Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory Education) Level 6 Part-time

Course Overview

Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory Education) Level 6 Part-time

The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory Education), validated by Leeds Trinity University, equips you with the skills, knowledge, and professional values needed to be an effective teacher. With placement options in various eligible educational settings, including colleges and adult learning, you’ll gain real-world experience. The programme requires 120 credits and includes a minimum of ten teaching observations to prepare you for a fulfilling career in education.

Year 1

  • Planning and Assessing Learning in the Post Compulsory Education Training Context

  • The Role of Theory and the Use of Evidence-Informed Practice

  • Reflective Teaching Practice 1

Year 2

  • Exploring Contemporary Issues in Post Compulsory Education Training

  • Reflective Teaching Practice 2

Note: As a part-time trainee, your academic and professional study will typically include: two half days of on-campus learning, plus a professional practice placement (secured by yourself). The placement should be at least 250 hours between the month of September in year one and the month of April in year two (for example: September 2025 – the end of April 2027); at least 150 hours of this should be teaching practice with 100 hours of professional practice (which includes team meetings, planning, interviews, assessment meetings, provider-wide sessions and a second placement of 20 hours observing teaching practice within a different curriculum department).

Located at: SciTech Digital Innovation Hub

Course Start: 22 September 2025

Course length: 2 Years

Study Mode: Part-time

Course Code: HEATPGCE

UCAS Course Code: TTPC

Awarding Body:

leeds university logo

Course Fees and Funding

How much does the course cost?

£3,450 per year.

Other funding information

As a Higher Education student living in England you may be eligible for the non-means tested Tuition Fee Loan from the Government and a Maintenance Loan.

Students with children or dependant adults may qualify for a Childcare Grant or Adult Dependants' Grant. Students can apply for these at the same time as applying for a Maintenance Loan.

Remember: Eligible students will not have to pay tuition fees in advance and can apply for the Maintenance Loan before they start the course.

Visit the Student Finance page on the Government website for further details and to apply.

We offer a service to any student who has a diagnosis of anything persistent or long-term which might interfere with how they study and manage their day-to-day academic engagement. The service is flexible and shaped around the needs of each individual; it might be consistent support or intermittent support.


For further information please visit the Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) web page for more information.

Course Content

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant subject or substantial professional experience

  • GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above or an equivalent qualification at Level 2 or above*

  • Good information and communications (ICT) skills

  • You will need to undertake an interview with the Course Leader

  • You will be required to complete a satisfactory enhanced DBS check

  • You must be deemed fit to teach

  • You must secure an appropriate placement at a provider of post-compulsory education and/or training where you will undertake a minimum of 75 hours teaching hours in each academic year (totalling a minimum of 150 hours over the two-year study programme).*

*subject to change pending updates from the DfE

Your assessment will be a combination of assessments, practical teaching experience, reflective practice and a minimum of 10 observations. You will need to demonstrate that you have developed the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to be a successful teacher.

You will need to provide a pen, paper, notepad or electronic device suitable for completing assessment work (e.g. laptop).

Professional Graduate Certificate in Education

Upon completion of the programme you can:

  • Secure employment as a qualified teacher in post-compulsory education

  • Apply for QTLS with the Education and Training Foundation

  • Consider starting a Master’s Degree in an education-related subject

Other Resources

For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.

Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.

Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The course information on this page was last updated 13 June 2025.