Entry requirements
CertEd Further Education and Training entry requirements
Qualifications or experience
- A level 3 qualification within your subject delivery area coupled with sufficient experience to establish professional competence.
- T levels – Pass (D or E in the core)–Merit
- Formal qualifications, experiential learning and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are also considered.
- In addition, 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 will be provided with a teaching placement by the University.
You may need to have studied specific subjects – See full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants will need to attend an interview.
- Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't 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.
Typical offers
- A level 3 qualification within your subject delivery area coupled with sufficient experience to establish professional competence. Formal qualifications, experiential learning and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are also considered.
- T-levels – Pass (D or E in the core) - Merit
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Education and Childcare - In addition, 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 will be provided with a teaching placement by the university.
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
- Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't 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.
Full-time and part-time study options
You can study this course full-time over 1 year or part-time over 2 years. The type of study that's best for you will depend on whether or not you're already working and/or teaching in further education.
Full-time study
The full-time version of this course at the University is ideal if you're not already working in teaching.
We'll work with you to find teaching placements at a further education provider that suits you, and we'll arrange these for you. 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.
If you study this course full time, the working hours are similar to a full-time job – times will vary but you'll generally be at the University or on placement from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Part-time study
If you're 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 go to one of our partner colleges once a week. You'll also need to have a teaching placement with an identified subject mentor that includes at least 50 hours of teaching a year.
Our partner college websites have more information for the part-time version of this course:
- Chichester College
- Eastleigh College
- Havant and South Downs College
- Isle of Wight College
- St Vincent College
Careers and opportunities
This CertEd Further Education and Training will give you the formal teaching qualification you need to teach in further education settings such as colleges, sixth-forms and private training providers, or to pursue further study.
The partnership achieves outstanding employment rates, with exceptionally high levels of progression for trainees to positions of enhanced responsibility.
What can you do with a certificate in further education and training?
After graduating, previous students have gone on to work in:
- further education colleges
- sixth-form colleges
- private training providers
- public services
- voluntary organisations
You could also turn your CertEd into a full Bachelor's degree with a relevant top-up course, such as BA (Hons) Education Studies (Top-Up).
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
What you'll study on this CertEd Further Education and Training course
Full-time modules currently being studied
Teaching block 1
This teaching block focuses on developing you as a teaching practitioner.
- Planning, Assessing and Evaluating Teaching and Learning Programmes – 30 credits
Teaching block 2
This teaching block focuses on providing you with a wider knowledge of the education sector.
- Curriculum Design in a Specialist Area – 30 credits
- Professional Practice in the Lifelong Learning Sector – 30 credits
- Theories and Principles for Planning and Enabling Learning in a Specialist Subject – 30 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Part-time modules currently being studied
Modules in year 1 focus on developing you as a teaching practitioner. There are 2 modules:
- Planning, Assessing and Evaluating Teaching and Learning Programmes – 30 credits
- Theories and Principles for Planning and Enabling Learning in a Specialist Subject – 30 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Modules in year 2 focus on providing you with a wider knowledge of the education sector. There are 2 modules:
- Curriculum Design in a Specialist Area – 30 credits
- Professional Practice in the Lifelong Learning Sector – 30 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
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.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- seminars
- workshops
- lectures
Teaching staff profiles
If you study full-time at the University, these are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Mrs Jo Elliott
How you're assessed
You'll complete two teaching blocks over the course of study, with each teaching block consisting of two modules. Each module consists of two to three assignments.
You’ll be assessed through:
- research-based essays
- teaching practice files
- 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.
How you'll spend your time
Full-time study
The full-time version of this Certificate of Further Education and Training (CertEd) lasts 36 weeks, between September and June.
For the first 3 weeks of the course, you'll be in University 5 days a week. You'll then spend 2 weeks on placement induction, spending 3 days on placement and 2 days in University.
After this, you'll spend Monday-Thursday on teaching placements, and just Fridays at University. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Part-time study
See our partner college websites for details of the part-time version of this course:
- Chichester College
- Eastleigh College
- Havant and South Downs College
- Isle of Wight College
- St Vincent College
Supporting your learning
If you study this course full-time at the University, you'll get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. 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 independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
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.
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 (2023 start)
Full-time (on campus)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £9,250
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £17,200
Part-time
For partner college fee information, please contact Department of Student and Academic Administration on +44 (0)23 9284 5259.
Tuition fees (2024 start)
Full-time (on campus)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £9,250
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £18,100
Part-time
For partner college fee information, please contact Department of Student and Academic Administration on +44 (0)23 9284 5259.
Bursaries and grants
You may be able to receive a bursary or grant from the Department for Education to support your study with us.
Bursaries and grants are awarded on a first come first served basis, so we encourage you to apply early. For more information, including eligibility criteria, check the Department of Education.
Pre-service bursaries for those not already working in teaching
Up to £29,000 if you start this course in 2023
If you're not already working in teaching and you study this course full-time in 2023, you may be able to get a pre-service bursary.
These bursaries, paid to you, are available in the following subjects:
- Computing, engineering (and/or manufacturing), maths, and science (including biology, chemistry, or physics): £29,000
- Special educational needs and disability (SEND): £15,000
- English: £12,000
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
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.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £100 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Contact our Housing Support Team if you need help and advice about accommodation.
You may have to cover the cost of travel to and from your teaching placements.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course full time in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – X301
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Apply to study this course part time at one of our partner colleges using our online application forms:
- Chichester College (Chichester campus)
- Chichester College (Crawley campus)
- Eastleigh College
- Havant and South Downs College
- Isle of Wight College
- St Vincent College - please contact us
Our courses fill up quickly, so submit your application as soon as you decide which course you want to study.
To start this course full time in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – X301
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Apply to study this course part time at one of our partner colleges using our online application forms:
- Chichester College (Chichester campus)
- Chichester College (Crawley campus)
- Eastleigh College
- Havant and South Downs College
- Isle of Wight College
- St Vincent College - please contact us
Our courses fill up quickly, so submit your application as soon as you decide which course you want to study.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can 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.
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.