university of central Lancashire POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION (EDUCATION AND TRAINING) diploma

Description

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), a dynamic public research university in Preston, Lancashire, England, is renowned for its practical, inclusive approach to teacher education and professional development, empowering aspiring educators to foster lifelong learning in diverse settings. Founded in 1828 as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge and granted university status in 1992, UCLan serves over 38,000 students from 140+ countries across its main Preston campus and additional sites in Burnley, Westlakes (Cumbria), and Cyprus. Ranked top 10 in the UK for Teacher Training (Guardian University Guide 2026) and 1st in the North West for student satisfaction in Education (National Student Survey 2024), the Faculty of Culture, Media and Creative Industries is a leader in applied pedagogy research, with 85% of outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Education and Training, also known as the Certificate in Education (CertEd) for the further education and skills sector, is a flagship postgraduate program designed for trainee teachers, trainers, and tutors in post-14 settings. This one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) qualification (60 UK credits at Level 7) Awards a distinguished UCLan degree certificate or diploma (non-classified, or with merit/distinction for 60%+ performance), providing a nationally recognized teaching qualification that enables graduates to teach in further education (FE), adult learning, sixth forms, and skills training, with 95% entering teaching roles within six months.

A Legacy of Vocational Teacher Training and Lifelong Learning

UCLan’s PGCE Education and Training, developed in the 1990s to meet the needs of the further education sector, has become a cornerstone of the university’s commitment to accessible professional development, particularly for those from diverse or non-traditional backgrounds. The program emphasizes reflective practice, inclusive pedagogy, and evidence-based teaching, aligning with standards from the Society for Education and Training (SET) and the Education and Training Foundation. Ranked top 20 in the UK for postgraduate satisfaction in Education (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024), it is delivered by experienced practitioners and researchers, fostering alumni who lead in FE colleges, prisons, community centers, and corporate training, contributing to the UK’s £20B+ further education economy.

Diverse Degree Programs and Diplomas

UCLan’s teacher training portfolio prioritizes flexibility, with the PGCE Education and Training (CertEd) requiring a Level 3 qualification in the teaching subject and GCSE equivalents in English and Maths (grade 4/C+). Delivered through blended learning (lectures, seminars, and online resources) at the Preston Campus, it includes access to facilities like the Education Simulation Suite and culminates in a diploma. Key highlights include:

• Core Structure (PGCE Education and Training): The program comprises core modules such as Teaching, Learning and Assessment in the Further Education and Skills Sector (foundational pedagogy and lesson planning), Theories and Principles of Education (educational psychology and inclusive strategies), and Professional Practice and Research (reflective portfolio and action research). It requires 150 hours of teaching practice plus 100 non-teaching hours across two placements in FE or skills settings. Compulsory elements include safeguarding training, behavior management, and ethical teaching, with assessments via lesson observations (40%), assignments (40%), and portfolios (20%). The program leads to QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status upon completion of the SET Professional Formation.
• Admission Requirements: Level 3 qualification in the subject to teach; GCSE English/Math (grade 4/C+); relevant experience (e.g., voluntary teaching). International applicants need IELTS 6.5 overall (no subscore below 6.0). Applications via UCLan’s portal; up to 200 places annually, with interviews and DBS checks.
• Variants and Pathways: PGCE Further Education and Skills (Full Teaching) (for those in full roles); progression to MA Education or Doctorate in Education; or related PGCEs in Primary/Secondary. Shorter Certificate of Credit (20 credits) taster modules available. Study abroad via international placements enhances global teaching exposure.

Why Pursue a PGCE in Education and Training at the University of Central Lancashire?

Enrolling in the UCLan PGCE Education and Training immerses you in a supportive, practitioner-led community with small cohorts (average 25 students) and facilities like the Education Observation Suite for practice simulations. The program’s blended format—praised for its “inclusive, evidence-based” structure (NSS 2024)—builds networks through school placements and SET affiliations, equipping graduates for roles as FE lecturers or trainers in diverse settings. UCLan’s top-10 UK ranking for Teacher Training (Guardian 2026) and diverse cohort (50% international) ensure strong outcomes, while its focus on reflective practice aligns with lifelong professional growth.

In summary, the University of Central Lancashire Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Education and Training) is a transformative degree certificate that ignites teaching careers in further education. For aspiring educators, UCLan’s PGCE delivers practical mastery and professional pathways.