Professional Graduate Certificate in Education
On this page
Certificate
- Code
- C71
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 120 credit points
Description
The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is the most popular route into a career in teaching at secondary level. In England, it leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) conferred by the GTCE; in Wales it leads to QTS conferred by the GTCW; and in Northern Ireland to ‘Eligibility to Teach’ conferred by the Department of Education (NI),. The Open University offers a modular PGCE programme that allows flexible patterns of study over up to three years which will suit those whose circumstances prevent them from taking the traditional full-time course. Distance learning study of the theory of teaching and learning is integrated with its practical application during sustained periods of teaching in a partner school.
The OU PGCE is a rigorous, demanding and rewarding programme. Working in partnership with schools, it aims to prepare teachers who:
• seek to develop the potential of all pupils
• work to overcome barriers to learning
• think critically about the teaching and learning process
• seek evidence to inform their judgements and improve their own practice
• share a commitment to professional values.
Each course builds on these aims and:
• provides a common framework of skills, experience and knowledge needed by all teachers
• meets the specific regulations that govern Initial Teacher Education.
Six subjects are available: design and technology, geography, maths, modern foreign languages, music and science.
The courses are centred around the following strands:
• developing subject knowledge
• your subject, schools and the wider context
• understanding pupil learning
• planning and evaluation for teaching and learning
• classroom strategies for teaching and learning
• assessment, recording and reporting
• the wider professional role.
The course materials provide a supportive context for training to teach in today’s schools across the secondary age range and introduce you to the ideas and issues that underpin effective teaching and learning. In addition, online forums enable you to participate in discussions about your subject and teaching, to exchange resources for classroom teaching, and to debate contemporary education issues.
Planning your studies
The requirements may change as a result of government decisions. At present you must:
-
- Be able to attend school placements in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Have a degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification that is clearly and substantially relevant to one of the six secondary PGCE subjects. This means that at least half and preferably two-thirds of your degree (at least 180 credit points) should comprise studies relevant to the subject you intend to teach.
- Have (or expect to have by the time you begin the course) a GCSE grade A–C, or the equivalent, in English language and in mathematics.
- Show evidence in your application and at interview that you can communicate clearly and grammatically in written and spoken standard English.
- Demonstrate at interview specific abilities related to the subject.
If you have no degree
Since a degree is required for entry to a PGCE course, you must begin by undertaking degree studies. There are several possibilities, and The Open University is an obvious route, attractive to many people because of its open entry policy and flexible study methods. Many other colleges and universities now offer part-time degrees and are willing to consider those without the conventional entry requirements. If you have other relevant qualifications, e.g. HND, it may be possible to count them towards your degree
The Open University is granted a set number of PGCE training places each year by the government. Places are offered to applicants who best meet the selection criteria, so planning your degree gives you an opportunity to develop a strong subject focus that will be to your advantage.
If your degree is inappropriate or has inadequate subject content
You might consider taking more undergraduate level courses (perhaps with The Open University), a second degree or an appropriate course at masters level. If you decide to take a second degree with The Open University, your first degree could count for up to 200 of the 300 points you need for a BA or BSc or up to 240 of the 360 points you need for a BA (Hons) or BSc(Hons). If you already have an Open University degree that does not meet the subject entry requirements for your chosen PGCE, you can register for further courses. If you require further degree level study in Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics, you may be able to follow Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course in one of these subjects before starting your OU PGCE course (see the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education Prospectus and Application Pack for further details).
If you cannot satisfy the GCSE (or equivalent) English or mathematics requirements
Most local colleges of further education offer GCSE courses both during the day and in the evening. Some schools also admit adults to their classes. You can find information about adult education in your local library. You might also consider taking OU courses that would both satisfy the requirement and give you valuable additional subject background to enhance your degree.
If you are a student in higher education and you want to see if secondary school teaching suits you before applying for a PGCE, why not undertake a trial run in the classroom? The Student Associates Scheme (only available in England) gives you a unique opportunity to explore teaching. For further details go to the Student Associates Scheme website or call +44 (0) 1908 858685.
In Wales a taster course entitled Prepare to Teach is available. For details contact Clare Schroder ( Tel 029 2047 1019 or email).
Career relevance and employability
The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education prepares you directly to become a reflective classroom teacher. The course enables you to bring together the learning that takes place when using the University course materials with the learning that takes place during the school placements, to establish links and relationships between them and reflect on how they shape your learning and professional development. It leads directly to the award of Qualified Teacher Status and equips you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to become a secondary school teacher.
For planning your next career steps, visit the OU Careers Advisory Service.
Courses
We are offering six PGCE subjects at a secondary level (modern foreign languages is a single subject, with specialisation in French, German or Spanish):
| Undergraduate Level 3 | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
You will begin your PGCE by conducting a needs analysis to determine the extent of your experience, skills, knowledge and understanding. This will take into account learning and experience you have gained from previous study (including other PGCEs).
If you decide to transfer to another institution that offers a flexible PGCE, you will be able to demonstrate to the new institution the level of study you have completed with The Open University.
While it is not possible to count credit for study you have done elsewhere towards your Open University PGCE, depending on your level of prior experience you may be entitled to exemption from study modules, blocks of school experience or end of level assessment.
On completion
On successful completion you will be awarded a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education in your chosen subject, entitling you to use the letters PGCE (Open) after your name. You will have the option of being presented at a degree ceremony and collecting your award certificate there.
A 60-point masters module, Reflecting on professional learning in education (EE880), has been developed in order to convert this professional-level qualification into a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (C85). Credit from successful completion of EE880 can be counted towards our Masters degree in Education (F01).
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
An undergraduate qualification in Education.
Study explained
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
Browse the prospectus
Request a print prospectus
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.