Teaching PGCert

This programme aims to support your ability to operate as an effective teacher. All modules are underpinned by the DfE Teachers’ Standards (2012) and are designed to provide you with an appropriate means of reflecting critically on your own development as a teacher and engaging in school-based research to improve your own practice. The curriculum will enable you to demonstrate that you are meeting the Teachers’ Standards at a level appropriate for your stage of experience.

Why study PGCert Teaching at Middlesex University?

This course is suitable for practising teachers who wish to gain an academic postgraduate award to enhance their QTS qualification, e.g. when following an Assessment Only route or after gaining a 'QTS only' award through a School Direct programme. It has also been designed for initial training teachers following an employment-based routes to QTS, either School Direct or a Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship at Middlesex University.  All the modules reflect engagement with the Teachers’ Standards and have been designed so that you can gain recognition and award for your professional practice as a school teacher.

This PGCert and the associated assignments have been designed as an integral part of your professional development and will enable you to develop as a reflective learner and teacher, with the additional benefit of academic credits, which can be carried forwards towards an MA degree.

This course has been designed with input from our Initial Teacher Education Partnership schools and will provide relevant and useful academic enhancement as well as a useful entry point to further postgraduate study if you wish to continue to Masters or doctoral level.

Course highlights

• This course is flexible and suitable for teachers at all stages of development, from Initial Teacher Training (ITT) through to several years of experience
• Your work as a teacher will be recognised as you engage with the Teachers’ Standards and your own Professional Development as an emerging leader or advanced classroom practitioner.
• It has been designed to recognise and enhance the typical day-to-day activities of your professional practice so that you can realistically manage the academic requirements alongside your work as a teacher
• Two of the three modules provide an opportunity to study and gain credits at Level 7. They will complement and enhance your work in a school setting through relevant and useful assignments.

What will you study on PGCert Teaching?

Two of the three modules provide an opportunity to study and gain credits at Level 7. They have been designed to complement and enhance your work in a school setting through relevant and useful assignments.

The other module recognises ongoing professional development and engagement with the Teachers’ Standards. For training teachers on a Middlesex University School Direct or apprenticeship programme, this module forms the backbone of your development towards QTS. For candidates on an Assessment Only route, this module could be achieved through use of the Assessment Only professional practice portfolio. For practising teachers, this module could be achieved through APEL or through demonstration of your continuing professional development against the Teachers’ Standards.

To gain the award of PGCert Teaching you must pass all assignments.

How is the PGCert Teaching taught?

Middlesex University ITT students will be taught through lectures, seminars and workshops. There will also be relevant online activities. A bespoke model will be available for practising teachers employed in Partnership schools.

Since the programme is designed for employment-based training and practising teachers, self-directed and independent study is essential.

Assessment

You will be assessed though assignments that combine portfolio evidence, research findings with 3000 word theoretical narratives.

How can the PGCert Teaching support your career?

The postgraduate award could enhance career progression within teaching, for example, as middle and senior leaders.