iPGCE

The School of Education has considerable expertise and experience in providing education for teachers and other educationalists (in PGCE, Masters programmes, EdD and PhDs) in many different contexts. We can now offer a course tailored to the international market.

The iPGCE is a flexible, part-time distance-learning programme of professional enrichment for educators in countries other than the UK, allowing students to:

• develop a deeper understanding of planning, teaching and assessment strategies, and deployment of new technologies, in relation to their teaching subjects
• develop critical understanding of theory and practice relating to education in general and in their local and national contexts
• develop further understanding of the relationship between research and practice and develop their own ability to conduct rigorous classroom-based research or policy analysis

The iPGCE course is designed to facilitate postgraduate study in overseas locations. It is therefore primarily based on a model of distance learning with study schools taking place in the students’ locations (or hub). At the time of writing, study school hubs are planned for a number of locations in China, in Malta and in the Caribbean. Students who wish to apply for the course would need to ensure that they are able to attend a study school in one of these locations.

The programme’s teaching is research-led. It makes reference to cutting-edge research in pedagogy and draws on staff’s own research activity whilst also encouraging the development of students’ own research skills in relation to their practice. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own professional development, learning to analyse their own teaching, assess their pupils’ learning, and reflect on the implications for improvement or development. They are also encouraged to adopt a rigorous, research-driven approach which enables them to innovate, evaluate critically and enhance learning standards.

The course is conducted primarily via distance learning with an initial face-to-face study school in the students’ own location or hub. Students are introduced to blended teaching and learning practices using a range of online resources, peer discussions and individual tutorials.

The course starts in September 2013 with a study school and lasts until July 2014. Module One is introduced at the study school and Modules Two and Three are taught via distance learning and online independent study.

Module One (Teaching and Learning Part One) consists of an introduction to general principles within education, including teaching, planning, assessment, and policy. The written assignment for this module is submitted in December.

Module Two (Teaching and Learning Part Two) consists of an online module that allows students to pursue an issue or area related to their own context and/or subject with the aim of furthering subject-pedagogical knowledge and understanding critical reflection. The written assignment for this module is submitted in late March.

Module Three (Small-scale Study) allows students to carry out a piece of classroom- or institution-based research. The written assignment for this module is submitted in early June.

Successful completion of all three modules will lead to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Students awarded the iPGCE gain 60 credits at Masters level. These can count towards other qualifications at the School of Education including the MA in Applied Professional Studies in Education.

This qualification does not include UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

What students on our international programmes say:

“The course helped me to deepen my understanding of my position in a changing educational setting.”
“The support from the University has been fantastic. “
“This course has made what seemed impossible a reality. An incredible opportunity.”
“My tutor was very helpful in assisting me throughout the entire course. I couldn’t ask for a better tutor.”
“Doing the course has given me so much professional experience”
“It’s a brilliant networking and learning community”