To study for this postgraduate certificate, you must hold a bachelors degree from a UK university or other recognised degree-awarding body or a qualification at an equivalent level.
Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 7 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see their website for details.
In order to study this qualification, you do not need to be employed in an educational setting. However, it is important that you have some experience in engaging or working with learners, children or young people, as our pathway disciplines (Learning and Teaching, Inclusive Practice, and Leadership and Management) are all explored through the lens of education. Therefore, you will need to be able to apply your learning to a relevant context or learning environment.
This can be through employment or other means, such as volunteering and/or special arrangements undertaken for the purposes of your study. Apart from schools and colleges, other organisations providing educational services – such as health and care education environments, youth, play, or early years work, armed forces, business and commercial environments – all could provide suitable settings to apply your learning and later carry out your dissertation should you decide to continue towards a full masters degree. The various activities embedded in the study guide and supporting examples and literature will help you develop skills of independent study and enquiry.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications and experience are suitable, please contact us for advice.
How long it takes
Most students study the Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies in Education part-time, completing 60 credits over one year. Typically, this means 13–19 study hours each week.