Course Overview
The Professional Certificate in Education (PCE) (FE&S) at Nescot is a full time one year course validated by the University of Greenwich. This course provides individuals with a level 5 professional teaching qualification for those without a degree but having a professional or vocational competency qualification at Level 3 or above and who would like to teach students aged 14 years or older.
The PCE requires a 250-hour placement during the period of training, of which 150 hours are teaching practice and 20 hours investigating another curriculum area. Nescot will provide teaching practice placements for full time applicants. Placement places are limited and distributed on a first-come first-served basis.
Entry Requirements
Students are required to have GCSE pass (or equivalent) in Maths and English plus at least a L3 qualification in the subject they wish to teach. Where a level 3 qualification is not held and you have significant, relevant experience in the field, this will be considered. If you are teaching or planning to teach in a SEND setting, a L2 SEND related qualification and/or relevant experience will be considered. You must also have, or acquire, a valid enhanced DBS, provide a suitable reference, have access to a suitable teaching placement and participate in an interview to assess suitability for teacher training.
It should be noted that:
- Functional Skills is not deemed equivalent to GCSE and therefore not accepted as an entry qualification. If a GCSE in English and/or Maths is not offered then equivalency tests or A star equivalency tests graded as a GCSE equivalent pass can be accepted.
- If any qualification has been achieved overseas, then equivalency to all English qualifications (including maths & English) may need to be sought, eg through ENIC.
If you already hold a teaching or training qualification, please refer to the Tariff of Qualifications (ITT) Database for accreditation of prior learning and discuss with the admissions’ tutor at interview.
In addition to meeting the entry requirements you will need to complete one of the scenarios below to discuss at interview. If you are from a SEND setting, please complete the SEND scenario.
- Interview Scenario Mainstream (see website for details)
- Interview Scenario SEND (see website for details)
You will also be asked to produce a piece of writing as an assessment task set by the admissions tutor at interview.
What the course covers
Modules:
The PCE incorporates the mandatory content for teaching qualifications in this sector and additional content to support your continued professional development. The full list of modules is:
- Teaching & Learning Fundamentals
- Classroom & Behaviour Management
- Subject Specific Pedagogy
- Professional Development 1
- Professional Development 2
- Developing Resources & Digital Skills
- Reflective Practice & Professionalism
- Exploring the Curriculum
Each week, you will participate in 12 hours of taught sessions at Nescot on a Thursday & Friday (10am – 4.45pm); 8 hours of teaching practice in an approved setting; and approximately 6 hours of independent study.
Assessment
The course includes both formative and summative assessments and practice is assessed by lesson observations. All modules are assessed via coursework and aim to facilitate professional development. The qualification is awarded with a pass, merit or distinction classification.
Students on a NESCOT higher education course are typically taught in class sizes of 16 or fewer.
A full programme specification will be made available on the website. Please note reforms nationally for all teacher training programmes come into effect from September 2024. Therefore, our programmes are subject to validation with the University of Greenwich.
Fees and funding
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
£7,900* (UK Students) (£8,400 International Students)
*Exam fees included
Concession: NO
Government Subsidised: NO
Student Loan Available: YES (Higher Education funding available)
Fees are for 2026/27 entry and are for UK students of all ages. For more information about financial support for students see college website.
Teacher Trainees without a portable DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check are required to undergo a DBS for which there is a charge of £52. Full time students are able to add the cost of the DBS to their student maintenance loan.
Progression
This award will fully qualify you to teach post 14 and in the FE and Skills Sector.
There are opportunities for a further year’s study to gain a Top-up BA (Hons) in Education Studies.
Duration
1 year. Full-time course comprising 12 hours (2 days) college attendance on a Thursday and Friday and 3 days teaching practice per week, for 30 weeks.
End date: May 2027