Professional Certificate in Education (ProfCert) in Post compulsory Education and Training (PcET)

In a nutshell

Formal awards are becoming increasingly important for those entering the teaching sector in Wales. These flexible courses will give you a recognised qualification to work in the post compulsory education and training sector (adult education).

This course is available as part of a Personal Learning Account (PLA). PLA is an initiative from the Welsh Government which offers people the chance to access free, part-time courses with flexible and convenient learning that fits around their existing lifestyle (subject to eligibility).

This course is for...

... anyone over 19, living in Wales, in employment and earning less than £29,534 a year

... those working as a trainer and wish to gain a formal qualification

... everyone that enjoys to teach others and share expertise in a particular subject

... anyone looking to work in adult education, not primary or secondary

Course content

If you have not previously completed a degree, you will study the certificate route.

If you are a graduate then the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education route is for you.

You will learn about the whole process of preparing, delivering and evaluating lessons, from writing a lesson plan to methods of assessment. You will also have the opportunity to share good practice and develop your teaching skills.

Assessment

You’ll be continually assessed through a mixture of written assignments and presentations. In addition, students will be observed teaching on at least three separate occasions per year. There are no formal exams.

Entry Requirements

All applicants must hold a minimum of at least a level 3 qualification in the subject they wish to teach.

All applicants must be in, or secure, a teaching/training placement for each year of studying; evidence of 50 hours of teaching and 20 hours observation are required.

As part of the interview process, you will be expected to deliver a five minute presentation.

Additional information

You will attend college for classes on a part time basis, as well as teaching in an appropriate post-compulsory education setting. This will consist of between 150 and 200 hours attendance during the two years of the course.

Successful completion qualifies you to teach in professional non-compulsory education in your chosen subject.

You could go on to study a MA in Leadership and Management (PCET) or (FE), or other MA education and linked pathways/courses.

This course is franchised by the University of South Wales.

DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) is mandatory for your teaching placement.

This course does not qualify you for teaching within the secondary or primary sector, and does not provide Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) on completion.