Home » Courses » Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory Education) Level 6 Full-time
Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory Education) Level 6 Full-time
Course Overview
Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory Education) Level 6 Full-time
The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory Education), validated by Leeds Trinity University, equips you with the skills, knowledge, and professional values needed to be an effective teacher. With placement options in various eligible educational settings, including colleges and adult learning, you’ll gain real-world experience. The programme requires 120 credits and includes a minimum of ten teaching observations to prepare you for a fulfilling career in education.
Year 1
Planning and Assessing Learning in the Post Compulsory Education Training Context
The Role of Theory and the Use of Evidence-Informed Practice
Reflective Teaching Practice 1
Year 2
Exploring Contemporary Issues in Post Compulsory Education Training
Reflective Teaching Practice 2
Note: As a part-time trainee, your academic and professional study will typically include: two half days of on-campus learning, plus a professional practice placement (secured by yourself). The placement should be at least 250 hours between the month of September in year one and the month of April in year two (for example: September 2025 – the end of April 2027); at least 150 hours of this should be teaching practice with 100 hours of professional practice (which includes team meetings, planning, interviews, assessment meetings, provider-wide sessions and a second placement of 20 hours observing teaching practice within a different curriculum department).
Located at: SciTech Digital Innovation Hub
Course Start:
September 2026
Course length:
1 Years
Study Mode: Full-time
Course Code: HEATPGCE
UCAS Course Code: TTPC
Validated by:
Course Fees and Funding
How much does the course cost?
£6,995 per year.
Other funding information
As a Higher Education student living in England you may be eligible for the non-means tested Tuition Fee Loan from the Government and a Maintenance Loan.
Students with children or dependant adults may qualify for a Childcare Grant or Adult Dependants' Grant. Students can apply for these at the same time as applying for a Maintenance Loan.
Remember: Eligible students will not have to pay tuition fees in advance and can apply for the Maintenance Loan before they start the course.
We offer a service to any student who has a diagnosis of anything persistent or long-term which might interfere with how they study and manage their day-to-day academic engagement. The service is flexible and shaped around the needs of each individual; it might be consistent support or intermittent support.
Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant subject or substantial professional experience
GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above or an equivalent qualification at Level 2 or above*
Good information and communications (ICT) skills
You will need to undertake an interview with the Course Leader
You will be required to complete a satisfactory enhanced DBS check
You must be deemed fit to teach
You must secure a professional practice placement of at least 250 hours (from September of year one to April of year two). This must include a minimum of 150 teaching hours and 100 hours of broader professional practice (e.g., meetings, planning, assessment), as well as 20 hours of observing teaching in a different department.
Your assessment will be a combination of assessments, practical teaching experience, reflective practice and a minimum of 10 observations. You will need to demonstrate that you have developed the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to be a successful teacher.
You will need to provide a pen, paper, notepad or electronic device.
Professional Graduate Certificate in Education
Upon completion of the programme you can:
Secure employment as a qualified teacher in post-compulsory education
Apply for QTLS with the Education and Training Foundation
Consider starting a Master’s Degree in an education-related subject
Other Resources
For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk
Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.
Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.
Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
The course information on this page was last updated
23 January 2026.
Are you applying to study at Barnsley College University Centre only?
If you only wish to apply to Barnsley College University Centre, you can apply directly via our website, using OnTrack.
Simply select the course you wish to apply for and click the “Apply direct” button.
You will then be asked to complete an online application form and create your Barnsley College OnTrack account.
You will need to upload your qualification certificates and a form of ID. Once you have applied, your application will be reviewed by a course lecturer and you may be invited in for an interview.
Are you applying to more than one institution?
If you would like to apply to more than one university, you will be required to apply via the UCAS website.
As a general guide, applications can be made via UCASbetween September and late January.Please check the UCAS website for further information.
We do consider applications throughout the year, although the earlier you submit, the earlier you will receive a decision and can start to plan accordingly.
The UCAS Code for Barnsley College University Centre is: B13.
