Further Education PGCE
London, Bloomsbury
This is the programme information for 2025 entry
If you require details of the previous year's programme, Further Education PGCE (2024), click here
The Further Education PGCE has three specialist routes; Further Education English (Literacy and ESOL) PGCE, Further Education Mathematics and Numeracy PGCE and Further Education (all other subjects) PGCE.
Each route develops effective, confident teachers whose practice is informed by knowledge of educational theory that is carefully tailored to the further education and skills sector.
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
Duration
Programme starts
Applications accepted
Applications closed
Early application is advised as programmes may close as soon as places are filled. Applicants should check the government website for the latest vacancy information.
Skills
This course will give you everything you need to face the classroom, both the pedagogical theory and the practical skills to be an inspiring teacher.
Support
Our gradual immersion approach will introduce you to the classroom progressively, from one learner to the whole class.
Experience
Placement in diverse, carefully chosen colleges will allow you to learn from different contexts and be prepared to teach in any FE setting.
Start teaching
For those already working in FE, the PGCE is designed to help you reflect on and improve your practice For those new to FE teaching we will provide you with the tools to progress to a fulfilling career in the sector.
IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, has been ranked 1st for Education in the QS World University Rankings by Subject since 2014.
Structure
The programme is taught through a mix of face-to-face and online sessions, (including lectures, presentations, discussions, and classroom group tasks), and a practice element based in partner-provider organisations, usually further education colleges or adult education institutes.
Online elements allow partnership working through joint university and partner taught sessions. You will learn about employment in the further education sector, how to plan lessons in your subject that engage learners, how to assess learners, how to manage the learning environment, and how to use theory and research to broaden and improve your professional knowledge and expertise in teaching. You are required to read widely and to carry out written assignments in your own time.
You will be assessed through a range of written assignments, module tasks and formal observations of practical teaching skills.
The Professional Practice module requires the submission of a portfolio which includes a range of assessment types such as the use of presentations, online discussions and formalised reflections. These form evidence of professional experience alongside the observation of teaching practice. There will be a final, oral assessment of your ability to meet the occupational standards of teachers in the sector.
The Learning, Teaching and Assessment module and The Wider Context of Educational Practice module each require a submission of written work. The assignments use evidence from practical experience as the basis for the academic writing thus utilise a range of academic and practical skills.
The normal breakdown of time (1200 hours in total) involves:
- 180 hours of university-directed contact (face-to-face and online)
- 250 hours in placement of which at least 150 hours are teaching (including 20 hours online synchronous teaching)
- 770 hours of self-directed study
For full-time students, university sessions run Wednesday 9.00am - 12.30pm online and Thursday 10.00am - 5.00pm at UCL on a weekly basis.
For part-time year one students, university sessions run Wednesday 9.00am - 10.30am online and Thursday 10.00am - 12.30pm at UCL on a weekly basis.
For part-time year two students, university sessions run Wednesday 11.00am - 12.30pm online and Thursday 1.30pm - 5.00pm at UCL on a weekly basis.
During college placements, you will be expected to attend according to the college’s policy. This will typically involve attending at least 30 minutes before the start of the college day and leaving at least 30 minutes after the college day ends. You will have readings and additional self-directed study to complete in addition to these contact hours.
At the heart of this PGCE, I learnt to become more reflective in my teaching - a life-long skill essential for every teaching practitioner.
Modules
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Full-time students will undertake three modules in one academic year. Two 30-credit modules plus a professional practice module that must be successfully completed. The professional practice module will include evidence of at least 250 hours of professional experience in more than one location. This will include:
- at least 150 hours of teaching practice with at least 20 hours online synchronous teaching;
- at least 10 formal observations of teaching practice.
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Part-time students will undertake three modules over two academic years. Students will take one 30-credit module in each year with a professional practice module that is spread across the two years. The professional practice module will include evidence of at least 250 hours of professional experience in more than one location. This will include:
- at least 150 hours of teaching practice with at least 20 hours online synchronous teaching;
- at least 10 formal observations of teaching practice.
Compulsory modules
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
Upon successful completion of 60 credits and the Professional Practice module, you will be awarded a PGCE in Further Education.
College placements
All students on this programme will undertake teaching practice placements and your development as a teacher will be assessed as part of the course. You will be in placement for a minimum of 250 hours (at a minimum of two institutions). You will teach at least 150 hours (of which 20 hours will be online teaching) and experience other aspects of a teacher's job. You will work with subject-specialist mentors who support you through your teaching experience. We are fortunate to work with a range of providers, as well as some experienced mentors, in the field of further education teaching.
We ensure your placement will provide fulfilling and valuable experiences through:
- A dedicated team who will identify the best colleges for your placements
- Support and guidance from your university tutor and your college-based mentor
- College experience that allows you to progress at an appropriate pace for you
- Reasonable travel times from your home to your college placement
Making the most of your placement
We know facing a classroom and managing your times as a teacher can be intimidating, as well as needing careful planning to be practical and work out with your personal life.
That's why we will support you all the way through, as well as helping your work out the best options for this key moment in your life.
Teaching is a demanding profession and student teachers can feel nervous about college placements or anxious about the workload. Your tutor and college-based mentor will help you navigate your placement experience, ensuring that you have the input you need. Empathetic feedback and discussion about your developing professional practice will support you to be successful.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.
Where you'll study
IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, is a world-leading centre for research and teaching in education, culture, psychology, and social science. We are one of the UK’s largest teacher training providers, offering a wide range of programmes across all phases of learning and more subjects than any other university. We also offer an extensive range of master’s programmes. Our research addresses society’s most important challenges and feeds into our teaching, enabling our graduates to go on to influence future generations for the better, from individual lives to societal change.
Visit us
Online - Open day
Teacher Training Open Event: Further Education PGCE
The Further Education PGCE session helps you to discover UCL’s world-leading Teacher Training programmes in Further Education and explore the various routes into teaching.
Online - Open day
Teacher Training Virtual Open Event: Overview
The event features a series of sessions where you can discover UCL’s world-leading Teacher Training programmes in Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Further Education, and explore the various routes into teaching. Watch the recording to learn more about the overview of our teacher training courses.
Got questions? Get in touch
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