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PGCE/CertEd (Part Time)

Marketing Title
15/09/2025
Format
11/06/2027
Format
Level 7
Part-Time
TE3001A18P (2025/2027)
Accrington & Rossendale College - Accrington & Rossendale College, Broad Oak Campus, Broad Oak Road, Accrington, BB5 2AS
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Course Information

Course Information
The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (Lifelong Learning) is designed for those aspiring to teach in the further, higher, and adult education sectors, as well as within schools offering education to learners aged 14+. Whether you are already working in teaching or training and want to progress your career, or preparing to enter the sector, this programme will help you develop the skills, confidence, and professional recognition to succeed.

You will build your expertise in teaching, learning, and curriculum development, while focusing on your chosen subject specialism. Much of your learning takes place in your own workplace or placement, allowing you to put theory into practice and gain valuable experience from day one.

On successful completion, you will be eligible to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status through the Society for Education and Training — the full professional recognition for teachers in the Lifelong Learning sector.
Semester 1
• Research Informed Teaching, Learning and Assessment
• Becoming a Subject Specialist Teacher

Semester 2
• Being a Subject Specialist Teacher
• Curriculum and Context
The PGCE (Lifelong Learning) is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study, alongside substantial learning in your workplace or placement. University Centre tutors will guide you through the latest research, teaching strategies, and curriculum design, while subject-specialist mentors support your professional practice in the classroom.

You will take part in microteaching, peer observations, and collaborative projects, helping you to reflect on and refine your teaching skills. Tutorials provide tailored academic and professional support, ensuring you can balance theory with practice as you develop into a confident, reflective practitioner.
For PGCE, a UK Honours Degree, normally 2:2 or above in your teaching area is required. For Cert Ed you should have a HNC, CGLI Advanced, NVQ or equivalent at Level 3 or 4, HNC/HND or Advanced Diploma or other professional qualification.

Plus:
Applicants will need to have a Level 2 qualification in Maths and English. This would normally be GCSE grade 4 or above, or Functional Skills Level 2 may be considered.
You are required to be in placement for a minimum of 250 hours at a recognised training or educational establishment. This needs to include a minimum of 20 hours in a second placement setting. The 250 hours should be split as follows:
• 150 hours of independent teaching practice and 100 hours of wider experience

Voluntary teaching/training may be acceptable if the university conditions are met. You will be required to identify a work-based mentor who can guide you in your subject specialism.
Appropriate work experience in the area you wish to teach.
Disclosure and Barring Scheme: Candidates who do not already have a current DBS through their employment will need to apply for one. A DBS check and disclosure of convictions are course requirements, but having a clean DBS is not a condition of entry. Where a DBS disclosure raises issues, these will be discussed with the candidate and consideration given to their impact on the availability of placements and future employability.
Essays and written assignments – linking theory to practice in your subject specialism.

Presentations and microteaching – developing communication, reflection, and classroom confidence.

Project work and case studies – analysing real-world teaching and learning scenarios.

A teaching practice portfolio – evidencing your skills and professional development through observed teaching sessions.

A final dissertation or extended project – allowing in-depth research into an aspect of teaching and learning.
Outstanding Support – Benefit from one-to-one academic guidance, wellbeing services, and tailored careers advice throughout your studies.

Strong University Partnership – This course is validated by the University of Huddersfield.

Specialist Facilities – Access purpose-built learning environments including counselling pods, a VR suite, and a dedicated University Centre.

Proven Success – Students achieve some of the highest satisfaction and progression rates in the region, moving into employment or postgraduate study.

Financial and Practical Help – From bursaries and equipment loans to free breakfast and gym access, we provide wide-ranging support to help you succeed.
On successful completion of the PGCE (Lifelong Learning), you will be well-prepared for a teaching career across the further, higher, and adult education sectors, as well as in schools working with learners aged 14+. Typical roles include Further Education Lecturer, Trainer in Work-Based Learning, Adult and Community Learning Tutor, or Specialist Subject Lecturer.

Graduates are also eligible to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status through the Society for Education and Training, gaining full professional recognition within the sector. Many progress into leadership roles such as Curriculum Leader or Programme Manager, while others continue to postgraduate study to further enhance their expertise and professional standing.
As a PGCE (Lifelong Learning) student, you will study within our dedicated University Centre, offering modern teaching rooms, IT suites, and collaborative learning spaces tailored for higher-level study. The Learning Resource Centre provides access to a wide range of teaching and learning materials, journals, and digital databases to support your assignments and research.

You will also benefit from access to specialist teaching spaces and resources relevant to your subject specialism, ensuring your professional practice reflects real classroom environments. Alongside these facilities, you will receive tailored academic and wellbeing support, helping you to develop as a confident, reflective practitioner.
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