Telford College is open today across all our campuses. Please travel in safely. (12/01/2026).

WANT TO
APPLY?
EDUCATION, EARLY YEARS & EDUCATION

Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Start Date : September 2026
Location : Wellington Campus

COURSE FEATURES

01

Collaborative learning environment with peer observations and group project work that strengthens professional practice

02

Opportunities to present your own research to wider professional audiences, building confidence, profile, and career credibility

03

Guest lectures from respected authors and researchers, bringing current thinking and real-world insight into the classroom

04

Extensive networking opportunities with partner colleges and university staff through events and conferences

ABOUT
COURSE

WATCH NOW

This programme is suitable for those who are looking to enter the teaching profession, as well as adult learners already working in teaching or training roles within the post-16 sector who wish to gain a full teaching qualification. It is ideal for individuals in further education, adult and community learning, work-based learning, or offender learning settings, and for those aspiring to begin a career in teaching or training in further education.

You will be supported to develop into a confident, reflective, and skilled practitioner through a blend of academic study and hands-on classroom experience. The course helps you strengthen your professional identity while building a robust and versatile teaching toolkit.

Throughout the programme, you will balance written assignments with classroom delivery and ongoing reflective practice, guided by constructive feedback and dedicated mentoring. If you are passionate about teaching and ready to take the next step in your professional development, this course provides a strong pathway forward.

This course enables you to achieve a full, nationally recognised teaching qualification while developing advanced skills in teaching, planning, and assessment. You will deepen your understanding of learning theories and inclusive practice, strengthen your professional values and responsibilities, and apply your skills in real classroom settings through structured teaching practice. The programme prepares you for teaching in further education and adult learning environments, while also building your confidence in undertaking action research to enhance and inform your practice.

This course is delivered in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, helping you develop the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in teaching through hands-on experience and academic learning.

Introduction to teaching in the lifelong learning sector
Subject specific studies
Curriculum, policy and practice
E-learning and subject specific studies
Professional development
Graduates can pursue QTLS status (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) through the Society for Education and Training, opening pathways to work in post-16 education, work-based learning, or prison education. Many students also choose to enhance their professional portfolio by completing the Level 3 Assessing Vocational Achievement qualification and the Level 4 Leading Internal Quality Assurance qualification, further strengthening their employability and progression opportunities.
Applicants should already be in a teaching role or be able to secure a suitable placement that provides at least 250 hours of teaching practice across the duration of the course, including 150 hours of direct teaching and 100 hours of teaching-related activity. For the level 5 certificate in education, applicants are expected to hold a Level 3 qualification in the subject they intend to teach. For the Level 6 Professional Graduate Certificate in Education, a degree is required. All applicants must also hold level 2 or GCSE qualifications in English and maths.

While the level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is recommended as a foundation, it is not essential. As elements of the programme involve online delivery, applicants should also have confident IT skills to support effective participation and teaching.
Assessment includes written assignments, research tasks, presentations, teaching observations, reflective journals, and a professional practice portfolio. Learners must also complete at least 10 teaching observations.
Learners will engage in peer observations, collaborative project work, and structured critical reflection to deepen their professional practice and contribute to a supportive learning community. Throughout the programme, guest lectures from respected authors and researchers enrich the learning experience, and students regularly visit the university campus to broaden their academic engagement. There are also frequent networking events with partner colleges and the University of Wolverhampton, along with access to research presentation events and conferences. Students are encouraged to take part in these events and have the opportunity to present their own research projects to wider professional audiences.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you are interested in applying for this course, please click ‘apply now‘ on this page or at the top of any page, and create a website account or sign in an account you have already created and complete the application form.

WANT TO
APPLY?
Theatre Studies session
LATEST EVENT

Open Event – October (Telford 6th)

October 7, 2026
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm