Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
University of Gibraltar
About this program
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Aimed at those who wish to join the teaching profession, the PGCE is an intensive full-time, one-year programme that enables students to gain an academic award at level 7. Throughout the bespoke programme, students will build evidence of professional practice mapped against the Teachers’ Standards
The course has been designed and delivered in partnership with the Department of Education in Gibraltar and seeks to provide students with the opportunity to become effective teachers in the education profession.
Admission requirements
This PGCE is designed for those who have ambition to join the teaching profession.
Typically, all applicants will have:
- Possess minimum of a 2.1 honours degree awarded by a UK university or overseas equivalent. Applicants holding a 2.2 degree may be considered if they also hold significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience in the desired field.
- Be able to communicate ideas effectively in writing, in discussions and presentations. Basic IT skills, such as word-processing, email and Internet are expected.
- An honours degree relevant to their subject specialism (at least 50% of the degree content needs to be relevant to the subject specialism) with a minimum of a 2.1 pass for applicants wishing to teach at secondary level.
- GCSE grade 4 and above (or C and above for examinations taken prior to 2017) in Mathematics, English and one Science subject (preferably double science).
- Prior classroom experience is not a requirement of application nor will it be a condition of an offer for applicants that are successful at interview. However, evidence of school-based experience is desirable, so applicants are encouraged to arrange spending some time in the classroom. Other areas of relevant experience may also support an application (e.g. coaching, playgroups, voluntary work overseas). Please note students with suitable work experience in a related field will be given preference during the application process.
Additional course specific requirements:
- have passed the Professional Skills Tests (Literacy and Numeracy);
- complete a Vetting Check. For further information on how to obtain this from the Royal Gibraltar Police, please email seo@unigib.edu.gi;
- complete relevant checks to ensure they have the health and physical capacity to teach.
English language requirements:
An overall IELTS test result of 6.5, including a minimum of 6.0 in all sub-tests. Equivalent awards will be considered (e.g. Pearson’s Test of English, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English, Duolingo English Test, City & Guilds International ESOL 8984, or the TOEFL- IBT test of English proficiency). If you do not meet our entry requirements, you can still apply as we will consider your application.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Learn moreProgram content
The Resourceful Teacher
This year-long module has two aims. First, it provides the framework for the development of the knowledge, skills, values and dispositions for effective, inclusive teaching. Its aim is for students to develop an understanding of the range of pedagogical factors that influence decisions about learning, including those related to diversity of learners, concepts in child development, phases of learning and subjects, and assessment practices. Second, it includes the practical school experience placements which form the context for developing practice and for assessing that practice.
The module draws on four themes which can be seen as lenses through which learning and teaching issues can be considered. As such, the four themes are delivered in parallel and based upon a spiral curriculum paradigm (Bruner 1960/1977) so that students can deepen their understanding of key ideas as they blend learning from University seminars with practical learning from placements.
The four lenses are:
- Knowledge and Understanding for Teaching
- Constructing Learning
- Supporting, Motivating and Managing Learners
- Professional Practice
The Reflective and Reflexive Professional
This first semester module aims to introduce students to the notions of reflection and reflexivity which are essential to enable developments, improvements and enhancements in professional practice. The study of theoretical models of reflection and reflexivity provides students with a range of tools with which to engage in critical thinking and contemplation concerning professionalism in teaching. Students are supported to contextualise issues and to recognise factors that influence their feelings and opinions when faced with practice tensions and/or ethical dilemmas. In addition, the module aims to equip students to effectively approach and manage the complexities of professional practice in order to make informed judgements and decisions.
The Reciprocity of Professionalism
This module runs during semester two and it aims to investigate the many different forms of partnership that exist for teachers, and the children and families with whom they work. Students study the notions of partnerships and relationships; exploring the intra and inter professional boundaries of professional practice. They examine the dynamics of cooperative and collaborative relationships; critically analysing different communication styles and techniques. They critically examine the role of emotions inhabiting professional practice and how this affects ongoing behaviours, relationships and partnerships. Students study theories of educational leadership and management and the interface with ongoing partnerships and/or relationships when there are changes in practice.
Scholarships & funding
The University of Gibraltar hosts or directly offers a number of scholarship programmes to support your studies. Scholarships are available to support undergraduate, Master’s degree and PhD programmes and are made available to students based on certain criteria.
Please check the university website for more information.
Tuition
Home Full-time: £9,250
For 2021, international and EU fees will be the same as Home fees
Qualification
Successful completion of the programme provides students the opportunity to:
- Become specialised in effective pedagogy and practice in the field of education;
- Become research-informed teachers who are able to critically engage with theory, research and literature in order to identify and evaluate concepts and ideas relevant to professional practice;
- Become reflective teachers who understand practice in terms of research and policy and can develop capacity to improve their teaching and the learning experiences of children;
- Develop the language and communication skills necessary to provide inclusive teaching and learning environments;
- Demonstrate the competencies, knowledge and understanding relevant to the Teachers’ Standards, supporting progression towards professional registration in the teaching profession.
Career paths
Students undertaking the PGCE are typically those transferring to further studies from achieving an undergraduate degree and who want a career in teaching; or those who may have a degree, have worked in other fields, and want a change of career into the teaching profession.
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About this institute
University of Gibraltar
The University of Gibraltar offers its students high quality, in-person teaching and UK-aligned standards in a unique, safe and multicultural location. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the Southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula that is often described...
Why study at University of Gibraltar
The University of Gibraltar offers its students high-quality, in-person teaching and UK-aligned standards in a unique, safe and multicultural location. Our small class sizes, combined with the expertise of our academic staff, meaningful placements and work experience opportunities enable us to deliver an exceptional student experience, ensuring you’re getting the skills that employers are looking for. In line with the UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) requirements, all University of Gibraltar degrees are regularly audited by experienced, external examiners from the UK.
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