School of Education and Psychology

CertEd (PCE) Further Education and Lifelong Learning

CertEd (PCE) Part-time 2 years, Part-time 6 years

The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses equip you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to teach students across all areas of further education and lifelong learning including sixth form colleges, Further Education (FE) Colleges, Adult & Community learning settings, prisons, and independent training providers.

The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses equip you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to teach students across all areas of further education and lifelong learning including sixth form colleges, Further Education (FE) Colleges, Adult & Community learning settings, prisons, and independent training providers.

Award
CertEd (PCE)
Start date(s)
14 September 2026, 13 September 2027
Course specifications
Course length
Part-time (2 years),Part-time (6 years)
Campus location
Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group,Sandwell College,Solihull College and University Centre,City of Wolverhampton College,Dudley College,Walsall College,Telford College

Why choose this course?

Studying a PGCE in Further Education is ideal for those looking to further their education career and make a real difference to the lives of students. Our PGCE has been designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become successful teachers within the further education and lifelong learning sector.

The PGCE will offer you an opportunity to gain invaluable experience teaching students in further education (FE) colleges or other lifelong learning settings.  This qualification is critical for developing teaching knowledge of both theory and practice within further education, such as face-to-face teaching, online teaching, digital pedagogies, working with support staff and creating effective assessment strategies.

You will be supported by a university personal tutor and a placement subject specific mentor as you develop your identity as a teacher who can provide learning experiences to students while remaining mindful of cultural and linguistic diversity and reflecting on your own journey throughout the course. Completing this course will enable you to pursue Qualified Teaching, Learning and Skills status (QTLS) via the Education and Training Foundation, equivalent to Qualified Teaching Status (QTS).

What happens on the course?

On the PGCE FELL at the University of Wolverhampton, you will be taught through a carefully structured programme that builds your confidence step by step. The course begins by establishing strong foundations in teaching, learning and assessment, positive behaviour and inclusive practice. As your confidence grows, you will move on to more complex areas such as curriculum design, critical pedagogy and practitioner research. This gradual progression ensures you feel secure in core concepts before applying them in more challenging and independent ways.

Learning takes place through a blended approach that combines in-person sessions with high-quality online activities. Face-to-face workshops focus on discussion, collaborative problem-solving and practical teaching strategies, while online learning provides flexible access to readings, discussion forums and digital tasks. These elements are designed to complement one another, allowing you to revisit key ideas, learn at your own pace and engage in inclusive ways that suit different learning needs.

You will be supported to develop the academic and digital skills required for success in Higher Education. Structured guidance on academic writing, critical reading and referencing is embedded within modules, alongside opportunities to practise research and independent study skills. Digital platforms are used to facilitate group work, peer feedback and resource sharing, helping you build confidence in both collaboration and self-directed learning.

Digital fluency is also actively developed. You will explore how to use educational technologies, AI tools and data responsibly and ethically to enhance learning. This ensures you are not only confident with digital tools, but also critically aware of their impact within professional teaching contexts.

Have questions about this course?

Speak directly with one of our experienced course leaders who can provide detailed information about the curriculum, career prospects, and application process.

Request a callback from a course leader.

Placements on the course

Professional practice is central to the course. Your placement in a Further Education and Lifelong Learning setting runs alongside your academic study, enabling you to apply theory directly to real classroom situations. Reflective activities and tutor support help you connect what you learn at university with what you experience in practice.  You will undertake at least 150 hours of subject specific teaching practice hours which also include 20 hours of an alternative placement where you will experience supporting the learning in a different vocational area or setting such as maths, English or SEND.  You will also complete at least 100 professional practice hours which consist of the wider teaching experience such as participating in student interviews, team meetings, student tutorials, parents’ evenings and open days.

Employability on the course

Many of our students gain employment within their placement college setting throughout the duration of the course.

Roles you can go into after completing the course are:

  • FE College lecturer
  • Adult and Community lecturer
  • Offender learning lecturer
  • Higher Education Lecturer

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Further Education is a popular route for professionals looking to pursue careers in further education. As a PGCE student, you will gain an understanding of the principles and practice of teaching across a range of post compulsory areas such as colleges, sixth forms and universities. This qualification can provide you with the expertise to teach in any number of post compulsory contexts. 

Once qualified, there are many potential career paths open to those who hold a PGCE in Further Education. These include:

  • Lecturer or course leader at a college or university
  • Tutoring adult learners
  • Leading field trips for students studying outdoor activities
  • Becoming an educational consultant for organisations or companies
  • Taking on research projects within the field

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

We provide classroom-based experience and theoretical insight, which means that the course equips students with the necessary groundwork skills to become successful teachers.


The PGCE includes taught elements across a range of topics relevant to the further education and lifelong learning sector, as well as training sessions which allow student teachers to practise teaching under supervision. These sessions cover theory and practical lessons plans, allowing student teachers to gain a deeper understanding of their field. In addition, support is also provided regarding assessment approaches and methods for engaging students.


By combining these elements together, the University of Wolverhampton provides an effective learning environment that enables its beginning teachers to develop into well-rounded professionals with an understanding of contemporary educational approaches.

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Year
Home Part-time Distance Learning £3258 per year 2026-27
Home Part-time £3258 per year# 2026-27
International Part-time Distance Learning £3258 per year 2026-27

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

You will be an in-service teacher employed within the Lifelong Learning Sector and able to provide evidence of at least 150 hours of teaching practice experience over the duration of the award.

You should hold an appropriate qualification of at least National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3 in the subject area in which you are teaching.

Where applicants hold a degree (required for PG H) or a level 3 (required for Cert Ed) that does not demonstrate a subject-specific link to their teaching (with the exception of Maths, English and/ or ESOL teachers*) then in addition, applicants will need to provide a reference from one (or more) employer, and evidence of recent (within the last three years) relevant vocational/curriculum experience at Level 3 or equivalent or higher (if PG H) in support of the application. Experience will be considered in specialisms where no Level 3 qualification exists. All applicants are reminded of the need to upskill in each of their subject/ vocational areas.

Applicants who have extensive relevant work experience may be considered in specialisms where no Level 3 qualifications have been gained.

You will need to have obtained the below Level 2 qualifications prior to gaining a place on the course and provide evidence of the certificates held:

GCSE English grade C/4 or higher or L2 English

and

GCSE Maths grade C/4 or higher or L2 Maths.

 

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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