Level 7 PGCE Course in Blackpool. Classes run at Bispham Campus, full-time during the day. This pgce course is designed for people who want to teach in further education and training. It aligns with Department for Education and Education and Training Foundation standards. You'll need a degree at 2:2 or above in your subject, plus a confirmed teaching placement of at least 250 hours. The course runs over one year. You'll gain a pgce qualification recognised for teaching in the further education sector.
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 effective lessons in your specialist subject.
You'll develop skills in assessing and giving feedback to learners.
You'll learn how to meet the needs of different learners in your classroom.
You'll apply the latest Department for Education and Education and Training Foundation teaching standards.
You'll build skills in reflective practice to improve your teaching over time.
You'll work with a subject-specialist mentor to develop your professional practice.
You'll complete at least 250 hours of teaching and teaching-related experience.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Bispham Campus, combined with practical teaching experience in your placement. Assessment includes a minimum of 10 observed teaching sessions across the programme. You'll work alongside a subject-specialist mentor throughout. Written assignments and reflective tasks form part of the assessment, alongside evidence gathered from your teaching practice.
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 have secured a suitable teaching placement before joining the course.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Further education teacher: teach your specialist subject in colleges and training providers.
Adult educator: deliver learning programmes to adult learners.
Vocational trainer: train learners in workplace or college settings.
Skills tutor: support learners developing specific vocational or academic skills.
Learning and development coordinator: design and deliver training within organisations.
Curriculum developer: create teaching programmes for further education providers.
What you could study next
Level 7 Diploma in Education and Training: a more extensive qualification for those wanting to deepen their teaching expertise in further education.
Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status: awarded by the Society for Education and Training, this is the professional status for further education teachers and sits alongside your PGCE qualification.
MA in Education: a master's degree for those wanting to move into educational leadership, research, or curriculum management.
