Level 6 PGCE Course in Blackpool. Classes run at Bispham Campus, full-time during the day. This one-year PGCE course is designed for people working in industry who want to move into teaching. You'll bring your professional knowledge into the classroom and develop the skills to teach in further education and training settings. Before you start, you'll need to secure a suitable teaching placement that includes at least 250 hours of teaching experience, a subject-specialist mentor, and 10 teaching observations. The course aligns with Department for Education and Education and Training Foundation standards.
Who this course is for
The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PgCE) is designed for people working in industry who want to transition into teaching and pass on their professional knowledge and expertise to the next generation of learners. The course fully aligns with the latest Department for Education (DfE) and Education and Training Foundation (ETF) standards. A flexible route into teachingThe PgCE offers a supportive and flexible pathway that fits around your existing work commitments. You'll develop essential teaching skills, including: Planning and delivering effective lessonsPreparing engaging learning materialsCreating a positive and inclusive learning environmentManaging and supporting learners confidentlyTeaching placement with expert supportYou'll put theory into practice through a supervised teaching placement, supported by an experienced subject‑specialist mentor. This practical experience helps you: Build confidence in the classroomDevelop real‑world teaching skillsApply learning directly to professional practiceProfessional portfolioThroughout the course, you'll build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates: Your teaching knowledge and skillsHow you apply professional standards in practiceYour readiness to teach in the FE and skills sectorProgression to QTLSCompleting the PgCE provides a strong foundation for further professional development, including the opportunity to progress towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status through the Education and Training Foundation (ETF). Broader understanding of educationAlongside your placement, you'll explore how wider influences shape education, including: Political and economic factorsSocial and technological changeLegal and environmental considerationsYou'll also complete an educational research project, focusing on how these factors impact teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum development within your subject specialism.
Entry requirements
To join the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), you must have secured a suitable teaching placement that enables you to: Complete at least 250 hours of teaching and teaching‑related experience; Work with a subject‑specialist mentor; Take part in 10 teaching observations across the programme.
What you will learn
You'll develop your teaching practice through at least 250 hours of classroom experience.
You'll learn how to plan and deliver lessons in your specialist subject area.
You'll understand how to assess and support learners effectively.
You'll study the latest Department for Education and Education and Training Foundation teaching standards.
You'll work with a subject-specialist mentor to develop your professional skills.
You'll reflect on your teaching through 10 observed teaching sessions across the programme.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a combination of classroom-based sessions at Bispham Campus and practical teaching experience at your placement. Assessment is based on your teaching practice, observations, and professional development work completed across the programme. You'll take part in 10 teaching observations and work alongside a subject-specialist mentor throughout.
What you will need to bring
You must secure a suitable teaching placement before you start. This placement must allow you to complete at least 250 hours of teaching and teaching-related experience, work with a subject-specialist mentor, and take part in 10 teaching observations. Bispham Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Adult Educator: teach in further education and training settings
Vocational Trainer: deliver specialist subject training to learners
Further Education Lecturer: teach at college level in your subject area
Skills Trainer: deliver workplace or industry-based training
Learning and Development Facilitator: support professional learning in organisations
Community Learning Tutor: teach adults in community education settings
What you could study next
Level 7 Diploma in Education and Training: deepen your teaching theory and practice at master's level.
PGCE with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status): if you want to teach in schools, this route leads to full QTS.
MA Education: a master's degree for those wanting to specialise in educational research or leadership.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: an alternative if you want to consolidate practice before progressing further.
