Professional Graduate Certificate (PgCE) Post Compulsory Education and Training (PcET)

About this course

The Professional Graduate Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) qualifies you to teach in the further, adult and vocational education sector.  It is a full, nationally-recognised teaching qualification, specifically designed for those aiming to teach a vocational subject in areas such as Business, Health and Social Care, Media and IT.

The course aims to develop student teachers

• Who are new to social sciences discourse (e.g. artists, engineers, performers)

• Who may later be interested in pursuing Master’s study in their own subject discipline

Once with us, you will develop skills, confidence and understanding of learning, teaching and assessment in your subject.

What you will study

This course prepares you for a career as a teacher within the Post Compulsory sector and also provides an introduction to university study in a friendly and supportive environment.

The Professional Graduate Certificate in Post Compulsory Education consists of six 20 credit modules:

Planning for Learning

This module provides an introduction to teaching in theory and practice, with an opportunity to try things out and a practical assessment.

Assessing for Learning

This module enables you to get to know your learners better, and to plan to meet their needs.  You’ll also be supported in the creative use of learning technology for assessment.

Developing Professional Practice

This module runs throughout the year and includes planning and managing 50 hours of taught sessions, being observed teaching, evaluating and reflecting on your own practice, and action planning for your own personal development.

Practice-based Research

This module provides a research project ‘taster’.  You will undertake a case study of a learner and develop research skills such as interviewing and other data collection, to help you find out more about your learner and about effective teaching.

Literacies for Learning

This is a chance to explore ideas about all kinds of communication and literacy (digital, visual, graphic, written etc.) in your everyday life and your teaching.  The module is assessed via a fun and interactive exhibition which you contribute to.

Extending Professional Practice

This builds on your professional learning in Developing Professional Practice, as you continue to plan, teach, reflect and be observed.  You will also look beyond the classroom towards the post-compulsory education landscape and learn new technology/animation skills for an assesses presentation.

Teaching Practice

Teaching practice in the full teaching role is at the heart of the qualification (50 hours per year).  It provides the foundation for all your learning in every module throughout the course. 

Whilst on a teaching practice placement, you also need to undertake observation of other practioners, and to take part in the life of the placement institution more broadly.

Important points

• The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.

• Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.

• Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.

• Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.

• Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.

• All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.

• Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.

• Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.