Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Become a teacher in a college, sixth form or training centre on this Further Education and Skills PGCE, and support and inspire students aged 16 and above as they prepare to take their first career steps.
You'll gain teaching expertise at University and real classroom experience on teacher training placements in real educational settings, such as sixth forms, colleges and other further education institutions.
You'll develop the confidence and skills to become a reflective and resilient further education teacher, and also explore how to teach and design learning programmes in a range of specialist subjects alongside your course teachers and work-based subject mentors.
If you're not yet working or teaching in further education, you can study this teacher training degree full-time at the University or by distance learning. Or, if you 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. If you choose to study by distance learning, you'll still do your teacher training placements in person.
Wherever and however you study this PGCE, you’ll be a student of the University of Portsmouth, so you’ll have access to all of our facilities and support.
Once you graduate, you'll have the teaching qualification you need to begin your teaching career in further education colleges, sixth-forms and private training providers.
You can start this course in September or January (distance learning option only).
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.
You can study this PGCE 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
- Gain the skills, confidence and knowledge to become a teacher in further education, through a combination of teacher training placements and the study of theories and contemporary issues within further education
- Reflect on your own teaching practice and design a curriculum in a specialist subject area
- Share your experiences and learn from other PGCE students in lectures and seminars
- Gain 750 hours of work experience on teaching placements in further education arranged by the University (full-time only)
- Study in a way that suits you and your career - full-time at the University or by distance learning, or part-time by distance learning or at one of our partner colleges: South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus, Havant and South Downs College, or Isle of Wight College
- Benefit from eligibility for membership of the Society for Education and Training (SET) when you graduate, which enables you to work towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status
- Be guaranteed an interview when you apply for this PGCE as an undergraduate student or graduate of the University of Portsmouth, no matter your subject or when you graduated
Recognised by:
The PGCE and Cert Ed Further Education and Skills 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.
The provider has designed a carefully structured and ambitious curriculum. It successfully supports trainees to acquire the skills that they need to progress and succeed.
Staff introduce core topics such as digital skills, SEND and adaptive teaching early in the programme and revisit them frequently to ensure that trainees consolidate and embed their learning. As a result, trainees are well prepared to become competent teachers in a FES setting.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry 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.
January 2025
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Formal qualifications, experiential learning and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are also considered.
- GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- 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.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not 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.
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
- All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
September 2025 / January 2026
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Formal qualifications, experiential learning and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are also considered.
- GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- 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.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not 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.
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
- All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
Equivalency qualifications in place of GCSEs
If you don't have a GCSE in Maths or English, you can still apply for this course. We accept equivalency qualifications in place of these GCSEs, which you can obtain from one of two providers - Equivalency Testing or A Star Equivalency.
These providers also offer discounts for PGCE offer holders. To find out more about equivalency qualifications for this PGCE, please email us.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (January 2025 start)
- Full-time (on campus): £9,250
- Full-time (distance learning): £7,250
- Part-time (at partner college): For partner college fee information, please contact Department of Student and Academic Administration on +44 (0)23 9284 5259.
- Part-time (distance learning): £3,630 per year
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time (on campus): £9,250
- Full-time (distance learning): £7,250
- Part-time (at partner college): For partner college fee information, please contact Department of Student and Academic Administration on +44 (0)23 9284 5259.
- Part-time (distance learning): £3,630 per year
- Full time (on campus): £17,200
- Full-time (distance learning): £7,250
- Part-time (at partner college): For partner college fee information, please contact Department of Student and Academic Administration on +44 (0)23 9284 5259.
- Part-time (distance learning): £3,630 per year
Tuition fees (September 2025 / January 2026 start)
- Full-time (on campus): £9,535
- Full-time (distance learning): £7,474
- Part-time (at partner college): For partner college fee information, please contact Department of Student and Academic Administration on +44 (0)23 9284 5259.
- Part-time (distance learning): £3,740 per year
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time (on campus): £9,535
- Full-time (distance learning): £7,474
- Part-time (at partner college): For partner college fee information, please contact Department of Student and Academic Administration on +44 (0)23 9284 5259.
- Part-time (distance learning): £3,740 per year
- Full time (on campus): £17,200
- Full-time (distance learning): £7,474
- Part-time (at partner college): For partner college fee information, please contact Department of Student and Academic Administration on +44 (0)23 9284 5259.
- Part-time (distance learning): £3,740 per year
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available funding for teacher training.
Fees and funding for teacher training
Find out more about how much teacher training costs, as well the options available to you for funding, including scholarships and bursaries.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
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. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: If you choose to study on-campus, accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Placement expenses: You'll need to budget for travel to and from your placement or placements.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Full-time (on 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)
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. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Study your PGCE with us
Discover our PGCE courses that can set you on the path to becoming a teacher. Whether you're interested in Primary, Secondary or Further Education, our PGCE courses will help you start a rewarding career in teaching.
Andrew: I really do think that people who come to Portsmouth to teach here will stay here for a really long time. At Portsmouth, we offer three different programmes for teacher training.
We have a Primary programme which you can come on as a post-grad or an undergrad.
We have a Secondary teacher training programme across a range of subject areas and we have an F.E. programme so if you want to teach 14 year olds to adults, the Further Education programme is ideal.
Tanya: The reason that I selected the Further Education strand rather than the Secondary was purely because of my specialism.
Being able to teach in Further Education meant that I was able to teach fashion in its fullest.
Andrew: We want the curriculum we offer at Portsmouth to be ambitious and we want it to be personalised for the students.
We put training in to help our trainees to really think about the needs of children that they're going to encounter and I'm really proud that our courses are tailored to be able to do that.
Tanya: When you first start, you will do a week or a few weeks specifically in university learning new skills, etc. and you then go on to get selected or given your placement.
Andrew: If you're on the Primary or Secondary programme, you have to train in two different schools and that would be the same on any teacher training programme that you're on.
We try to make sure there are contrasts in the placements to really give you a range of experiences and different types of pupils. That ultimately makes you more employable.
Jack: [For me], placement one at The Priory School in Southsea enabled me to really focus on behaviour management skills.
At St Edmund’s Catholic School for my second placement. I was then able to really hone in and practice my subject knowledge. It then allowed me to observe how outstanding lessons were delivered.
Andrew: On the Further Education programme, you spend the whole year in one college and that also has advantages because you really get to know those pupils over a very long period of time.
We put wellbeing and support for trainees right at the heart of what we do, and I think that's what's unique about Portsmouth.
You can train to teach anywhere, but you're not going to necessarily get that level of individual support from everybody.
Jack: I want to be a teacher because I want to make a difference. I really want to see that I can deliver English lessons and teach English in exciting, stimulating and creative ways.
The University of Portsmouth has been a great experience for this PGCE journey.
Tanya: If I'm honest, the University of Portsmouth has my heart. It's given me everything that I needed, from my undergraduate to my teaching degree and then beyond that as well. What more could you want really?
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your PGCE, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus or in online sessions, and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
It is our expectation that all international students will join us here on campus in Portsmouth.
Course structure
This Further Education and Skills PGCE course will take:
- 1 year (full-time study)
- 2 years (part-time study)
Full-time study
The full-time version of this teacher training degree 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 further education teaching placement each week.
For the first three weeks of the PGCE, you'll be in University five days a week if you study on campus, or in online sessions for two to three 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. Your working hours will be similar to a full-time job – times will vary but you'll generally be studying or on placement from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
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 teaching degree:
Teaching
PGCE study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to helping you become a teacher.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching methods on this teaching degree include:
- seminars
- workshops
- lectures
- one-to-one and group tutorials
Assessment
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.
Term dates
September start
The PGCE academic year runs from September to the following June/July. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter, and half terms in October, February and May.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14-18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter, and half terms in October, February and May.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
Careers this course prepares you for
On this further education teacher training degree, you'll gain the formal teaching qualification you need to teach in colleges, sixth-forms and private training providers.
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a professional teaching qualification recognised by further education providers in the UK. When you graduate, you'll also be eligible to apply to the Society for Education & Training (SET) to gain Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which is recognised as comparable to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
As a new further education teacher in 2024, you could expect a starting salary of £26,090 in the UK. A PGCE is an internationally-recognised qualification, so you'll also be able to work as a teacher overseas, including in the USA, Canada and Australia.
You could also earn 60 postgraduate credits on this further education PGCE, which you could put towards a full Master's degree (worth 180 credits) in the future.
Leaders work closely with college partners to ensure that they have a shared vision of excellence.
They use feedback from partners well to adapt programmes to ensure that they meet employers’ needs. When they identify areas for development, they act swiftly to implement positive changes.
Graduates of this teaching PGCE have gone on to work in:
- further education colleges
- sixth-form colleges
- private training providers
- public services
- voluntary organisations
Graduates of this teaching PGCE have gone onto roles such as:
- Further education maths teacher
- Social sciences teacher
- Sociology and Criminology college lecturer
- Project coordinator
- Educational support worker
- Learning support tutor
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Teaching placements and experience
On this further education PGCE, you'll spend approximately 750 hours building teaching experience on placements in real colleges, sixth forms, training centres or other further education institutions. You'll work with students and teaching professionals, and have the support of a placement mentor.
You'll be able to put your theoretical teacher training into action and develop the practical teaching skills and techniques you'll need in future roles as a further education teacher.
Placements for full-time students
If you're not already working in teaching and/or further education, you can take the full-time version of this PGCE at the University or by distance learning. If you choose to study online by distance learning, you'll still do your teaching placements in person.
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 where you will teach at least 100 hours, carry out at least 75 non-teaching hours, and have an identified subject mentor.
Teaching experience for part-time students
If you are already working in teaching and/or further education, the part-time version of this PGCE is designed for you.
If you study this course part-time, you'll study at one of our partner colleges or online by distance learning. You'll also need to carry out teaching hours within your current role, or secure teaching placements elsewhere, with an identified subject mentor that includes at least 100 hours of teaching and 75 hours of non-teaching each year.
Our partner college websites have more information for the part-time version of this PGCE:
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 postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
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.
The Maths Café offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
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.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this PGCE are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying to study on-campus as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our postgraduate application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Guaranteed interviews for Portsmouth students and graduates
If you're a final year student or a graduate of one of our undergraduate degrees, you'll be guaranteed an interview if you apply for this PGCE course, regardless of your subject or when you graduated.
Ready to apply? If you're currently studying at Portsmouth or graduated with us last year, you can apply through fast track. Otherwise, apply as normal below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of 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.
Ready to apply?
Starting in January 2025
To apply to study full or part-time by distance learning - please contact us
Starting in September 2025
Apply now (Full-time on campus)
Starting in September 2025 – part-time at a partner college
South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus
Starting in January 2026
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
You'll usually receive a response to your application by email, so keep checking your inbox. If your application is successful, we'll invite you to an interview.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
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.