The Professional 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 Hair and Beauty, Construction and Motor Vehicle Maintenance.
You will need a level 3 vocational qualification and relevant industry/sector experience to join the course. Once with us, you will develop skills, confidence and understanding of learning, teaching and assessment in your subject.
Candidates must secure a teaching placement before they can start the programme.
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 Certificate in 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.
For information on fees and financial support for Part-Time Higher Education courses click here.
There are no exams, assessment is 100% coursework.
You are assessed in many different ways including practical and interactive activities, as well as written coursework.
This course will help you develop confidence and skills in working with a range of people and using the latest technology and media. It will also prepare you for further study.
Cardiff - Thursday – 2.00pm – 7.30pm
Barry - Tuesday – 2.00pm – 7.30pm
Tuition Fees: £2,700.00
A level 3 qualification in the subject that you are going to teach. For vocational subjects it’s also important to have at least 4 years industrial experience. It is essential that students secure a teaching placement before they start the course. This must be a minimum of 50 hours of teaching per year. In addition applicants need 20 hours of observation of an experienced tutor per year. If English is not your first language you should be able to demonstrate a level of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (minimum score of 5.5 in each band). You will also require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on the Child Workforce and Child Barring List and subscription to the DBS Update Service.
Because of different chapters in life, I left school, went to college then straight into work. But teaching was still my passion so one day I thought ‘Let’s just go for it'. I chose Cardiff and Vale College because it’s got a good reputation and it’s local and easily accessible to me. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and the staff have been absolutely fantastic.
After completing the course, you could have a career as a PcET practioner within the Post Compulsory Education and Training sector, eg Further Education (FE), Training Providers, Adult and Community Learning and Work Based Learning.