Key information
UCAS code:
X305, X306
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
A level 3 qualification within your subject delivery area coupled with sufficient experience to establish professional competence
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
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 – which is rated Outstanding by Ofsted – 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 full-time at the University or online by distance learning. If you do already have a role in further education, you can study part-time by distance learning or at one of our partner colleges, alongside your job.
Wherever and however you study, 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 (distance learning option only).
You can study this course full-time at the University, part-time at one of our partner colleges or full-time or part-time by distance learning.
While studying at our partner colleges, you can access our student support services and community including study support, the Students' Union and our library's online resources.
Course highlights
- 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
- Gain 750 hours of work experience on teaching placements arranged by the University (full-time only)
- Choose how and where you study - full-time at the University or by distance learning, or part-time by distance learning or at one of our partner colleges: Chichester College (Chichester or Crawley campus), South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus, Havant and South Downs College, or Isle of Wight College
- 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
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Recognised by:
The PGCE and Cert Ed Further Education and Training Courses are professional teaching qualifications which are recognised by further education providers in the UK.
PGCE and Cert Ed graduates can also apply to the Society for Education and Training (SET) to gain QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning & Skills) status.
The courses are also inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) and received 'Good' in 2024.
Trainees make rapid progress and develop into independent, strongly reflective and resilient teachers who are well prepared for work in the further education sector and a range of professional and vocational training settings.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students. The part-time course is available to International students who do not require a Student Route Visa.
CertEd Further Education and Skills entry requirements
Typical offers
- 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.
- T-levels – Pass (D or E in the core) - Merit
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept (Distance Learning).
Placements
- Full time students who study on campus will be provided with a teaching placement and subject mentor by the University.
- Part-time 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.
- 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.
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
- Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
-
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.
-
T-levels – Pass (D or E in the core) - Merit
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept (Distance Learning).
Placements
- Full time students who study on campus will be provided with a teaching placement and subject mentor by the University.
- Part-time 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.
- 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.
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
- Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Full-time and part-time study options
You can study this course full-time over 1 year or part-time over 2 years.
The type of study that's best for you will depend on whether or not you're already working and/or teaching in further education.
You can choose between studying at the University or at one of our partner colleges, or by distance learning (although you'll still do your teaching placements in person).
Full-time study
The full-time version of this course at the University is ideal if you're not already working in teaching. You can choose to study full-time at the University or by distance learning with in-person teaching placements.
If you study full-time on campus, we'll work with you to find teaching placements at a further education provider that suits you, and we'll arrange these for you. Your choice of placement provider isn't limited to the list of partner colleges below – you may be able to do your placement at any further education provider in the Hampshire/south coast region, dependent on arrangements.
If you study full-time by distance learning, you'll be required to secure your own teaching placement with at least 100 teaching hours plus 75 non-teaching hours, and have an identified subject mentor.
Part-time study
If you're already working in teaching and/or further education, the part-time version of this course is designed for you.
Choose between studying part-time at one of our partner colleges, or online by distance learning with in-person teaching placements.
Whether you study on campus or online, you'll need to secure your own placement and carry out teaching hours with an identified subject mentor that includes at least 100 hours of teaching each year, plus 75 non-teaching hours each year.
Our partner college websites have more information for the part-time version of this course:
Careers and opportunities
This CertEd Further Education and Skills will give you the formal teaching qualification you need to teach in further education settings such as colleges, sixth-forms and private training providers, or to pursue further study.
The partnership achieves outstanding employment rates, with exceptionally high levels of progression for trainees to positions of enhanced responsibility.
What can you do with a certificate in further education and skills?
After graduating, previous students have gone on to work in:
- further education colleges
- sixth-form colleges
- private training providers
- public services
- voluntary organisations
You could also turn your CertEd into a full Bachelor's degree with a relevant top-up course, such as BA (Hons) Education Studies (Top-Up).
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Modules
Full-time (campus or distance learning)
Core modules
You’ll evaluate active, student centred learning techniques, including their effectiveness and appropriateness for teaching, learning and assessment.
You’ll reflect on the use of active learning methods within subject specialisms, and design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
You’ll investigate and review strategies designed to develop wider skills within learners in further education, such as English, maths and broader skills relevant to their progression and career aims.
You’ll also assess strategies for effective behaviour management and blended learning, and design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
You’ll take part in a group research project on this topic and reflect on your individual and group's performance, and design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
Your research project will examine an opportunity to enhance the learning process for a group or individual.
You’ll communicate your findings from a range of sources, and also design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
Part-time (at partner college or distance learning)
Core modules
You’ll evaluate active, student centred learning techniques, including their effectiveness and appropriateness for teaching, learning and assessment.
You’ll reflect on the use of active learning methods within subject specialisms, and design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
You’ll investigate and review strategies designed to develop wider skills within learners in further education, such as English, maths and broader skills relevant to their progression and career aims.
You’ll also assess strategies for effective behaviour management and blended learning, and design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
Core modules
You’ll take part in a group research project on this topic and reflect on your individual and group's performance, and design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
Your research project will examine an opportunity to enhance the learning process for a group or individual.
You’ll communicate your findings from a range of sources, and also design and deliver a set of lessons which align with external body expectations.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- seminars
- workshops
- lectures
- one-to-one and group tutorials
How you're assessed
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
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
Full-time study
The full-time version of this Certificate of Further Education and Skills (CertEd) lasts 36 weeks, between September and June. If you study full-time, you'll attend lectures and seminars at University or online, and spend time in person at a work placement each week.
For the first three weeks of the course, you'll be in University five days a week if you study on campus, or in online sessions for 2-3 hours a week if you study by distance learning.
You'll then spend two weeks on placement induction, spending three of the five days on placement. After this, you'll spend Monday-Thursday on teaching placements, and just Fridays studying.
If you study on campus, you may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. These sessions will also be recorded for distance learning students.
Part-time study
If you study part-time, you'll attend one of our partner colleges once a week, or spend 2-3 hours a week in online sessions if you study by distance learning.
You'll also be using your own teaching hours, where you'll teach at least 100 hours each year, and carry out 75 non-teaching hours each year.
See our partner college websites for details of the part-time version of this course:
Supporting you
If you study this course full-time or part-time by distance learning, you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed.
If you choose to study on campus, you'll also get face-to-face support. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
If you study part-time at one of our partner colleges, you’ll still be a student of the University of Portsmouth.
Of the people and services above, you’ll have access to Academic skills support, Wellbeing and mental health support, Disability advice and additional support, and Library support.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
Full-time (on campus)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £9,250
- EU students – £9,250 (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £17,200
Full-time (distance learning)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £7,250
- EU students – £7,250 (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £7,250
Part-time (distance learning)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £3,630 per year
- EU students – £3,630 per year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £3,630 per year
Part-time (at partner college)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £2,870 per year
- EU students – £2,870 per year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £2,870 per year
Full-time (on campus)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £9,535
- EU students – £9,535 (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £17,200
Full-time (distance learning)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £7,250
- EU students – £7,250 (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £7,250
Part-time (distance learning)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £3,630 per year
- EU students – £3,630 per year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £3,630 per year
Part-time (at partner college)
- UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students – £2,870 per year
- EU students – £2,870 per year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students – £2,870 per year
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees. So you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £100 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Contact our Housing Support Team if you need help and advice about accommodation.
- Telephone: +44 (0)23 9284 3214
- Email: student.housing@port.ac.uk
You may have to cover the cost of travel to and from your teaching placements.
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in January 2025, please contact us
To start this course full-time on campus in September 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – X305
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
To start this course by distance learning in September 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – X306
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use one of our online application forms:
Apply to study full-time by distance learning
Apply to study part-time by distance learning
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Apply to study this course part-time at one of our partner colleges using our online application forms:
- Chichester College (Chichester campus)
- Chichester College (Crawley campus)
- South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus
- Havant and South Downs College
- Isle of Wight College
Our courses fill up quickly, so submit your application as soon as you decide which course you want to study.
To start this course in January 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – X306
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use one of our online application forms:
Apply to study full-time by distance learning
Apply to study part-time by distance learning
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.