Course Overview
This course is delivered at University Centre Somerset, for more information please visit www.somerset.ac.uk
This nationally-recognised course enhances your employability as a teacher in the Further Education and Skills Sector (post 16 and adult education – PLEASE NOTE we do NOT currently offer teacher training for the Primary or Secondary sectors).
It leads to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, at Level 7 or Professional Graduate Certificate in Education at Level 6 by University of Plymouth.
On successful completion, it provides the opportunity to independantly pursue Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status which could then be used to each in other educational sectors outside of FE and Skills.
Modules may include:
- Learners, Learning and Teaching
- Subject Specialist Teaching and Managing the Learning Environment
- Teaching and the Curriculum
- Professional Practice.
Assessment Methods
You will work closely with other students on the programme and colleagues in your placement setting, learning together and from one another, with peer support playing an important part of the programme organisation and learning. Your teaching observations are carried out by course tutors and subject specialist mentors in an atmosphere of professional evaluation and support. The course is assessed through a range of methods including; written coursework, professional portfolio development, 150 hours mandatory direct teaching practice, observed practice and a Viva (oral professional discussion). Progression Opportunities on completion of the course could lead to full-time or part-time employment in the Further Education and Skills sector. Recent graduates have gone on to work in a variety of Further and Higher Education institutions regionally and nationally, and staff training roles within the National Health Service.
Progression Options
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to apply for QTLS status, which will enable you to teach in a wide range of further education and skills settings.
Entry Requirements
Typically entrants will possess:
- Bachelors or Masters degree in a relevant subject (if you do not hold this level of qualification please see our Level 5 Certificate in Education offering as an alternative Teacher Training route).
- English and maths qualifications at Level 2 e.g. GCSE grade 4; grade C or equivalent or Functional skills Level 2 -Pass
- Securing an appropriate professional practice placement to include a minimum of 150 hours of direct teaching practice, plus a minimum 100 hours additional non-direct professional practice over the duration of the course. Support with exploring placement options is available at the interview stage.
- Identification of a suitable subject specialist mentor in place, prior to the commencement of the course.
- You will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority and complete a criminal convictions self-declaration form.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.