Certificate of Education

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Evidence of level 2 Literacy
Evidence of level 2 Numeracy

Evidence of a qualification higher than level 2 (e.g. A-levels, BTEC National Diplomas, degree etc)

An appropriate qualification for the subject you intend to teach

75 hours (or more) guaranteed teaching time for each year of the two-year course

WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?People who are already teaching, instructing and/or assisting learning, whether in public or private organisations in the PCET sector.
People who wish to gain the new qualifications PTLLS, CTLLS and DTLLS (the award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector and the subsequent Certificate and Diploma).

WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The course has been mapped out against SVUK and other teaching standards. It is presented and assessed against six key areas of study:
- identification and support of learners needs;
- planning and design;
- delivery of teaching and learning;
- assessment of learning;
- professional practice and evaluation;
- issues in post-compulsory education.

In Year 1 you will concentrate on practical teaching and planning skills, development of teaching resources, and identifying and supporting the needs of individual students. Year 2 puts more emphasis on research and critical analysis of teaching and learning activities, course planning, and the management of teaching in PCET.

HOW WILL I LEARN?
The course runs once a week over 30 weeks. A variety of methods will be employed, with a strong emphasis on sharing good practice between us. Assessment is entirely through coursework and observation (i.e. no final examination). There are 6 assignments in the first year and another 6 in the second, typically around 2000 words each. Tasks will help you to develop skills and understanding in your own area and the wider context of PCET. You will be observed on a number of occasions teaching/training in your own environment.

WHAT CAN THIS COURSE LEAD TO?
You will already be teaching, but with this qualification you should be able to find increasing opportunity to undertake training and lecturing in a much wider variety of contexts and institutions. The course covers everything needed for the new qualifications PTLLS, CTLLS and DTLLS, so you will be able to achieve QTLS after a period of professional formation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please note that you must have certificates showing that you have met the pre-entry requirements. After your application form has been received, you will be required to send copies of your certificates, along with a letter from your employer stating that you are a suitable candidate and that you will definitely have at least 75 hours teaching between September 2009 and May 2010. When these have been received and verified by the course tutor, then you will be interviewed for the course. Prospective candidates who need to gain Level 2 in Adult Literacy or Numeracy should visit the COOL Spot

This matter should be addressed urgently. Some applicants have jeopardised their places "and, in some cases, have been unable to join the class at all" because their certificates could not be found, or because they could not achieve level 2 passes in time. Leaving it to the last minute places unnecessary stress on you, the tutors and the administrators.

Please note also that the university may well demand the full annual fee as early as October. A mandatory grant is available if this is your first teaching qualification at this level. The grant covers approximately two thirds of the fees, but it does not always come through straight away. There are two implications for you, therefore: (1) you should be ready to pay anything up to £925 or thereabouts at the start of your course (you should receive two thirds back through the year if you receive a grant); (2) you should consider who will pay the one-third which is not covered by the grant. Student loans are available, or your employer may wish to contribute as part of staff development, or you may choose to pay it yourself; but you should address this question sooner rather than later.

Type of Study :: Course Duration :: Course reference number :: Start Date :: Tutorial Fees :: Material Fees :: Exam Fees
part time ED001 September 2010 925 20 TBC