Certificate in Education and Training, Introductory

This Certificate in Education, Introductory, lasts up to 24 weeks in duration, is approved by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the teaching or training of students aged 14+. The course was formerly known as the CTLLS qualification (Certificate to Teach in the Life Long Learning sector) but has been redesigned to include themes around employability and preparing you for your new career in education.

This course can be used as an extension to or the Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning sector (PTLLS) qualification, or as an award in its own right. It is ideal for anyone who has a limited role in teaching, training and tutoring where teaching/training is only part of your job. This could include working with prepared training materials and delivering single subject training programmes. As such the course is ideal for people who might wish to work as Training Advisors and Assessors rather than full teachers or lecturers.

Successful achievement of the qualification will result in you being awarded the Introductory Certificate in Education and Training.

During the programme you will look and how to plan and prepare teaching and learning, as well as supporting the skills of learners and implementing effective teaching strategies. You'll also look at how to assess work and give feedback and how to manage an inclusive learning environment and promote reflective thinking through your classes.

The programme is delivered through a variety of methods, which encourage those on the course to link theory and practice. Learners are encouraged to become reflective practitioners and you will be required to keep a journal which records your own development. You will explore educational theories, learn how to plan, deliver, assess and evaluate and consider teaching & learning for a range of groups and individuals. A minimum of 30 hours of teaching practice is integral to the programme and through this you demonstrate how your own understanding of the principles of teaching and learning is developing. During the programme you will also undertake four observations of experienced teachers and evaluate their lessons - highlighting areas for improvement as well as best practice examples. Throughout the programme you will be assigned a mentor who will be there to guide you, offering their experience and support to enable you to achieve the qualification.

This is a 2 module University award and each module carries 20 credits.

• Preparation for Education and Training
• Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The two modules run parallel to teaching practice and a minimum of 30 hours of teaching practice (paid or unpaid) is required in addition to the taught modules.

Work Placement

During the course you are required to spend at least 30 hours working in a relevant role in order to improve your knowledge and practice of the subject. This may be through paid employment or via a voluntary work placement in a relevant role. Your work placement is expected to have a focus on applying the knowledge from your degree programme in an employment context.

Please note: work placements are subject to availability.  You are also responsible for any costs in travelling to and from your work placements, for any accommodation costs and in some instances the cost of acquiring a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report.

You will need a Level 3 qualification (such as A-Levels) or recognised level 3 vocational qualification in the area that you wish to go on to teach in. You will need to have at least 5 GCSEs (grades A-C) including at least a grade C in English Language. You will be expected to have a keen interest in teaching and learning. You will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check in order to enter the programme. 

Once you have applied for the course you may be invited to an interview. The interview will be assessed and will require you to produce a short task (of about 500 words) to be brought with you to your interview. You will also need to conduct a 5 minute presentation in which we will assess your skills in presenting and organisation as well as ICT Skills and confidence levels. Full details of the interview will be sent to you once we have received your application.

Care Leavers or Young Carers

We want students from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to go to University. If you have spent three months or more in local authority care OR are a young carer, you will be eligible for a contextual offer. This is a grade reduction of 1-A Level grade below our standard entry requirements. For example, a standard offer of CCC, would become CCD. MMM at Level 3 Extended Diploma would become MMP. To apply we advise that you tick the box on your UCAS application which identifies you have spent time in care and to help identify you as eligible for our contextual offer.

Throughout the course a full range of assessment techniques will be used. You could be assessed by practical assessments, assignments, briefs, essays, presentations (including group presentations), reports and portfolio building. 

Each module is formally assessed through, for example, open-book test, individual and group presentation, essay, observation of practice, assessment of course work e.g. art portfolio, written report, reflective practice and portfolios of evidence.  This formal assessment will count towards your module mark and feedback is usually given within 3 weeks following the submission of your formal submission of work.

It should be noted that feedback is part of the ongoing learning cycle which is not limited to written feedback. Other forms of feedback include one-to-one meetings with a personal tutor, dissertation and project supervision meetings, a lecturer responding to learner questions or responses during topic or situation discussions. 

Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

The learning environment and facilities could include lecture theatres, classrooms, technology suites, laboratories and workshops, library and skills labs, art and photography studios, small group and quiet zones. Learning methods will vary according to the programme of study but will include lectures and group tutorials. In addition, seminars, field trips, work placements, role play or scenario activities, laboratory and workshop practical, demonstrations, guest lectures, discussions and debates all contribute to the learning experience to support the acquisition of subject specific skills and knowledge and the development of transferable and employment related skills.

You should typically expect to have around 15 contact hours per week if you are studying full time.

In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor.  

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course.  The team could include senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, demonstrators and technical officers.  You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Timetables

We endeavour to make timetables available one month before you start your course.  Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week.  Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week. 

Overall Workload

You overall workload consists of class contact hours, around 15 hours of independent learning and assessment activity and any field trips which may take place.

Academic Support

We have a dedicated Student Engagement Team who will be able to provide support in the following areas;

• Study Skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
• Written English
• Academic Writing (including referencing)
• Research Skills

Successful achievement of the Introductory Certificate will confirm your suitability to work in some parts of the post compulsory sector. You may choose to continue your own professional development and work towards the below courses if your circumstances allow this. Your tutor will be happy to discuss this with you.

Going to University is not as expensive as you think. There are no upfront fees to pay if you take out a Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance England. Don't forget to apply as early as possible to secure your fees before you start your course.