Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) / Certificate in Education
Key details
Award
Degree of Bachelor of Arts
UCAS Course Code
G001
Fees
1 year: £7,080
2 year: £3,540
Awarding Body
University of Suffolk
Course Length
1 year Pre-service
2 years In-service
Course Start Date
September 2026
*This course is subject to validation
Course overview
The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) provide comprehensive professional training for those working or aspiring to work within the post‑16 education and training sector. These qualifications support educators across a wide range of settings including Further and Higher Education Institutions, Sixth Form Colleges, Schools, Adult and Community learning, Prison Education, Workplace training environments and Specialist Education Services.
The programmes are accessible to both graduates and non‑graduates who hold appropriate vocational qualifications and can be studied either full-time through a pre‑service route or part‑time through an in‑service route. It is important to note that the courses are not available to applicants who require a student visa.
The pre‑service route is designed for those who wish to gain a teaching qualification prior to entering employment. This one‑year, full‑time option requires attendance at the University and Professional Development Centre (Bury St Edmunds) for one day each week with additional days dedicated to a teaching placement. Placements can be supported by the Eastern Education Group and any offer of a place on the course is conditional upon the applicant successfully completing an interview with the proposed placement provider.
The in‑service route is intended for individuals who are already employed as teachers or trainers in part‑time or full‑time roles. This two‑year, part‑time pathway involves attending one afternoon per week at the University and Professional Development Centre (Bury St Edmunds). As schedules may vary, applicants are encouraged to contact the Course Leader to confirm specific days and times before applying. Both programmes are carefully designed to support trainee teachers in developing the professional skills, theoretical understanding, and reflective practices required in post‑16 education. A strong focus is placed on meeting the needs of diverse learners and on helping trainees connect relevant educational theories with their own professional practice. Throughout the course, students engage in learning activities directly related to their individual teaching contexts, ensuring that their development remains practical, meaningful, and immediately applicable.
Why study with us?
Recognised teaching qualification from the University of Suffolk
Small class sizes with experienced tutors guiding your learning
Strong links with local employers and industry experts
What you’ll study
Future careers
Upon completing the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree, you’ll be well-equipped for a wide range of rewarding careers, including:
FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGES
Salary: £30,000-£40,000+
HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Salary: £25,000-£40,000+
SIXTH FORM COLLEGES
Salary: £25,000-£40,000+
Data collected by Lightcast. Lightcast is a leading provider of labour market analytics, offering data-driven insights to connect people with jobs. It integrates economic, labour market, demographic, and job posting data from various sources
Facilities
Study in a vibrant and welcoming space at our University and Professional Development Centre, designed to support learners of all ages and backgrounds. From our well-equipped library and quiet study zone to social spaces like Costa Coffee, to dedicated computer areas and an innovative XR Lab, you’ll have everything you need to excel. You’ll have access beyond timetabled hours, giving you the freedom to study, collaborate and work on projects whenever inspiration strikes.
Explore our creative resources in more detail using our interactive 3D map:
Fees and entry requirements
How to apply
Apply for this course through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), using the UCAS Hub. UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for the full-time undergraduate courses at University and Colleges in the United Kingdom.
Please search for ‘West Suffolk College‘ as the institution name on UCAS.
Progressing students at Eastern Education Group
If you are already a student within the Eastern Education Group (West Suffolk College, Abbeygate Sixth Form College or One Sixth Form College), or have been within the last three years, you can apply directly through our Internal Application Form and save up to £1,000 off your first-year tuition fees*.
*The College offers a discount to students who have studied a full-time qualification within the Eastern Education Group in the past three years. Fixed discounts of £1,000 on the first year of a degree course and £500 for first year of a HNC, HTQ or HND course. Students are only allowed to benefit from one discount within any three-year period. Higher or degree apprenticeships are not eligible for this award. The College reserves the right to remove this offer at any time. Other terms and conditions are not affected by this offer.
Disclaimer: There is no need to apply for this award. Full terms and conditions as outlined apply. The progression discounts are in place for students applying to start at University Centre at Eastern Education Group for entry in the same year as their application. Students must be enrolled and in attendance at University Centre at Eastern Education Group.