Postgraduate Certificate in Further Education (PGCE in FE)

The PGCE in FE is the required Level 7 qualification for graduates who wish to become teachers in the further education and skills sector (post-16). Please note this is not a qualification for teaching in schools, this is to teach in FE colleges.

The course runs for five days a week from September to June:

• 3 days teaching placement in an Exeter College faculty
• 2 days taught PGCE classes at Hele Road site

You will gain theoretical and practical knowledge about the role of the teacher/trainer in the FE sector. You will be given a teaching placement in Exeter College and develop your practical skills in your subject area. Within PGCE taught sessions you will meet a range of trainees from other subject areas and will share experiences, skills and knowledge. You will learn how to plan, deliver and assess learners in your subject area with a focus on active and inclusive learning. You will also study curriculum design and how to reflect on and develop your own practice.

You will study four 30 credit modules and each module submission is assessed by a 5,500 word assignment. You will also maintain evidence of reflections on your practical teaching experiences in Exeter College within a Teaching File. This programme contributes to professional formation QTLS status.
Please note this is not a qualification for schools, this is to teach in post 16 colleges.

We encourage you to apply for this course as soon as possible, as placements are offered on a first come, first served basis.

You will study four modules:
• Learning and Teaching in FE
• Research Project: Theories of Learning and Managing Behaviour
• Curriculum Studies
• Professional Studies

You will learn about relevant educational principles and theories and will reflect on how you can apply these in your specialist area. You will be assessed on your practical teaching skills through tutor and mentor observations and on your academic skills through a portfolio of extended written work built up throughout the course.

The course is delivered by taught sessions, group activities, discussions and independent research and reflection tasks.

There are government bursaries available for some subject specialisms – maths, science, engineering, computing, English, SEND. For more details available click here.

You could progress to teaching in FE colleges.

Watch this video to learn more about the PGCE and Cert Ed courses available at Exeter College.

Click here to download Programme Handbook.

All candidates must have:

• An Honours degree of 2:2 or above, relevant to the subject the applicant is planning to teach
• GCSE English/O-Level/Access or GCSE equivalent qualification (Grade C/4 or above)
• GCSE Maths/O-Level/Access or GCSE equivalent qualification (Grade C/4 or above)
• Good digital/ICT skills

Candidates must also pay for their own DBS check through Exeter College. Depending on your circumstances, you are likely to be eligible for a student loan to cover fees.

Information on funding can be found at Teacher training funding – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Information on government bursaries for some subject specialisms – maths, science, engineering, computing, English, SEND can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/fe-funding-initial-teacher-education-ite-bursary/fe-ite-bursary-funding-manual-2024-to-2025

If you are interested we strongly advise that you speak to the Adult Advice Team – call 01392 400170 or email adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk 

You will have access to the College Learning Resource Centres. There are refectories in all main buildings, plus the @34 restaurant and take-away facility.  There is a student shop and Student Unions at both the College and University.  There is advice and support for students via the Adult Advice office in the dedicated adult/higher education and Digital and Data Centre ​at the Hele Road main site. You will also have access to the University of Exeter study and leisure facilities across all their campuses.

Staff have extensive experience across research and the FE education sector and they continue to practice and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current, and industry informed ensuring you get the most relevant and up to date education possible.

Staff who will support you on this programme are:

• Sarah Mandeno – Head of Faculty for Professional and Adult Learning (PAL)
• Jane May – Teacher Education Lead and Programme Director for PGCE and Cert Ed, PAL Faculty, Cert Ed Year 2 tutor and PGCE lecturer
• Helen Corbett – Programme Lead, PAL Faculty, Cert Ed Year 1 tutor and PGCE lecturer
• Dr Beth Curtis – Programme Lead, PAL Faculty, PGCE tutor and lecturer
• Jennifer Wignall – LRC Co-ordinator
• Kat Toomey – Adult Student Experience Lead
• Dr Emese Hall – Programme Director for University of Exeter (course validation body)

Although course textbooks are available in the College library, you may wish to buy textbooks during the course. Students will be provided with reading lists for each module. You will need to bring pen, paper or laptop to use within lessons.