PGCE Post-Compulsory Education and Training (DTLLS)

Summary 2012/13

• Gain eligibility for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status
• Enrol on a course that's perfect for graduates seeking to specialise in the teaching of their subject within the Post-Compulsory sector;
• Join an ideal pre-service route for those seeking a career change;
• Ideal for graduates already working as a teacher or trainer who want an approved qualification from one of the leading providers of teacher training in the UK.

"Edge Hill University provides its trainees, regardless of their chosen age range, with outstanding training": Grade 1 'outstanding' results across all 33 inspected outcomes - Ofsted Initial Teacher Education inspection report, 12/5/2011.

This programme carries eligibility for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.

By choosing to study for a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education & Training (Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector), you can gain a Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS)endorsed qualification. This can be used in your area of education, whether you teach in an FE college, work-based learning setting or public sector training such as the Police, Health Service, Prison Service and voluntary sector.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join this PGCE you should have an honours degree (2:2) in an appropriate subject, that is clearly part of the Post-Compulsory curriculum. Exceptions to this can be made and individual circumstances will be taken into account. For applicants with a degree in a subject not related to the post-compulsory curriculum, other suitable Level 3 qualifications may be considered.

In line with LLUK guidance it is desirable for candidates to have GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above. For candidates who have not achieved these qualifications, then equivalency will be sought. This could be National Key Skills Test in Communication or Numeracy or other appropriate qualifications that can demonstrate the breadth of achievement against National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2. Candidates not able to demonstrate equivalency in these ways will be asked to undertake the Edge Hill Equivalency tests.

While successful completion of these tests is not required per se, the results will inform the offer made at interview. This may result in an offer of pre-course support through, for example, a short programme of literacy or numeracy workshops prior to the programme starting. Edge Hill and partner centres will liaise to arrange provision as required.

Summary 2013/14

• Gain eligibility for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status
• Enrol on a course that's perfect for graduates seeking to specialise in the teaching of their subject within the Post-Compulsory sector;
• Join an ideal pre-service route for those seeking a career change;
• Ideal for graduates already working as a teacher or trainer who want an approved qualification from one of the leading providers of teacher training in the UK.

"Edge Hill University provides its trainees, regardless of their chosen age range, with outstanding training": Grade 1 'outstanding' results across all 33 inspected outcomes - Ofsted Initial Teacher Education inspection report, 12/5/2011.

This programme carries eligibility for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.

By choosing to study for a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education & Training (Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector), you can gain a Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS)endorsed qualification. This can be used in your area of education, whether you teach in an FE college, work-based learning setting or public sector training such as the Police, Health Service, Prison Service and voluntary sector.

2013 Entry Requirements

To join this PGCE you should have an honours degree (2:2) in an appropriate subject, that is clearly part of the Post-Compulsory curriculum. Exceptions to this can be made and individual circumstances will be taken into account. For applicants with a degree in a subject not related to the post-compulsory curriculum, other suitable Level 3 qualifications may be considered.

In line with LLUK guidance it is desirable for candidates to have GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above. For candidates who have not achieved these qualifications, then equivalency will be sought. This could be National Key Skills Test in Communication or Numeracy or other appropriate qualifications that can demonstrate the breadth of achievement against National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2. Candidates not able to demonstrate equivalency in these ways will be asked to undertake the Edge Hill Equivalency tests.

While successful completion of these tests is not required per se, the results will inform the offer made at interview. This may result in an offer of pre-course support through, for example, a short programme of literacy or numeracy workshops prior to the programme starting. Edge Hill and partner centres will liaise to arrange provision as required.

Details

Who is this course for?

You may already be teaching or training in the Post-Compulsory or Lifelong Learning Sector and realise the importance of constantly developing your skills. Alternatively, you may be looking for a first career in education or training or a career change that will allow you to build on your professional experience.

What will I gain from this programme?

Whatever educational setting you work in, you will gain a range of skills which will make you a better teacher or trainer, as well as giving you an approved qualification to teach. If you are entering the sector for the first time it will equip you with practical skills and insights to establish you as a confident and credible teacher or trainer.

This programme is fully endorsed by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) who are the government body responsible for the National Professional Standards for Teaching and Learning within the Lifelong Learning Sector.

The National Professional Standards stipulate the minimum professional requirement in terms of knowledge, skills and professional values. Once you have completed this programme, and you have gained employment as a teacher, trainer/tutor in the sector, you will be eligible to apply for Qualified Teacher Status Learning and Skills (QTLS) as part of the professional formation process.

What will I study?

The course has six modules which give you a range of skills and knowledge from preparing for teaching, learning and assessment to subject specific teaching and learning. They also provide an opportunity for an award at Level 7, subject to achievement in the initial Level 6 modules. A Postgraduate Certificate in Education is available to trainees who achieve 60 credits at Level 6 and 60 credits at Level 7.

Having established essential knowledge and skills to determine your professional practice in the classroom, the subsequent modules cover broader topics such as evaluating the learner experience and curriculum design. An investigation into current issues in Post-compulsory Education and Training that are most relevant to each individual student's setting is also undertaken.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is through coursework and observations of teaching and training.

The assessment strategies are varied but have significant focus on developing knowledge and skills that will be useful in the classroom or workshop, rather than 'academic' essays. Several modules are assessed through portfolios of evidence drawn from the trainee's practice and thus encourage the development of innovation in teaching and learning activities.

During the programme each trainee will be observed eight times. These observations will be shared between tutors and work-based mentors. This approach offers the trainee feedback not only on generic aspects of teaching but also the teaching of their subject specialism.

What are my career prospects?

Three accredited awards are available within the overall programme:

• Certificate of Credit (An Initial Award sometimes known as the LLUK Passport to Teach) (Level 6)
• An Advanced Certificate (also known as Certificate to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector or CTLLS). This is an intermediate award for those working in an Associate Teacher role.
• A PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education and Training (also known as Diploma to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector or DTLLS). This provides eligibilty for QTLS.

Under the regulations of the Department for Education for the sector, teachers within Sixth Form and FE Colleges must begin an LLUK recognised teaching qualification within two years of commencing employment. A recognised teaching qualification is essential to confirm the original appointment and without it promotion and progress is unlikely and job tenure may not be guaranteed.

For those candidates who may be experienced, and even qualified, within their professional sector, e.g. police and NHS trainers, undertaking a nationally recognised qualification will provide wider employment opportunities.

Further study at Edge Hill University

As someone who works in an educational setting, you will be keen to build your skills as your career progresses. The Faculty of Education at Edge Hill University is the largest provider of Professional Development courses for teachers and tutors in the country, enabling you to gain further qualifications through your work in the educational setting or via further study such as the Postgraduate Diploma or Masters Degree in Post-Compulsory Education and Training.

How do I apply?

Apply online at www.gttr.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applygttr for more information on the application process.

Fees and Finance

The tuition fee for part-time PGCE students in academic year 2012/13 is £75 per credit (120 credits are required to complete the PGCE). Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has commissioned a review of funding for Further Education Initial Teacher Training. Following this process, consultation on the potential availability of bursaries for Post-Compulsory Education and Training PGCE students in academic year 2012/13 is ongoing. The government is still to announce a final decision.

For more information on financial support for part-time PGCE students in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/pgcefees2012flex.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradopendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many postgraduate study fairs taking place across the UK and Ireland.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader, please contact:

• Jane Wood, Faculty of Education, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 650949
• Email: woodj@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

• Preparing, Planning and Developing Effective Teaching, Learning and Assessment
• Personal Development and Professional Practice (Portfolio)
• Theories and Practice of Teaching and Learning
• Personal Development and Professional Practice (Current Issues)
• Designing and Developing PCET Curriculum
• Evaluating the Learner Experience - Access, Progression and Achievement