This module is designed to develop your understanding of pedagogy and its impact
The information for Further Education PGCE at University of East London as at 15 May 2026.
Back to course page: https://www.uel.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/pgce-further-education
Further Education PGCE
Overview
If you are interested in teaching a diverse range of students in the post-16 sector, this full time, pre-service PGCE programme equips you with the knowledge and practical skills you need to teach your subject specialism in the following education settings:
- Sixth Form Colleges
- Further Education Colleges
- Adult and Community Learning
- Prison and Young Offender Education
The programme will help you to develop the professional skills needed to teach in the post-16 sector and provide you with an enhanced understanding of the qualifications taught in the sector such as GCSEs, A’ Levels and vocational qualifications as well as adult literacy and numeracy and Access to HE programmes.
In addition to developing your professional skills, you will be able to demonstrate a secure understanding of your subject specialism (‘subject-ness’) and the academic and/or vocational contexts in which it is taught. Through research-informed, socially just and inclusive pedagogy, you will also develop an enhanced understanding of what effective teaching looks in the education sector you train in (‘sector-ness’).
Many of our trainees go on to gain employment with the college or learning provider they trained with. As our UEL alumni have progressed in their teaching career, many have also taken on a mentoring roles for our PGCE trainees.
Course modules
Year 1
The Further Education PGCE blends theoretical understanding with practical teaching experience. Through the Pedagogy and Professional Practice module, you'll deepen your grasp of pedagogy and its impact on learning within your subject specialism. This equips you to confidently plan lessons, implement diverse teaching and assessment strategies, and refine your professional approach through focused development and reflection. The Active Enquiry and Intervention module hones your ability to critically engage with educational research and action research. You'll develop evidence-informed pedagogical approaches to design, implement, and reflect on classroom interventions that genuinely enhance learner progress. Finally, the College-Based Learning module requires you to build a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your progress and development throughout the year, drawn from your teaching placements and ongoing reflective practice.
Pedagogy and Professional Practice (Core Modules)
Active Enquiry and Intervention: Impacting upon Learner Progress (Core Modules)
At the end of this module, students will be able to: Knowledge Thinking skills Subject-based practical skills
College Based Learning (Core Modules)
The module requires you to produce and maintain a portfolio of evidence of your
Entry requirements
September 2026 - PGCE
Academic requirements
Accepted Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree with minimum Second Class (2:2) or equivalent in any subject.
- GCSE English and Maths grade A*-C/9-4.
- Satisfactory references. Satisfactory personal statement.
International Qualifications
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit our International page for full details.
Mature applicants and those without formal qualifications
As an inclusive university, we recognise those who have been out of education for some time may not have the formal qualifications usually required. We welcome applications from those who can demonstrate their enthusiasm and commitment to study and have the relevant life/work experience that equips them to succeed on the course. However, please note that PGCE teacher training courses require applicants to meet the minimum entry requirements outlined above.
Application and interview
- In order to assess your suitability for the course, please ensure you address this in your application form as well as state which subject(s) you intend to train in. We would typically expect applicants to hold a degree in the subject they wish to train in for academic subjects, or substantial relevant work/industry experience for vocational subjects.
- If your initial application is successful, we will offer you an interview with one of the teaching team for which you will typically be asked to prepare a short presentation on a topic related to your chosen subject specialism*. You will also be asked about your knowledge and understanding of context in which your subject is taught in the post-16 sector. Following the interview, you will be required to complete some tasks in timed conditions which will be assessed as part of the interview process.
- Further information will be provide on receipt of an application.
*In order to provide the requisite subject specialist support and placement experience, we welcome applications for subjects that are currently taught in sixth form, further education and adult learning settings so it is imperative you have researched these before making your application as your suitability for the course will be assessed on this basis. Please note that the below list is indicative only of these subject areas. If you wish to apply to teach a subject not listed within the subject areas below, please enquire before making an application:
- Maths (including numeracy, Finance, Accounting, Economics)
- English/Literacy/ESOL
- Science and Applied Science
- Humanities (including Geography, History, Philosophy)
- Business
- IT/Computing
- Social Sciences (including Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Law)
- Health and Social Care
- Early Years and Childcare
- Visual Arts (including Art and Design, Fashion & Textiles)
- Drama and Performing Arts
- Creative and Digital Media
- SEND
- MFL
- Sport/Physical Education
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Applicants for this course are required to complete a Student Suitability Declaration and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You need to complete and pay for your DBS check prior to starting the course. In some cases, this process can take a few weeks so you need to ensure you leave enough time for this to avoid delays to enrolment.
Health check
Applicants for this course are required to complete and pay for an occupational health check prior to starting the course.
Admissions policy / Terms of Admittance
We are committed to fair admissions and access by recruiting students regardless of their social, cultural or economic background. Our admissions policy sets out the principles and procedures we use to admit new students for all courses offered by the university and its partners.
Further advice and guidance
You can speak to a member of our Applicant Enquiries team on +44 (0)20 8223 3333, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, you can visit our Information, Advice and Guidance centre.
What makes this course different?
Rated Outstanding by Ofsted
Our primary and further education provision has been rated outstanding by Ofsted highlighting that we provide exceptional teacher education and training.
Teach in a variety of settings
The PGCE: PCET allows you to teach in various settings beyond primary and secondary schools, such as FE colleges, adult learning centers, sixth form colleges, and youth/offender services.
QTLS
Upon completion, you can gain QTLS status by joining the Society for Education and Training and completing professional formation. Note, UEL does not confer this status but can support you.
Fees, funding and additional costs
Fees
Course fees for new postgraduate students are provided on our individual postgraduate course pages.
Full-time courses are generally charged by the year, and there is a separate charging structure for international students.
Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.
See our tuition fees policy and fee status assessment for more information.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course from September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fee regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
Funding
Home students
Postgraduate Loans Scheme
Postgraduate loans
Postgraduate loans (PGL) provide non-means-tested loans to taught and research master's students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs. Applications are made directly through Student Finance England.
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
- if you've studied a postgraduate course before
- your course
- your age
- your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found on the Government's Postgraduate Loan webpage.
Use our funding calculator to explore more funding options.
Postgraduate Scholarship
Apply for a 50 per cent discount on your tuition fees! You can get a 50 per cent discount on course fees through a UEL Postgraduate Scholarship.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about the full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.
Use our funding calculator to explore more funding options.
Our scholarships and bursaries can help you
How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification, you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?
If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship - up to 25% fee waiver *exclusions apply.
- Early Payment Discount - 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship - 100% fee waiver
- Hardship Bursary - up to £3,000
- Sport Scholarships - Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
How to pay your fees
There are several ways you can pay your fees to UEL.
Full information on making payments can be found on our Finance page.
If you wish to discuss payments to the University, please contact our Income Team on 020 8223 2974, or you can email creditcontrol@uel.ac.uk
Ideas for funding your postgraduate study
Below are some ideas on how to fund your postgraduate study:
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries - if you are an international applicant you do not need to apply for a scholarship. You will be assessed when you apply for a course.
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
Use our funding calculator to explore your options.
Contact us
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Live chat: Click the live chat icon in the bottom left of the screen
Phone: 020 8223 4444
International students
Living costs for a UK Student visa
As part of the Student visa requirements, you are required to have sufficient funds to study in the UK.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimates that you will need £1,529* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, textbooks, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry.
Most Student visa holders are required to show they have sufficient living costs (a maximum of nine months) for the course when applying for their visa - a total of £13,761* - in addition to any unpaid course fees, as stated on the CAS. You can find more information about specific requirements on our page about applying for a student visa from outside the UK.
*Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change, and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please check our Visa and Immigration Advice pages for more information at the time of preparing your Student visa application.
How to pay your fees - international students
Deposits and paying by instalments
International students are required to pay a deposit before being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions on our paying your fees page.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admission and fee policy.
International scholarships
You may be eligible to apply for a scholarship to study at the University of East London. Our International Office can provide guidance on opportunities available in your home country, the UK, or within your specific subject area. Our scholarships include:
Contact us
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Additional costs
You will be required to cover the costs of travel to your teaching placement. The University is not responsible for this.
There are also additional costs associated with getting DBS and Fitness to Teach
What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.
Please visit our Research section to find out more.
Your future career
This course gives you a practical qualification that ensures you meet the Professional Standards to teach lifelong and post-compulsory learners in a variety of contexts.
Career options
Many people continue to seek education after leaving school, whether they are adult learners looking for additional skills and qualifications, or younger students at a further education college - with this qualification, you will be trained to teach across a variety of contexts and will be equipped to find work in settings including:
- Colleges of Further Education
- Adult Learning Colleges/Centres
- Community Learning Colleges/Centres
- Prisons and Youth Offending Services
- Sixth Form Colleges
- Sixth Form Centres
- Libraries
Your career opportunities will be diverse thanks to the wide applicability of the training and it can also be a stepping stone into other youth work, coaching and mentoring roles in different sectors.
How we support your career ambitions
We offer dedicated careers support, and further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking. Our courses are created in collaboration with employers and industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed. You can focus on building interpersonal skills through group work and benefit from our investment in the latest cutting-edge technologies and facilities.
Career Zone
Our dedicated and award-winning team provide you with careers and employability resources, including:
- Online jobs board for internships, placements, graduate opportunities, flexible part-time work.
- Mentoring programmes for insight with industry experts
- 1-2-1 career coaching services
- Careers workshops and employer events
- Learning pathways to gain new skills and industry insight
Mental Wealth programme
Our Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme which issues you with a Careers Passport to track the skills you’ve mastered. Some of these are externally validated by corporations like Amazon and Microsoft.
We are careers first
Our teaching methods and geographical location put us right up top
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship support
- Ranked 2nd for graduate start-ups (2023/24)
- Networking and visits to leading organisations
- Support in starting a new business, freelancing and self-employment
- London on our doorstep
How you'll learn
Theory and practice are interlinked throughout the course; you will have the opportunity to develop your skills through hands-on teaching practice while completing written assignments to demonstrate your understanding of the principles of teaching. You will also engage in self-reflection and evaluate the teaching of others to develop and enhance your professional teaching skills and subject knowledge.
Placement
The course begins with an intensive training period of university-based taught sessions before you are inducted into placement. The majority of the year is spent in one placement with one day a week at university but you will also spend a minimum of 20 hours at a second, complementary placement to gain a broader understanding of the different settings within the sector. We work with a wide range of partnership colleges and learning providers in the East London and wider London area to give you access to the best placement experiences and mentoring to support you in your training year.
How you'll be assessed
Coursework in three modules:
- Pedagogy and Professional Practice (30 credits)
- Active Enquiry (30 credits)
- College-Based Learning (60 credits)
Successful completion of the three modules will result in a Level 7 Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Further Education) qualification.
60 of these credits may be carried forward onto further postgraduate level study,
Your teaching placement experience*:
From September 2024, you will be required to teach a minimum of 150 independent teaching hours (at least 100 hours have to be in your subject specialism). You will also be required to undertake 100 hours of ‘placement experience’ which could comprise meetings, training, observations of other teaching, student assessment activities and extra-curricular involvement.
You will be supported by a UEL tutor as well as a subject specialist mentor and a pastoral (‘local’) mentor in your placement throughout the year, and, between them, they will carry out 10 lesson observations. Your placement mentors will also submit a termly review report of your progress.
On successful completion of the course, trainees are eligible to apply for QTLS as a member of the Society of Education and Training. Please note that UEL does not confer this status, but will support you in your application.
*We will provide support in finding you a suitable placement with our partner colleges within the London area. Whilst we will make every effort to source a placement close to your home, please note that you should be prepared to pay for and travel anywhere within the wider London area and up to 90 minutes each way. If you have a provisional placement agreed or have a preference for a particular college, please make this known at the application/interview stage.
Campus and facilities
Stratford Campus, London, E15 4LZ
Our historic Stratford campus is located in one of the best-connected areas of London: close to Stratford's thriving town centre, the 2012 Olympic Park, just 15 minutes from London's West End and 20 minutes from Canary Wharf.
Stratford’s facilities include a state-of-the-art library and learning centre, the majestic great hall and specialist laboratories and computing services. The School of Childhood and Social Care, and Centre for Clinical Education in Podiatry, Physiotherapy and Sports Science are housed in new buildings. There is also a campus restaurant and bookshop, and a Students' Union café-bar.
Westfield Stratford City - Europe's largest indoor shopping mall - is just one of Stratford's attractions, alongside many other shops, cafés, bars, restaurants and cinemas. Stratford is fast becoming London's new cultural quarter, with Sadler's Wells East and V&A East moving in.
Who teaches this course
This course is delivered by School of Childhood and Social Care
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Havva Oykener School of Childhood and Social Care
Hannah Golamgouse-Toraub School of Childhood and Social Care