PGCE Post Compulsory Education and Training (PcET)

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 University of South Wales at Newport has led the field in vocational teacher education in Wales for many years, on our campus in Caerleon, in our partner FE colleges and more recently in our riverside campus in the center of Newport. 

The course aims to develop student teachers:

• who are familiar with/confident about social sciences discourse
• who may later be interested in pursuing Master’s study in Education
• whose writing is already at Master’s level (assessed during application)

You would need to hold a level 6 qualification in their teaching subject area, along with one or more year’s vocational experience in their teaching subject (where relevant). 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 Postgraduate Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PcET) 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 professional 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 assessed presentation.