University of Sunderland

PGCE Postgraduate Certificate in Education (OVERSEAS)

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

Applications for this programme are open from 1st February 2012 to 30th June 2012.

This programme is for overseas students only, and does not carry any state registration such as QTS.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education is an academic teaching qualification validated by the University of Sunderland.

Trainees on the course will teach and base their academic work in the subject which their degree fits them to teach, and in not more than two Key Stages and in Secondary in the subject that their degree fits them to teach.

This course is completed within one academic year, from September to June, and therefore the certificate is available for the beginning of the next academic year.

If you are looking for a similar programme which focuses on teacher training but is not at masters level, you may to consider the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education programme.

[Top]

Course Content

Core modules include:

EDE208: The Theory of Teaching 1
Three main areas will be dealt with: teaching and learning; classroom management and organisation and assessment and recording. These will be covered by generic videos/CDs related to work in schools and educational settings. There will be an emphasis on providing a firm theoretical and practical grounding in the areas mentioned, so that trainees will be well prepared for their assessed teaching experience in schools and educational setting.

Assessment will be carried out through a self study booklet that will be completed by the trainee during the module. The work also provides initial insights into students' learning strategies, abilities and attitudes on which The Practice of Teaching 1 will build. This is a five week module.

Trainees are advised to form a weekly study group to explore and discuss the issues covered that week if they are located near other trainees. If not there is a discussion forum on the web that all may join. An academic assignment is submitted to the university staff at the end of this module. (Placement trainees who are not in-service teachers will spend two days per week in their placement school during this module) Assignments are submitted and feedback retrieved electronically through "Turnitin".

EDS208: Practice of Teaching 1
This block practice of seven weeks provides trainees with the opportunity to develop, in a 'whole class situation' those teaching standards related to classroom organisation and management. The teaching experience will also help in early diagnosis of trainees' strengths and weaknesses.

Assessment will be through a profile of evidence of teaching standards. By the end of this block, trainees must have exhibited sufficient evidence for the University to be assured that they have the potential to reach adequate levels in the standards of teaching. Trainees will be observed by tutors (approximately once a week). Placement trainees should expect to teach 60% average teaching load).

EDPM01: Development of Learning: A Case Study
This module requires that students will identify an intervention employed in the classroom or in the wider school and explore its use, impact and influence upon the learning of one or more pupils. The research outcomes are written up in the form of a case study. Careful attention is paid to ethical considerations.

Assessment will involve the students submitting a proposal for their defined area of research. Once approved, they will then carry out the necessary observations and associated research leading to their final 4000 word submission of their case study. 

Students will be expected to make reference to relevant literature including recent journal articles etc. This module begins in October, with the assignment submitted in January. 

Learning is largely through independent study. Assignments are submitted and feedback retrieved electronically through "Turnitin".

EDE313: The Theory of Teaching 2
This module continues the work undertaken in the Practice of Teaching 1. Five main areas will be dealt with: students and their needs; assessment in education; continuity and progression; equal opportunities; and the wider role of the teacher. A workbook guides the trainees through the module, video lectures are provided and trainees are encouraged to work in a self-study group for support.

Final assessment is by academic written assignment, submitted to university staff at the end of the module. The emphasis will be to build on the grounding gained during The Practice of Teaching 1, allowing trainees to reflect on their practical experience of teaching and to extend their knowledge of educational issues within institutions and beyond. (Placement trainees will spend two days per week in school on observation.) Assignments are submitted and feedback retrieved electronically through "Turnitin".

EDS313: The Practice of Teaching 2
In the final seven weeks of assessed teaching, trainees will be expected to fulfil their academic and professional roles in relation to their organisation.

Assessment will be through a profile of evidence of teaching standards, the assessment of which is the responsibility of the University of Sunderland. Formative feedback will be provided by the critical colleague/mentor and SAA if available. By the end of this block, trainees must have exhibited satisfactory performance in all the prescribed teaching standards. (Placement trainees should expect to teach 75% average teaching load.)

EPDM97: Negotiated Individual Study in Education
This module involves a small scale piece of practitioner. Students are required to investigate a topic which is directly relevant to their professional practice in consultation with their tutor and colleagues. They are asked to research the area, paying careful attention to ethical considerations.

Assessment will involve the students submitting a proposal for their defined area of research. Once approved, they will carry out the necessary practitioner research which may include interviews with colleagues etc as well as field notes and observation. This will enable them to construct and submit their final 4000 word submission of their case study. Students will be expected to make reference to relevant literature including recent journal articles etc. This module begins in April, with the assignment submitted in May. Learning is largely through independent study. Assignments are submitted and feedback retrieved electronically through "Turnitin".

On successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate of Education, trainees will be awarded the appropriate certificate and may progress to Stage 2 of the MA International Education. This will require students to complete two modules from a choice of four.

[Top]

Entry Requirements

Students should hold a first degree (bachelors degree) or equivalent qualifications.

[Top]

Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

[Top]

Teaching and Assessment

The theory element of the course is a combination of video lectures from the University, self study-materials, tutorials, workshops and tutor support. All modules are set and assessed by the University.

The theory and practical elements of the programme are supported by web based materials, and trainees therefore need computer facilities with internet access and with multimedia capability.

There are two teaching practices. During these trainees are mentored and assessed by local tutors. A mentor will observe the trainee teacher in the classroom at least once per week and provide formative feedback designed to aid progression and development of teaching skills. There will be monitoring of both teaching practices by visting University staff or through the medium of video.

Final assessment of the practical elements is by the University.

[Top]

Work Experience

Applicants who intend to enter teaching will undertake placements in a school or other educational setting during the programme. Those who are employed will do the placement in their own school.

Trainees who are not employed may take the course if they can find a placement school that will take them for both seven week practice placements.

[Top]

Career Opportunities

This course is best suited to teachers wishing to enhance their career prospects in schools, or those who are working for state or national institutions who wish to broaden their pedagogical understanding of modern education practice.

[Top]

Supplemental Information

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education is an academic qualification for teachers, or those who wish to become teachers, approved by the University of Sunderland.

• The programme includes Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in which the University of Sunderland has more than ten years' experience in the overseas market. This stage is completed within a standard academic year, September to June, allowing successful students to have their certificates prior to the next academic year. For those progressing to the MA International Education, subsequent years are completed within the standard MA academic year, which is October to August.
• Practical teaching is assessed by trained mentors and moderated by University staff.
• Most in-country tutors have between three and five years' teaching experience.
• The first year of study is supported in-country, and there is also online support from the University.
• All programme materials, submission of all academic work, feedback and coursework marks are provided online.
• The programme is designed so that most of the modules do not overlap (except where field notes and observations from teaching practice are required for subsequent academic study) ensuring that the workload across the programme is heavy but carefully balanced throughout the programme.
• The programme modules are set and assessed by the University.
• The programme is quality assured by a University appointed external examiner who compares provision to home provision.
• The programme is supported by headteachers who recommend their new teaching staff to register with the programme.
• Practical teaching modules result in the production of a File of Evidence against the English Qualified Teacher Standards, which remains a lasting record of the teacher training undertaken.
• This programme is for overseas students only and does not carry state registration such as QTS.

Trainees enrolled on the programme must be prepared to devote a minimum of six to ten hours of study time per week in addition to their teaching practice commitment.

Proposed programme calendar

[Top]