Key Features
Online Delivery
Part-time
Teaching delivered by expert academics
Wide range of assessment types
Opportunity to build a portfolio
PGCE
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
Key Information
Academic Year
Course Overview
This programme offers current and aspiring education professionals, teaching within a range of educational contexts, a flexible route towards gaining a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Please note that this course does not include qualified teacher status (QTS) or any other teaching qualifications, and it is delivered wholly online. The course is relevant to all subjects and students will have the opportunity to focus on improving their individual practice through critical reflection and developing an understanding of evidence-informed practice.
This programme might appeal to home (English and Welsh) school teachers who have a BA with QTS (i.e. no postgraduate qualification because they became a teacher through an undergraduate route), overseas school teachers who have their own country's teaching qualification but would like a PGCE, teaching assistants (with an undergraduate degree) who want a postgraduate qualification, and existing teachers/teaching assistants with a BA or BSc who want a stepping-stone to a full Master's degree at a manageable pace.
How You Study
The course is delivered online and the structure of the course offers students convenient and flexible access to undertake PGCE study alongside employment as a classroom practitioner. The structure of the programme will involve a variety of interactive taught pre-recorded sessions and independent study. The modules provide manageable blocks of study that fit within schools' term time structure and are flexible enough in scope to meet the needs of a diverse range of UK and international student contexts.
The programme will make use of the University's learning technologies for content delivery, including podcasts, webinars, and discussion groups so that course materials and participation are as accessible as possible. Students will complete each learning unit through self-directed study of online resources, supported by academic staff.
Modules
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
What You Need to Know
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
How you are assessed
The course is a one- or two-year part-time online programme comprising of one 60 credit Master's level module. It is self-study, and we expect students to complete at least three hours of study per week.
Students will be required to produce a portfolio for assessment. The nature of the portfolio assessments will allow the students to demonstrate their academic skills across a broad range of media such as an annotated video presentation, oral presentation, reflective learning journal, in-tray exercise, and written assignment. The assessment is multi-modal, so you select from a range of media to evidence that a learning outcome has been achieved.
How to Apply
Postgraduate Application Support
Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.
Entry Requirements 2025-26
Entry Requirements
An undergraduate degree at 2.2 or above is essential, or a qualification which is regarded as equivalent to such an Honours degree, including overseas qualifications. Primary school, secondary school, college, or adult training experience with ongoing access to teaching spaces throughout the programme is essential. Qualified teacher status (QTS) is optional.
A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (Overall Band Score) English language proficiency, with 6.0 in all elements, or equivalent, for those applicants whose first language is not English.
Due to the nature of the programme and its links to professional practice, it will not follow current University policies that allow students to utilise accreditation of prior certificated and experiential learning, in regard to advanced entry.
Course Fees
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Funding Your Study
Postgraduate Funding Options
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
Career Development
Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Study at this level also provides a great base from which you can move onto a full Master's or PhD programme. This is also an excellent opportunity for those looking to work overseas where postgraduate level education can be a requirement.
Postgraduate students at the University of Lincoln benefit from inspirational teaching combined with high-quality facilities and learning spaces, great industry links, and unique research opportunities, all of which are designed to help you stand out from the crowd and make the most of your time with us.
Postgraduate Events
To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.
