University of Sunderland

PGCE Professional Graduate 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 to 30th June 2012.

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

The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education is a 34 week academic teaching qualification, validated by the University of Sunderland.  The programme offered is not phase or subject specific but programme members (trainees) will be expected to teach and base their academic work in not more than 2 Key Stages and in Secondary, in the subject which their degree fits them to teach.

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

If you are looking for a programme that will lead  to a higher qualification please consider our Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

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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 5 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 trainee. If they are 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 2 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 7 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).

EDE314: Introduction: Experiences of Teaching and Learning
This module will provide an introduction to academic study and the associated study skills required by this programme. The module will investigate the place of the individual in educational settings. The role of the teacher in a variety of educational/community settings will be explored.

Assessment will be carried out through a case study of an individual student and an area of educational interest based on observation and experience, perception of education and knowledge of the education in the trainee's country. This module begins in October, with the assignment submitted in January. Learning is 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 2 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 7 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.)

The Theory of Teaching 3
(Professional Graduate Certificate only)
Trainees will choose one of the modules:

• EDE338: Assessment for Practitioners
• ESS377: Reading Issues and Controversies
• EDE348: Meeting Individual Needs in Educational settings
• EDE368: Learning to Learn in a Second Language

Note:
The University may not offer all these modules in any one year. Trainees will be advised in February of the year in which they study of the options for the year.

Assignments are submitted and feedback retrieved electronically through "Turnitin".

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Entry Requirements

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

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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.

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Teaching and Assessment

The theory element is a combination of video lectures from the University, self study material, tutorials and workshops and tutor support. The theory and practical elements of the programme are supported by web based materials. Trainees therefore need internet access and computer facilities rated for multi media use. Modules are set and assessed by the University.

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.

Final assessment of the practical elements is by the University.

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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.

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

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Career Opportunities

It is envisaged that potential students will be teachers wishing to enhance their career prospects in schools or those who are working for state or national ministries who wish to broaden their pedagogical understanding of modern education practice.

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Supplemental Information

The Professional Graduate 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 10 years experience in the overseas market. This stage is completed within a standard academic year - September - June allowing successful students to have their certificates prior to the next academic year. 
• Your practical teaching is assessed by trained mentors and moderated by University staff.
• Most in-country tutors have between 3 and 5 years teaching experience.
• The first year of study is supported in-country as well as having on-line support from the University.
• All programme materials are provided on-line, submission of all academic work is on-line, feedback and marks are available on-line.
• 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 Head teachers 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 6 to 10 hours of study time per week in addition to their teaching practice commitment.

Proposed programme calendar

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Facilities

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac, Adobe, offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

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