Level 7 PGCE Course in Blackpool. Classes run at Bispham Campus, part-time during the day over 18 months. You'll need a degree at 2:2 or above in your subject, plus a confirmed teaching placement of at least 250 hours before you start. The PGCE classes cover lesson planning, teaching delivery, and assessment, and align with the latest Department for Education and Education and Training Foundation standards. You'll work with a subject-specialist mentor and take part in 10 teaching observations across the programme.
Who this course is for
The Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PgCE) is designed for people who want to start or develop a teaching career in further education and training. 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 Postgraduate 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. You'll also need: A degree (2: 2 or above) in the subject you want to teach.
What you will learn
You'll plan and deliver lessons that meet current further education teaching standards.
You'll develop assessment strategies to track and support learner progress.
You'll work with a subject-specialist mentor to strengthen your subject-specific teaching practice.
You'll reflect on your teaching through 10 observed teaching sessions across the programme.
You'll build knowledge of the Education and Training Foundation professional standards.
You'll learn how to adapt your teaching to meet the needs of different learners.
How you will learn
Learning takes place through classroom-based sessions at Bispham Campus, combined with at least 250 hours of hands-on teaching practice in your placement setting. You'll take part in 10 teaching observations throughout the programme. Assessment is based on your teaching practice, written assignments, and evidence gathered from your placement, including feedback from your subject-specialist mentor.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bispham Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to arrange a suitable teaching placement before joining the programme.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Further education teacher, teaching your specialist subject in a college setting
Adult educator, delivering learning programmes for adult learners
Vocational trainer, teaching trade or professional skills in FE or training providers
Learning and development tutor, supporting workplace learning programmes
Skills coach, working with learners on funded training programmes
What you could study next
Level 7 Diploma in Education and Training: a longer qualification for those wanting to deepen their teaching practice beyond the PGCE.
MA in Education: a master's degree for those interested in educational leadership, research, or curriculum development.
QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills): professional status awarded by the Society for Education and Training, recognised for teaching in further education settings.
