PGCE (incorporating the Diploma in Education and Training)

• Programme overview

• You are expected to complete four 30-credit modules and eight teaching observations. As a full-time trainee you are committed to a Monday-to-Friday week of academic and professional study, consisting of two full days per week of on-campus study, two days per week of professional practice placement (arranged by the University) and one day per week of independent study and research. You work closely with your colleagues on the programme, learning together and from one another, with peer support an important part of the programme organisation and learning. Your teaching observations are carried out by University tutors and subject-specialist mentors in an atmosphere of professional evaluation and support.

  Core modules

  • Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DLLS690)

    This module addresses processes, principles and theories of planning, preparing and enabling learning. It critically examines theories, principles and processes of assessment including inclusive assessment practices. It critically investigates key aspects of the roles and responsibilities of teachers, trainers and tutors in this Sector.

  • Curriculum and Society (DLLS779)

    This module critically explores curriculum theories, principles and ideologies and social, economic, political and cultural differences affecting inclusive curriculum design, equality and diversity and education for sustainable development. It enables reflexive evaluation of individual subject specialisms in relation to inclusive curriculum design.

  • Wider Practice and Professional Development (DLLS780)

    This module focuses upon notions of professionalism and wider professional practice enabling critical examination of professional conduct, accountability, quality assurance and improvement, and the wider context of teaching. Participants reflexively evaluate their professional and personal development and plan future development.

  • Theories and Principles of Managing Learning Environments (DLLS784)

    Through reflexive practice and study, this module critically evaluates theories, policies and principles for enabling inclusive learning, focusing on learning environments e.g. classroom, virtual, restricted, work-based learning, field trips and out-doors. It examines communication, resources, teaching/learning strategies and organisation policies

  Alternative outcomes

  • Curriculum and Society (DLLS679)

    This module critically explores curriculum theories, principles and ideologies and social, economic, political and cultural differences affecting inclusive curriculum design, equality and diversity and education for sustainable development. It enables critical evaluation of individual subject specialisms in relation to inclusive curriculum design.

  • Wider Practice and Professional Development (DLLS680)

  • Theories and Principles of Managing Learning Environments (DLLS684)

    Through reflective practice and study, this module critically evaluates theories, policies and principles for enabling inclusive learning, focusing on learning environments e.g. classroom, virtual, restricted, work-based learning, field trips and out-doors. It examines communication, resources, teaching/learning strategies and organisation policies.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

PGCE Cert Ed DET Programme Specification 2021 22 4823

Academic requirements

• Bachelors or masters degree in a relevant subject.
• GCSE: level 2 equivalent in both English and Maths.
  
• Good information and communications technology (ICT) skills.

Applicants with overseas qualifications can check their compatibility with the UK equivalent through UK ECCTIS, who provide an advisory service. We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Applications for this programme are made via DfE Apply.

Please ensure when submitting your application form that you are available for interview during the 40 day turnaround time following the submission of your application form. DfE stipulate for all training providers to make a decision on applications within 40 working days. If you are not able to attend your interview during this period we will be unable to make a decision and therefore DfE will reject your application by default. If you are unable to attend interview until after the 40 day period, and your application is rejected by default, you will need to re-apply. If you have any concerns about this process email us at interviewtostudy@plymouth.ac.uk.

The deadline for the receipt of international applications is 31 May 2023 for entry in September 2023.

For any further information and support to help you become a teacher, please visit getintoteaching.education.gov.uk.

Interview guidance

There is a two-stage interview process for this course. The first is conducted by a member of the teaching team, which includes a short presentation that you prepare and deliver and follows the format described below. If successful there will be a second interview with a subject specialist tutor from the placement college. This interview is to ascertain your level of subject knowledge in the areas that you might reasonably be expected to teach whilst on your teaching placement. Find more information about interviews in the Institute's interview pages.