Skip to main content
Apply now
Apply now
Entry Requirements icon

Entry Requirements

Level 3 qualification in area you wish to teach in

Study Mode icon

Study Mode

Part time

 

Duration icon

Duration

Part time

10 weeks

Timetable icon

Timetable

Various


Key Features & Benefits

  • Gain an introduction to teaching or training adults aged 16+
  • Learn how to plan, deliver, assess and evaluate learners and learning
  • Get a feel for teaching before progressing to full teacher training qualifications

This Certificate in Education and Training, Preparatory, is a short course, approved by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and is designed to provide a basic introduction to teaching or training adults aged 14+. The course was formerly known as the PTLLS qualification (Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning sector).

  • Overview

    This Certificate in Education and Training, Preparatory, is a short course, approved by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and is designed to provide a basic introduction to teaching or training adults aged 14+. The course was formerly known as the PTLLS qualification (Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning sector).

    The course lasts for 10 weeks (you will study for 3 hours a week) and is designed to give you a taster of what teaching is like and prepare you to teach. It introduces you to how to plan and deliver sessions, theories of learning, assessment strategies, working with individuals and groups and many aspects of teaching students aged 14+.

    It is a nationally recognised certificate which stands independently but is also acts as introductory module for those who may wish to progress onto an Introductory Certificate in Education and Training or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

    Our course is set at Level 4 which is an Introductory Higher Education level. You may choose to think of this short course as a ‘taster’ if you are thinking about a career in teaching but are not yet sure it is for you.

    This amount will be payable at enrolment. There are various opportunities to join the programme throughout the year and the next available entry points will be discussed with you at interview.

  • What will I study?

    The programme is presented through a variety of methods, to allow you to experience different styles of teaching and learning.

    In the programme you will learn how to plan, deliver, assess and evaluate learners and learning. You will explore educational theory, reflect on your practice and keep a diary of your own development.

    You will be introduced to principles of learning and theorists and will have the opportunity to present to your peers, evaluate your own effectiveness and give feedback to others.

    As part of this short programme you will not undertake any teaching practice hours but you must be able to complete two observations of experienced teachers and make recommendations for improvement as well as highlighting areas of good practice.

    This is a single module which carries 20 credits at Undergraduate Level. Successful achievement will award the Certificate in Education and Training, Preparatory (PET) at level 4. This module will be accredited towards further awards, for those who are teaching or training in the Lifelong Learning sector.

  • Entry Requirements

    To join the programme you’ll need a recognised level 3 qualification in the vocational area you may wish to teach in which will then enable you, if you wish to go on to teach, to have a specialism in a particular area. Alternatively you may have A-Levels. You will be expected to have at least 5 GCSEs grades A-C, including a grade C or above in English Language.

    Once you have applied we invite all applicants to join an informal interview which will be your opportunity to ask more questions about the programme.

    We expect you to have a keen interest in teaching and learning in the post 16 education sector. You do not need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check for this qualification but it is often advisable if you feel you may wish to move on to other qualifications afterwards. 

    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.

  • How will I be assessed?

    You’ll be assessed by two written essays, a one hour (class-based) teaching practice portfolio, two observations of an experienced teacher, a group presentation and the production of a learning journal.

    Formative and summative assessments enable lecturers or tutors to monitor the learning that has/is taking place. Formative assessment is not always noticeable by the student as it is a continuous process; lecturers or assessors may observe participation and responses to class discussions and group work, a student’s response to question and answer sessions, participation in workshop practical and engagement with demonstrations. 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.

    Students receive both formal and informal feedback. Formal feedback is through assessments, is usually in writing and given within 3 weeks following the submission date. 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.

  • Teaching and Learning

    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
  • What can I do next?

    This is a nationally recognised certificate which stands independently but is also acts as introductory module for those who may wish to progress onto the courses below. The latter of these qualifications will enable you to become fully qualified as a teacher or a lecturer in the post-16 sector. 

  • Supplementary Information

    Supplementary Information

    Download the Programme Specification. The Programme Specification will give you further information about the course structure, learning outcomes and detailed information about the assessment you can expect during the course

    Download the Programme Specification
  • Fees and Financial information

    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.