The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: PG Cert Indicative duration: 8 months
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Do you want to develop in your current teaching role? Are you looking for innovative ways to get ahead? Why not try our short PG Certificate Education (Educational Practice)*? This programme will give you a chance to understand theories of learning, philosophy and education led by expert tutors.

Working alongside fellow teaching professionals, this course examines professional practice in higher education.  It enables you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to engage in a range of practices to ensure ongoing professional development, including critical reflection, research and enquiry, and participation in discourse with relevant communities of practice.

Throughout this course, you’ll explore a broad range of topics including:

  • an introductory overview of the historical and philosophical context in which educational practice sits
  • learning the fundamental principles of assessment and key issues in contemporary educational assessment practice
  • the theory and practice of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL)
  • developing your skills as reflective professional practitioners
  • learning pedagogical strategies

Once you have completed our PG Certificate Education (Educational Practice) you have the option to progress onto our PG Dip Education or our full Masters programme.

*Please note that PG Cert Education (Educational Practice) is not an equivalent to a PGCE qualification, which is a teacher training qualification in the UK.

Why we’re great

  • You’ll be working at a postgraduate level with high emphasis on research and the evaluation of your own current practice.
  • The course engages you with the use of technology to develop your teaching and learning practices, even if you are using technology for the first time.
  • You will be able to collaborate with fellow educational professionals throughout the world and share views on practice policy.

The PG Cert Education is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 60 credits.

Consider the historical, philosophical and cultural context of modern education in this immersive module. You’ll explore and refine your knowledge of the key concepts, values and benefits of education practice – so that upon completion, you’ll have a strong understanding of how these can be applied to real-world contexts. They’ll also underpin your learning throughout the rest of your studies.   

Ready to develop your ability as a reflective professional practitioner? This exciting module will help you broaden your skill set to incorporate various innovative ideas to teaching. You’ll begin to identify learner needs and develop your understanding of planning with an adaptive approach to maximise learner outcomes and provide learner-centred support. 

Discover the fundamental principles of educational assessment on this in-depth module. You’ll explore the key issues in contemporary educational assessment practice – while evaluating assessment methods in a range of educational contexts. That way, you can use the information gained to enhance your own practice. 

How does technology enhanced learning (TEL) enable the integration of new technologies to help solve user issues? Find out in this valuable module. You’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of the TEL doctrine to understand how it works on a theoretical level and evaluate how this can be incorporated into your own teaching techniques. 

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
  • live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
  • there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) time spent preparing ad completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment. 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our PG Cert Education (Educational Practice) has an indicative study duration of 8 months, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards 

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS) 

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

If you’re a qualified teacher, this programme is ideal for expanding your professional development in order to access senior leadership roles. It covers a broad range of subjects and offers the opportunity to specialise in diverse professional contexts and practices.

You’ll also have a chance to improve your professional practice and attain leadership roles in your chosen career path. This could be as a teacher, lecturer, training adviser or administrator, special educational professional, policy developer, researcher, healthcare trainer or within local government.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

Please note that this degree will not provide you with a teaching qualification and that additional qualified teacher status is required to allow you to teach in the UK. 

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our PG Cert Education (Educational Practice), you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our PG Cert Education (Educational Practice), you must meet the following criteria:

  • at least two years’ teaching experience in an educational setting

 

English Language Requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Full tuition fee:  

£4,056 UK / £4,143 International (2023-24) Δ 

  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us. 

 Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our PG Cert Education (Educational Practice) are experts in the field of education.

What our students say

testimonials

Adolfo Gonzalez - PG Cert Education (Educational Practice)

The possibility to change your life is more tangible than you think.

I chose the University of Essex Online because they offered a convenient pathway to study education. They also offered a monthly payment plan and their own online English proficiency test.  I applied for the PG Cert Education (Educational Practice) through the work experience entry route, which requires at least two years of demonstrable practice at a compulsory education institution. After a couple of weeks, my application was accepted and I was enrolled on the programme. I felt remarkably...

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Erin Lovell - Essex Online MBA

You are smart, capable, and strong. Repeat that to yourself as many times as you need to per day until you believe it.  

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Things I love: writing, long-distance charity walks, my Jack Russell terrier Jada, virtually all animals, tea, travelling to places I don’t speak the language, and learning. Things I dislike: cooking, butterflies, the sound of forks on teeth and being late.  

Why did you decide to open a sports centre?

My business partner and I had been discussing it for a few years before it all started to come together. We recognized that Bermuda was missing a central, family-friendly, location for practitioners of different martial arts & boxing styles to train. Our goal was to open a purpose-built facility that would be high-quality, affordable, and inclusive. So far, so good!  

Have you always...

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