Post-14 Further Education and Skills

• Study on a course rated ‘outstanding' by Ofsted for its high standard of training and assessment
• Improve your career and promotion prospects: we have an excellent track record for helping students progress to employment, more senior roles or masters level study
• Develop your skills through an exciting combination of practical teaching experiences, theoretical learning and discussions
• As well as the core programme, we offer specialist pathways where you can focus on a key subject area: choose from English, Maths, Science, Engineering, Sport or SEND
• Choose a flexible PGCE route to suit you: study on a full-time basis at the University or on a part-time basis at one of our partner colleges in the wider community 
• Learn from a dynamic teaching team with an excellent reputation for the quality of their training and the impact of their research 

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This course equips you for the practical demands of teaching in the Further Education and Skills sector, building your skills and confidence to work with post-14 learners in a vast range of educational settings.

A stepping stone to professional status 

The PGCE Post-14 Further Education and Skills gives you a real head start in your teaching career. On completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status via the Society for Education and Training. Valued by employers, QTLS status demonstrates your commitment, skills and knowledge, adding real substance to your CV.

Our PGCE also puts you on the fast track to achieving a masters degree, providing you with 60 credits at masters level.

An ‘outstanding’ learning experience

Ofsted has awarded its highest accolade – an ‘outstanding’ rating – to our Further Education and Skills provision. In a 2015 report, inspectors praised our “excellent” work with teachers and trainers across the sector and said our “lively and thought-provoking” teaching challenged students to rise to high expectations.

Extensive practical experience

This is a highly practical hands-on course which gives you the chance to explore the full range of roles undertaken by qualified teaching staff in the Further Education and Skills sector.

Teaching experience will be the cornerstone of your studies. Full-time students will study at our main campus, Kedleston Road, and spend two days a week on teaching placement, as well as undertaking a eight-week block placement. We also provide extensive support throughout: you will be allocated a mentor from the University’s teaching team as well as a subject specific mentor to guide you on your placement. 

To broaden your outlook, you are also expected to complete an alternative placement in a different educational setting. We will provide full information and advice on this at pre-induction.

A location and pace to suit you

We offer both full-time and part-time routes to the PGCE Post-14 Further Education and Skill course. As a full-time student, you will be based two days a week in our dedicated teacher training facilities at the University. Our impressive Kirtley Building includes specially designed collaborative learning spaces.

You can also choose to take the course on a part-time basis over two years at one of our partner colleges, giving you the added convenience of studying even closer to home.

Inspirational teaching and support

With a rich heritage in teacher training dating back over 170 years, we have a strong reputation for nurturing successful, confident and forward-thinking teachers and trainers.

You will be taught by a highly competent and qualified team of tutors, including published authors and influential researchers whose work is helping to shape the future of the profession. They are an exciting source of ideas for you to take back to the classroom.

If you study the core programme you will study the following modules:

• Exploring the FE Teaching Role
• Professional Practice 1
• Learning Theories Applied
• Professional Practice 2
• The Curriculum Examined
• Core Pathway: Examining Subject Pedagogy.

If you study a specialist pathway you will study the following modules:

• Exploring the FE Teaching Role
• Professional Practice 1
• Learning Theories Applied
• Professional Practice 2
• The Curriculum Examined
• Specialist Pathway: Enhanced Subject Pedagogy (English, Maths, Science, Engineering, Sport or SEND).

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

For the full time route you will be based at the University for two days each week, where you’ll be taught in our specialist teacher training facilities. For two days a week you will be on teaching placement, and you’ll undergo a eight week block placement in February.

A variety of teaching strategies and methods are used to maximise your learning: practical teaching experience, presentations, workshops, one-to-one, whole group teaching, small group teaching, blended learning and independent learning.

As a graduate, you’ll be expected to demonstrate sound intellectual and academic skills at levels 6 and 7 through a range of written and practical module assignments.

For part-time study at Leek, you will study in College one day a week for four hours and you must have a relevant work placement, which will be discussed at your interview.

How you are assessed

The main assessment methods you will encounter on the course are observation of professional practice, group and individual presentations as well as formal academic writing.

You will need a honours degree at a minimum of 2:2 in the subject area that is applicable to the Further Education and Skills sector, such as psychology, law, media, sports and music technology. Candidates with pending GCSEs will be considered and equivalency tests will be accepted in English and Mathematics. English and Mathematics Level 2 equivalency qualifications will be accepted if recognised by the Society for Education and Training's QTLS eligibility.

Learn more about the the eligibility for QTLS

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required at the point of accepting a place at the University.

If you have lived outside of the UK in the past five years (excluding holidays), you will need to provide a current satisfactory Certificate of Good Conduct from the country you were resident in. You will need to submit this at your course induction. Further information can be found on the gov.uk website.

Interview information

2023/24 (August 2023 - July 2024)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

For full-time study, you must apply for this course through the Department for Education.

For part-time study at any of the following colleges, please contact them directly: Derby College and Boston College.

This course is the ideal preparation if you want to teach in the Further Education and Skills sector. You can advance your career in teaching post-14 learners in settings such as FE colleges, sixth form colleges and academies. The PGCE is also invaluable for anyone working with training providers, in offender learning/prison education, or in the voluntary sector.

Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be eligible to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status via the Society for Education and Training. If you would like to take your qualifications and professional development to the next level, we offer an acclaimed MA Education. By completing the PGCE, you will already have 60 credits at masters level to fast track your progress. 

As a newly qualified teacher or trainer, you can also benefit from the University’s continuing support as you take your career forward. We offer a range of resources, subject updates, events, conferences and development opportunities to ease your transition into professional practice. 

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

† Additional information about your studies

You will study this course for one academic year at our Kedleston Road site.

You can also study on a part-time basis at Boston College or Derby College, which takes two years.

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees

• Employability week including interview preparation and supporting job applications
• Equality week including guest speakers on a range of inclusion and equality topics
• Professionalism input - Society for Education and Training
• Access to Derby Library Services
• Initial DBS check
• A placement in an appropriate post 14 education and training setting for the academic year
• Enhanced Placement Opportunity
• Range of in-class visiting/expert speakers to enhance module content e.g., Behaviour Management, Honour Based Violence, English and Maths
• Trained mentor on placements
• University personal and observation tutor
• Admission to the annual University of Derby Post 14 Education and Training Showcase event

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• You may choose to buy textbooks, journals, stationery, text books
• Replacement DBS check if lost, approx. cost £50 
• Travel costs up to the first £5 per day
• Travel to/parking at settings hosting activities if not in receipt of a bursary