Overview

The course will give you the skills and confidence you need to become an effective teacher of learners with learning difficulties and disabilities. This course is aimed at graduates either currently in/or seeking to pursue a career in the wider education sector and it has been informed by the most recent developments in educational research and government policy. You will analyse the many changes currently affecting the further education sector and will develop your knowledge of various teaching approaches and techniques to become a skilled and reflective teacher.

This course focuses on developing your teaching skills, and not on the subject you intend to teach. For this reason, you are expected to have a good understanding of your chosen subject(s) before you start training. PGCE for Specialists in Learning Difficulties and Disabilities is a Level 7 (Masters Level) programme.

With the support from tutor module specialists from a range of sectors across the industry you will receive real life examples and industry contact including workshops and placements to help you understand the complex, ever-changing and exciting world of teaching. We pride ourselves on the personalised lessons and seminars where smaller classes enable students to have more interaction and support from tutors to help maximise potential.

This course runs on the following dates:

Start Date: September 2019. For further information, please call 0191 200 4000 or email enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk.
Duration: 2 Years
Venue: Teaching Development Centre, Rye Hill Campus

Who is course for

This course is aimed at graduates either currently in/or seeking to pursue a career in the wider education sector. This is a Level 7 (Masters Level) course validated by NCG and is mapped to professional standards for the sector. From 2007 all new entrants to teaching and training in further and adult education must meet these standards in order to apply for QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning Skills Sector).

This course fully meets the future requirements for Initial Teacher Training for the post compulsory sector and leads to achievement of QTLS. Candidates with QTLS have parity of esteem with holders of secondary QTS. Graduates can also use credits gained to progress onto our Master’s degree in Education.

Qualification Gained

PGCE for Specialists in Learning Difficulties and Disabilities validated by NCG.
 

How to Apply

Online

Click on the "Apply for this course" button at the bottom of this page.

Course Content

Year 1 Modules (Level 6)

301 Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Education and Training module will run through the first stage of your programme and it will introduce you to the key roles and responsibilities of a tutor. Lesson planning, inclusive classroom teaching skills and assessment practice form key parts of this module. Teaching practice and observed and assessed teaching for the first stage of the course are attached to this module too. In your taught sessions on the course you will develop knowledge which you will then apply within your teaching practice.

303 Theories, Principles and Models in Education and Training module will explore a wide range of learning theories, further developing your awareness of the theoretical concepts underpinning learning. You will be encouraged to research extensively, analysing the values underpinning different pedagogic approaches and to consider the impact of different policy initiatives. You will be expected to experiment with different approaches in your teaching to gain a deeper understanding which will allow you to evaluate, justify/challenge received opinion in relation to your own teaching and learning. You will then analyse the impact of the application of the new knowledge on your own practice.

313 Understanding Theories and Frameworks for Teaching Disabled Learners module aims to provide you with an understanding of theories and frameworks relating to the learning and teaching of disabled young people and adults. You will consider factors that influence learning and provision, including policy and regulatory frameworks.

Year 2 Modules (Level 7)

401 Developing Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Education and Training module offers the opportunity to further develop your theoretical understanding and practice related to teaching, learning and assessment. This module builds on learning from the level 6 'Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Education and Training' module and focuses on deepening knowledge and application of theory, identification of personal pedagogical principles, development and design of resources and utilisation of technologies.

403 Wider Professional Practice in Education and Training module will begin to explore wider elements of the role of a tutor, centred around two themes: professionalism and quality assurance/ quality improvement. You will also explore the impact of policy and stakeholders on curriculum and on aspects of tutors’ practice.

411 Action Learning for Inclusive Teaching in a Specialist Area of Disability module enables the investigation of a specific impairment and its impact on learning and teaching. You will make use of appropriate research methods to critically evaluate practice in an area of disability and use the outcomes to develop your own practice.

Learning Methods

The philosophy of the PGCE for Specialists in Learning Difficulties and Disabilities is based upon the importance of experiential learning and each module will therefore be delivered utilising a wide range of learning and teaching methods to allow you to experience the methods as learners, evaluate them as teachers, and consider how the approaches can be adapted and implemented to support the development of your practice. You will also complete a teaching practice placement which will run throughout the programme.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed through a combination of reports, assignments, portfolios of evidence and observed practical teaching.

Progression Opportunities

This course comprises units which attract Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CATS) points. These can help successful students progress to a MA degree in education. 40 credits at Level 7 can be taken towards the Master’s degree in Education and Professional Development at the School of Education.
 

Career Opportunities

Previous graduates of this course have successfully achieved employment with numerous education providers within the region. The course has excellent links to industry giving you opportunities to impress future employers and gain employment.

PGCE for Specialists in Learning Difficulties and Disabilities fully meets the requirements for Initial Teacher Training for the post compulsory sector and leads to achievement of QTLS. Candidates with QTLS have parity of esteem with holders of secondary QTS.

Entry Requirements

You must hold a good degree level qualification in the subject area you wish to teach and meet the required standards for language, literacy, numeracy and ICT. These areas will be assessed through your application for the programme, and as part of your induction. If English is not your first language, you will require a minimum English Language test score of 6.5.

You must also have at least 100 hours of teaching practice over the duration of the course and you will also need support from a mentor who may be expected to carry out teaching observations with support from the School of Education.

Please note entry on to our PGCE programmes will be dependent upon a valid enhanced DBS check (formerly CRB check) which must be carried out by the college in line with government policy.
 

Further Information

If you have a query about this course or would like advice on your study options, you can contact Student Services by using the LiveChat function on this page, by emailing enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk or by telephoning 0191 200 4000. We are currently open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Additional Course Costs

An additional charge of £44 has to be made for a DBS (formerly CRB check) which must be carried out by the college in line with government policy.

International Students: Additional start dates may be available for International Students, please contact
+44 191 226 6323 or email international@ncl-coll.ac.uk