Why study Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PCET) at Wrexham University

Are you looking to launch a teaching career that goes beyond the traditional classroom? The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education for Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) at Wrexham University offers a gateway into the dynamic and varied world of post-compulsory education where no two teaching roles are the same. Whether you’re looking to change career, upskill, or build on existing experience, this course will equip you with the professional knowledge and confidence to teach effectively in the post-16 sector.

A Qualification That Opens Doors

My own journey into the post-compulsory sector began with a PGCE PCET, and it’s a decision that changed my life. After completing my qualification in Plymouth, I was fortunate to work with a local Mission, designing and delivering education programmes to support people experiencing homelessness. It was here that I saw, firsthand, how education can transform lives - not just in classrooms, but in communities.

From there, I moved into Further Education, teaching core subjects like English, Maths, and IT to adult learners. Each setting brought new challenges, but also the reward of seeing learners grow in confidence and capability. Later, I found myself working in business development and training, designing in-house courses and mentoring programmes tailored to workforce needs.

After completing my Masters in Education qualification at Wrexham University in 2016, I was lucky enough to get a position teaching the PGCE PCET as well as a wide range of other education degrees.

What all these roles had in common was the strong foundation provided by my PGCE PCET: the ability to plan, deliver, assess, and reflect. These being skills that are highly transferable across a wide range of settings.

A PGCE PCET doesn’t just prepare you to teach in one context. It opens a world of possibilities; in colleges, charities, training providers, community organisations, health settings, and even corporate environments. If you’re passionate about education and want to make an impact in diverse and meaningful ways, this qualification can be your starting point.

Flexible Study Routes

You can choose a one-year full-time or two-year part-time route - giving you the flexibility to study around your existing commitments. This means you can qualify as a teacher while working or managing other responsibilities.

Depending on your prior qualifications, there are two main options:

PGCE (Level 6 or Level 7):

• The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Level 6) is for those with an undergraduate degree
• The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Level 7) is available to those holding a First or Upper Second (2:1) class degree

Certificate in Education (CertEd) 2 years:

• Designed for those who do not yet hold a degree but have a Level 3 qualification and relevant industry or vocational experience
• You will study at Level 4 in Year 1 and progress to Level 5 in Year 2

Both pathways follow the same core structure, allowing students to gain essential skills in teaching, assessment, planning, and reflective practice, regardless of their entry point.

Delivered through the University’s Active Learning Framework, the course blends in-person and online learning with access to experienced academic staff who are experts in post-compulsory education.

Real-World Teaching Experience

You’ll complete 100 hours of independent teaching practice across the course. This placement is supported by an experienced mentor, giving you hands-on experience and the chance to reflect on your teaching practice while building real confidence in the classroom.

Wrexham University also works in close partnership with local colleges, training providers, and employers meaning you’ll be well-placed to find employment after the course. Support is also available through the Careers & Employability service, helping you plan your next steps.

Whether you already have a degree or are starting out with a Level 3 qualification, Wrexham University has a route to support your ambition to teach in the post-16 sector. This qualification opens doors across colleges, community settings, private training, charities, healthcare, and more. If you’d like more information about the course offering, you can speak directly to the team by reaching out to julian.ayres@wrexham.ac.uk

- Written by Dr Julian Ayres, Senior Lecturer in Education (PCET)

Considering a degree in Education?  Come along to our upcoming undergraduate open day or postgraduate open evening and speak with our knowledgeable staff and friendly students face-to-face. We look forward to meeting you there!