Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) (PGCEi)(Dubai)

Start date
September 2024
Duration
1 year Part Time
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Postgraduate, Taught
Fees

For 2024-2025 entry
AED 36,631

Scholarships are available

 

The PGCEi is a 60 credit M-level professional development programme for those working in educational settings keen to develop their practice. On the PGCEi you will be able to develop specialised areas of expertise based on your own educational context.

University sponsorships are not available for part-time applicants. If you are a part-time applicant who requires visa sponsorship, please refer to our visa categories for further information.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) programme consists of 60 credits over one year on a part-time basis. This includes weekly face-to-face classes on-campus and a host of blended and asynchronous activities. Fundamental education issues of curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and learning are explored in relation to established and emerging education research. In addition, elements of sustainable practices, social justice in education, digital pedagogies and the internationalisation of curricula are embedded within our internationally recognised PGCEi. Through a process of reflection and collaboration on global perspectives in education, the PGCEi culminates in an action research project. 

On the PGCEi programme you will:

  • Work independently to develop your practice through a process of critical reflection 
  • Collaborate with and draw on experiences from your peers as education practitioners across the world as well as academics who are specialists in their field of Learning and Teaching
  • Develop as a critically reflective practitioner in both your domestic context and internationally
  • Benefit from a flexible blended approach to learning through in-person and asynchronous workshops and seminars, access to digital resources supplemented by University Tutor input
  • Be part of a research-informed professional learning community conducting research and enquiry to review and improve practice with an emphasis on the ‘teacher-researcher’
  • Develop your own specialist areas of expertise through research on learning theories and associated pedagogy, curriculum design and other practice-focused assignments

F.A.Qs

Should I apply for the PGCEi or the PGCE Primary?

The PGCEi programme is a blended part-time programme which does not presently have a placement component, as it is expected that students are already employed in an educational context during the course of their studies. The PGCEi is also neither phase (Primary/Secondary) or subject specific.

Our PGCE Primary programme is a full-time programme for those who are not working in an educational setting but would like to pursue a career in teaching 5-11. The Primary PGCE has two school placements arranged by the University which form part of the Teaching Experience module.

Modules

The following modules will be covered:

Module 1: Education, Curriculum design, Planning and Social justice (20 credits)

This module defines and critically explores the purpose of education and the concept of the curriculum. It provides a theoretical understanding of the relationship between curriculum, power and politics from the level of a project or school to ministries and international agencies. It then covers practical aspects of curriculum design, in a range of educational settings. Diverse and innovative ways to produce and deliver curriculum are considered and the emphasis is on flexible, fast modes of curriculum development in response to changing circumstances as a global educator. Theoretical understanding will be applied to how learning criteria (objectives and outcomes) may be constructed and we will also investigate how learning may be expressed in terms of knowledge, skills and understanding. Furthermore we examine how contextual factors may provide barriers to learning and implications of these on planning. 

Module 2: Pedagogy, Learning and Assessment (20 credits) 

This second module defines and critically evaluates theories and practice in relation to identification, assessment and evaluation of student learning as well as how this practice is supported by learning theories. It provides a theoretical understanding of the relationship between pedagogy, learning and assessment. The principles of summative, formative and iterative assessment practice are discussed, alongside pedagogical approaches such as setting of learning criteria, orchestration of self and peer assessment; the role of questioning and the provision of oral and written feedback with reference to literature. Exploring the contribution of domestic educationalists and theorists to the field of assessment will allow students to draw parallels between these theories and others. Adopting a reflective approach, students will analyse summative and formative assessment practice and consider refinements to future practice. 

Module 3: Educational research: Action research (20 credits) 

This third module explores the characteristics of qualitative research in educational settings. It will focus in particular on the professional development role of action research – The ‘teacher-researcher’ within educational settings. It provides a theoretical understanding of the principles and purposes of action research and considers its practical application. Furthermore, through this module you will critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of such a design. It covers an overview and critique of methods intrinsic to action research. There will be a particular focus on reflexivity demonstrated through reflective accounts and journals. Exploring the contribution of domestic educationalists and theorists to the field of action research will allow students to draw parallels between these theories and others. Furthermore, students will engage in a small-scale piece of action research and reflect on how findings may have implications for future practice. 

Fees

Fee for 2024 entry

AED 36,631.

How To Apply

Our Standard Requirements

To be considered by the University of Birmingham Dubai, you will need to meet our entry requirements. This is a professional learning programme which requires students to have prior and current experience of working within an educational context.

All applicants must have:

  • A degree (equivalent to a UK Bachelors Degree of at least 2:2 or above) or a recognised equivalent qualification and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree has not already been awarded
  • Personal Statement (minimum 500 - 700 words) on your motivation and commitment in pursuing this programme of study
  • A position of employment within an educational setting in the UAE for the duration of the PGCEi programme
  • Two references. Preferably one academic (previous university tutor for example) and one professional that confirms your current role in an educational setting, evidencing your motivation and commitment to undertake further study
  • If English is not your first language you may need to demonstrate proficiency in English through the completion of an academic level IELTS or equivalent. You should achieve a score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in each of the four areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking

If you are unsure about the equivalences of your qualifications, simply contact our team and we will do this for you.  Please contact Dubai@contacts.bham.ac.uk  or Text, Call or WhatsApp us on +971 (0)55 182 8937.

International Requirements


Course delivery

We offer a combination of evening classes and once-a-month meeting on Saturdays, designed to accommodate working professionals.

Our draft timetable for part-time students is designed to deliver teaching on one or two evenings from 17:30-20:30 and one Saturday a month from 10:00-16:00 (timings vary per module). 

Please note that the example timetable is to be used as a guide and is subject to change. Our term dates are also available online. For further information, please contact the Programme Director, John Rodenhurst at j.rodenhurst@bham.ac.uk

Example timetable for PGCEi (PDF)

The PGCEi has been designed to provide a firm foundation in theory and evidence in relation to both well-researched and emerging and issues in education for those who are looking to pursue further academic study and professional development, whilst continuing with their existing role within an educational setting. With a strong focus on connecting research to practice, evaluating and reflecting key theories in relation to own experience in context and innovative approaches to pedagogy, the PGCEi also provides a firm basis for students wishing to pursue further study on our MA suite of programmes.

Please note that the PGCEi does not currently confer QTS. Students will gain the knowledge, skills and competencies to seek accreditation via the AO route to QTS if they wish, following successful completion of the programme.