Level 6 PGCE Course in Blackpool. Classes run at Bispham Campus, part-time during the day, over 18 months. This PGCE qualification is designed for people already working in industry who want to move into teaching and share their professional knowledge with learners. You'll need to secure a teaching placement before you start. The placement must include at least 250 hours of teaching experience, a subject-specialist mentor, and 10 teaching observations across the programme. PGCE classes are structured to fit around existing work commitments.
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 classroom teaching skills through observed practice in a real placement setting.
You'll learn how to plan and deliver lessons that meet current Department for Education and Education and Training Foundation standards.
You'll build skills in assessing and giving feedback to learners.
You'll work with a subject-specialist mentor to develop your subject-specific teaching approach.
You'll reflect on your own teaching practice and use observations to improve.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a combination of classroom-based sessions at Bispham Campus and practical teaching experience in your placement. Assessment includes teaching observations, with at least 10 carried out across the programme. You'll also complete a minimum of 250 hours of teaching and teaching-related activity. A subject-specialist mentor supports your development throughout.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bispham Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. You must have a confirmed teaching placement in place before joining the programme.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Adult Educator: teach your subject in further education or adult learning
Further Education Lecturer: deliver vocational or academic courses in colleges
Skills Trainer: train learners in workplace or community settings
Vocational Tutor: teach industry-specific skills to adult learners
Learning and Development Trainer: support staff training within organisations
What you could study next
Level 7 Diploma in Education and Training: a master's-level qualification for those wanting to deepen their expertise in teaching and learning theory.
MA Education: a postgraduate degree for teachers looking to move into curriculum leadership, research, or senior roles in education.
QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills): professional status recognised by the Education and Training Foundation, often pursued alongside or after a PGCE in further education.
