Course summary

Harnessing your passion for education starts here. Perhaps you’re entering teaching for the first time or have already provided training or teaching in the voluntary sector, police, fire service, health service or prison service. Whatever your background, this postgraduate diploma in education will open up exciting opportunities in the world of education, and provide a pathway to future Masters or PhD study. How can you use educational philosophies in the classroom today? What influences do social justice and inequality have on learning? And how important is research and self-evaluation for teachers and trainers? We’ll answer these questions and more to help you make a difference to the people you teach. If you’re eager to take your career to the next level and find your place in management and leadership roles, we’ll help you develop the practical skills and insights to become a confident, credible and effective teacher or trainer. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted The most recent Ofsted inspection (June 2014) judged our university’s initial teacher education for further education to be Outstanding. The report commended “the exceptional high-quality training in further education” which “develops deeply reflective trainees, guided by expert mentors who help them to attain outstanding outcomes”. This programme carries eligibility for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status. Since April 2012, QLTS has been approved by the Department for Education as being equivalent to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for schools and therefore there is the possibility of teaching in a school if your specialist subject is part of the curriculum for the given age range. What you'll study This course underpins professional practice with key theoretical perspectives. Our programme will give you the skills and knowledge to find your place in the post-14 education and training sector. We’ll cover the importance of research-informed teaching and develop your understanding of pedagogy at this level. You’ll get the chance to take part in placements and apply what you’ve learnt on campus. Boost your professionalism with a better understanding of what makes successful teachers and trainers. We’ll explore current issues in the lifelong learning sector and teach you practical strategies for teaching, learning and assessment. You’ll learn to design effective curriculums and examine the impact of resources and learning technologies. We’ll also cover an evaluation of the innovative approaches that you’ll use throughout your career. Taking part in mock interviews and self-reflection exercises helps you get to grips with the Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers in Education and Trainers in Education and Training. This will prepare you for the next stage of your career in education, such as applying for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status.