Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills PGCE (QTLS)

Certificate in Education

Professional Graduate Certificate in Education

What does the course involve?

The Certificate in Education (QTLS) and Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (QTLS) are professional qualifications for people teaching in further education colleges, sixth form centres, adult education, community learning and a wide range of other training and educational settings that are outside the schools sector.

The programmes are available to graduates and to non-graduates with appropriate vocational qualifications. The programme can be studied full-time or part-time.The two year, part-time programme will be of interest to teachers and trainers who are already in full or part-time employment. The full-time programme will benefit those who wish to obtain a teaching qualification before seeking employment. The full-time programme of study assumes no teaching experience and students are provided with a supervised teaching placement (subject to availability).

The course is designed to develop a range of skills and knowledge required of a professional teacher in the Learning and Skills Sector.The programme places a significant emphasis on students developing the appropriate skills and knowledge they require to meet the needs of the learner. The fundamental principles of practice are underpinned by reference to theoretical perspectives, thus encouraging students to effectively link theory to practice.

The Awards have been designed to fully meet new statutory requirements for those teaching in the Learning and Skills Sector and have been designed in accordance with Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) specifications. From September 2007, any new unqualified teacher with a full teaching role will be required to achieve QTLS status within five years.

The PGCE (QTLS) or Cert Ed (QTLS) qualification is appropriate for someone teaching in a full teaching role with a minimum of 150 hours of teaching in the Learning and Skills Sector.

According to Lifelong Learning UK (who are the Sector Skills Council for the Learning and Skills Sector) all those entering the profession who take on the full responsibilities of a teacher are performing this full teacher role. This can be described as someone who:

  • Teaches a range of levels, subjects and learner types
  • Teaches across or contributes to a range of programmes of varying lengths
  • Uses materials they have designed and evaluated themselves

The PGCE/Cert Ed (QTLS) programme aims to:

  • Provide an initial training of a high quality for practising and intending teachers/tutors/trainers in the lifelong learning sector that meets the requirements of Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status for those teaching/tutoring/training in the lifelong learning sector as articulated by Lifelong Learning UK
  • Develop a range of self-development skills which will enable participants to continue their personal and professional development beyond the framework of the programme.

What modules will I study?

Mandatory Modules

First Year Modules: Preparing for Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector, Planning and Enabling Learning, Enabling Learning and Assessment, Theories and Principles of Planning and Enabling Learning, and Subject Specific: Teaching and Learning.

Second Year Modules: Continuing Personal and Professional Development, Curriculum Design for Inclusive Practice, and Wider Professional Practice.

 

Further course information|

Fact File

Typical Entry Requirements:

Entry requirements vary according to the qualification candidates are applying for

Qualifications offered are as follows:

1. Part-time Certificate in Education: Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills (Cert Ed QTLS)

In order to satisfy the minimum general requirements for admission applicants must:

  • Have a good command of written and spoken English, sufficient to be able to aim to produce assignments at level 5
  • Have 150 teaching practice hours in a full teacher role within the Lifelong Learning Sector (this is normally 75 hours in year 1 and 75 hours in year 2)
  • Possess at least a minimum level 3 qualification in his/her own area of specialism
  • Numeracy skills or willingness to develop
  • Have a workplace and/or specialist mentor identified by their organisation who is available to support them throughout the programme

2. Part-time Professional Graduate Certificate in Education: Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills (PGCE QTLS)

In order to satisfy the minimum general requirements for admission applicants must:

  • Have a good command of written and spoken English, sufficient to be able to aim to produce assignments at level 6
  • Have 150 teaching practice hours in a full teacher role within the Lifelong Learning Sector (this is normally 75 hours in year 1 and 75 hours in year 2)
  • Possess a first degree or equivalent qualification
  • Numeracy skills or willingness to develop
  • Possess at least a minimum level 3 qualification in his/her own area of specialism
  • Have a workplace and/or specialist mentor identified by their organisation who is available to support them throughout the programme

3. Full-time Certificate in Education Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills (Cert Ed QTLS)

In order to satisfy the minimum general requirements for admission applicants must:

  • Have a good command of written and spoken English, sufficient to be able to aim to produce assignments at level 5
  • Numeracy skills or willingness to develop
  • Possess at least a minimum level 3 qualification in his/her own area of specialism
  • Academic and/or industrial and commercial experience related to chosen curriculum area 
  • Authorise a Criminal Records Bureau check

4. Full-time Professional Graduate Certificate in Education Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills (PGCE QTLS)

In order to satisfy the minimum general requirements for admission applicants must:

  • Possess a first degree or equivalent qualification
  • Have a good command of written and spoken English, sufficient to be able to aim to produce assignments at level 5
  • Numeracy skills or willingness to develop
  • Academic and/or industrial and commercial experience related to chosen curriculum area
  • Authorise a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Location:

Part time – Ipswich Campus (campus code I), Bury St Edmunds Centre (campus code B), Lowestoft Centre (campus code L) and Great Yarmouth Centre (campus code Y)

Full time - Ipswich Campus (campus code I), Otley Centre (campus code O)

Duration:

One year full-time, two years part-time

Application Information:

How to Apply|
Further Information: