The Professional Graduate Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PcET)/The Professional Certificate (ProfCE) in Post Compulsory Education and Training
Telephone: 01792 284098 Email: he@gcs.ac.uk
Overview
Awarding body: University of South Wales
The Professional Graduate Certificate (PgCE) in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PcET) qualifies you to teach in the further, adult and vocational education sectors (16+ years). It is a full, nationally-recognised teaching qualification, specifically designed for those with a degree aiming to teach in subject areas such as Business, Health and Social Care, Media, Law, Engineering and IT in the post-16 sector.
The Professional Certificate (ProfCE) in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PcET) qualifies you to teach in the further, adult and vocational education sectors (16+ years). It is a full, nationally-recognised teaching qualification, specifically designed for those aiming to teach vocational subjects that do not normally require a degree but require experience and industry relevant qualifications, such as Hair and Beauty, Construction and Motor Vehicle Maintenance.
Key information
- Professional Graduate Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PcET) 2:1 degree or above is desirable, or a recognised equivalent, in a relevant subject area. If you are offering a vocational subject you are normally expected also to demonstrate that you have some relevant vocational experience.
- Professional Certificate (ProfCE) Post Compulsory Education and Training PcET 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.
For both courses:
- Mathematics and English language GCSE Grade C or above, or equivalent, are desirable
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on the Child Workforce and Child Barring List and subscription to the DBS Update Service. (Overseas equivalent required for non-uk applicants)
- 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)
- Part-time applicants will be required to confirm 50 hours (minimum) of teaching, and 20 hours of observation of an experienced tutor in the first year and in second year will be required to confirm 50 hours (minimum) of teaching and 20 hours of observation/departmental duties.
- An interview is required for this course.
Modules
The Professional Graduate Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PcET)
Level 5
- Planning for learning (Year 1).
- Assessing for learning (Year 1)
- Developing Professional Practice (Year 1)
- Practice-based Research - Practice-based Action Research (Year 2)
- Literacies for Learning (Year 2)
- Extending Professional Practice (Year 2).
The Professional Certificate (ProfCE) Post Compulsory Education and Training PcET
- Planning for learning (Year 1).
- Assessing for learning (Year 1)
- Developing Professional Practice (Year 1)
- Practice-based Research - Case study of a Learner (Year 2)
- Literacies for Learning (Year 2)
- Extending Professional Practice (Year 2).
Assessment
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.
Placements
Students are expected to secure their own placement, although we do our best to support this process. The process for finding placements will be discussed further at interview.
We make every effort to ensure you have the most productive and supportive professional development experience possible.
Course costs
£2,835 per year (£945 per 20 credit). Students may be entitled to a bursary and support to study on the programmes provided they meet certain eligibility criteria.
Please note: this is above the maximum tuition fee support which is £2,625. These course costs are subject to change for 2025-2026 academic year. Students will need to pay £210 if they have a tuition fee loan.
For information on financial support - including tuition fee loans - please visit Student Finance Wales .
Additional fees
- A Laptop is required for the course - cost from around £400 upwards. Please note: students will have access to Microsoft office 365.
- £38 for a DBS check which is an essential element of this course
- £13 to join the DBS update service
- Travel to and from college, or placement
- Photocopying, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
- Printing and binding
- Gowns for graduation ceremonies.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Student may be able to gain recognition for previous learning. Please contact for advice if you feel this may be relevant, further information is available on the University of South Wales website.