University of Portsmouth has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
If you have a level 3 qualification and several years' professional experience in a relevant subject area, plus a desire to help students begin their careers through further education, this Certificate in Further Education and Skills (CertEd) course will enable you to teach at college level. On this course, you'll learn the most effective teaching techniques by spending time on teaching placements in real education settings and exploring teaching theory in lectures and seminars. You'll also develop subject specific knowledge by working closely with course teachers and work-based subject mentors. If you're not yet working or teaching in further education, you can study this course online by distance learning. If you do already have a role in further education, you can study part-time by distance learning. You'll still do your teaching placements in person and be a student of the University of Portsmouth, so you’ll have access to all of our facilities and support. After the course, you'll be able to take up teaching roles in further education colleges, sixth-form colleges and private training providers, or to top up your Certificate to a full Bachelor’s degree. You can start this course in September or January.
- Develop your skills as a teacher through practical experience in the classroom and theoretical study around further education
- Join fellow professionals from many different backgrounds for lectures and seminars, creating an effective peer network where you can share ideas and experiences
- Get more than 100 hours of work experience on teaching placements arranged by the University (full-time only)
- Be eligible for membership of the Society for Education & Training (SET) when you graduate, which enables you to work towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status
- further education colleges
- sixth-form colleges
- private training providers
- public services
- voluntary organisations
Modules
Full-time Year 1 Core modules:
- Learning and Teaching in Further Education (Dl) L4 (30 credits)
- Current Themes and Policy in Curriculum Design (Dl) L5 (30 credits)
- Educational Research in Practice (Dl) L5 (30 credits)
- Professional Practice in your Subject Area (Dl) L5 (30 credits)
Assessment method
You'll complete two teaching blocks over the course of study, with each teaching block consisting of two modules. Each module consists of two to three assignments. You’ll be assessed through:
- research-based essays
- teaching practice files
- digital presentations
- lesson observations
- logging personal development
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
GCSE/National 4/National 5
A level 3 qualification within your subject delivery area coupled with sufficient experience to establish professional competence. Formal qualifications, experiential learning and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are also considered. GCSE English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent. All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application. All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance. All Distance Learning students are required to have secured their own teaching placement with at least 100 teaching hours plus 75 non-teaching hours per year, and have an identified subject mentor.
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting the course.
Health checks
Applicants must pass Occupational Health check before starting the course.
Interview
All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
Other
All Distance Learning students are required to have secured their own teaching placement with at least 100 teaching hours plus 75 non-teaching hours per year, and have an identified subject mentor.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 169 with no component score less than 162. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 169 with no component score less than 162. | |
| PTE Academic | 62 | An overall score of 62 with a minimum of 59 in each skill. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 79 | 79 with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Trinity College Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level III with a Pass in all 4 components. |
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £3740 | Year 1 |
| International | £3740 | Year 1 |
| England | £3740 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £3740 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £3740 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £3740 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £3740 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £3740 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice.
Fees are subject to annual increase.
For more information about fees, go to port.ac.uk/ug-tuition-fees
Provider information
University of Portsmouth
University House
Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP