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Key details

Course area
Teacher Training
Student types
Courses for 19+ studentsUniversity Level
Course type
Full-time University Level course
Course level
Level 7
Start date
Monday 14th September 2026
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Fees
£8,250.00
Course code
Parent course code:C059170 Child course code: Q059171
UCAS course code
PGCF
UCAS institution code
N30
Fast Track Apply
UCAS Apply

Course introduction

Train to Teach in Further Education and Skills Through a College-Based PGCE

This programme is designed for graduates and professionals who want to teach in the Further Education and Skills sector, including further education colleges, sixth forms, adult and community learning, training providers and other vocational and professional settings.

The PGCE (FE and Skills) is a university validated qualification, delivered by the College, and is particularly well suited to career-changers and practitioners who want a highly supported, practice-focused route into teaching.

College-based placements

A major strength of this programme is that we can provide teaching placements within the College, where appropriate. This gives you:

  • Immediate immersion in a real FE teaching environment
  • Experience with diverse post-16 learners
  • Access to experienced subject specialists and mentors
  • A strong sense of professional identity within the FE sector
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You will become part of a teaching team from the outset, gaining confidence and credibility as a lecturer or trainer while you train.

Course structure (full-time)

This is a one-year, full-time programme, starting in September.

Teaching practice runs alongside taught modules, ensuring that theory and practice are closely integrated.

  • 2 days per week in college for taught sessions
  • 2 days per week in teaching practice
  • A minimum of 150 hours of teaching practice across the year

What you will study

The programme is designed to help you become a reflective, confident and effective FE practitioner. You will explore how people learn, how to plan and assess learning, and how to teach inclusively across a wide range of learners.

Modules include:

  • Exploring the FE Teaching Role
  • Professional Practice 1
  • Learning Theories Applied
  • Professional Practice 2
  • The Curriculum Examined
  • Core Pathway: Examining Subject Pedagogy

Teaching practice and support

Teaching practice is a central feature of the programme. You will be supported throughout by:

  • A subject specialist mentor in your placement
  • Experienced college tutors
  • Regular lesson observations and developmental feedback

In addition to teaching, you will undertake non-teaching professional activities, such as observation of experienced teachers, curriculum planning, assessment design and reflective practice.

Course information

1 year

Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Post 14 Further Education and Skills (Level 7)

You will normally need:

  • A degree in your subject specialism (usually 2:2 or above)
  • GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above
  • At least a level 3 qualification in the subject you wish to teach
  • A commitment to teaching and learning in the FE sector

All applicants will need a teaching placement or contract, which we can help to arrange, and a satisfactory interview. 

An Enhanced DBS check is required.

As a graduate, you’ll be expected to demonstrate sound intellectual and academic skills at levels 6 and 7 through a range of written and practical module assignments. The main assessment methods you will encounter are observation of professional practice, group and individual presentations as well as formal academic writing.

Successful completion of the PGCE (Education and Training) prepares you for teaching roles across the FE and Skills sector. Many trainees secure employment within their placement organisation. You may also choose to progress to turther postgraduate study in education.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)

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