University of Southampton Calendar 2010/11


University Calendar 2010/11 Section XIII : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Social and Human Sciences

Academic Unit	School of Education
Final Award	Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Post Compulsory Education and Training) Intermediate Exit Award Professional Graduate Certificate (Post Compulsory Education and Training
Programme(s)	Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Post Compulsory Education and Training)
Last modified	May 2009 Reviewed in May 2010; no changes made.

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV and Section V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.

Except where an opt-out has been granted by the University (see below) the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.

Admissions

1.1

Entry Requirements
Candidates must meet the general entry requirements of the University plus, as a nationally endorsed qualification, any additional requirements of the Standards Verification UK (SVUK)/Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK). All applicants must hold an honours degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution in the UK or an overseas institution recognised as equivalent by NARIC. There are three entry routes for candidates onto the Postgraduate Certificate in Education. These are:

Standard Entry
Direct Entry
Exceptional Direct Entry (APEL)

All candidates must hold level two in literacy and numeracy, or equivalent, on entry.

Standard Entry candidates should be teachers, trainers or instructors currently working within the post compulsory education and training sector. At least 150 hours of practical teaching is required over the duration of the Programme.
Direct Entry onto Year Two of the course is possible for those candidates who:
1. Are able to demonstrate successful completion of the City & Guilds 740, Further and Adult Education Teacher's Certificate (FAETC) or the RSA Teachers' Certificate Stages 1 & 2, or equivalent legacy award as determined by SVUK/LLUK.
2. Have worked in a teaching and/or training role since completion of the above, if the Qualification was gained 5 years ago or more.
3. Candidates should be teachers, trainers or instructors currently working within the post compulsory education and training sector. At least 75 hours of practical teaching is required over Year 2 of the Programme.
Exceptional Direct Entry (APEL). In exceptional cases a candidate could gain Exceptional Direct Entry (APEL) onto Year 2 of the programme. Candidates must be able to demonstrate:
1. Evidence of competence against all the modules of the Year 1 programme (presented in a portfolio) some evidence may be confirmed orally.
2. Candidates should be teachers, trainers or instructors currently working within the post compulsory education and training sector. At least 75 hours of practical teaching is required over Year 2 of the Programme.

1.2

Criminal Records Bureau
Students will normally need to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. This will be determined by their employer but the University will require written confirmation that the CRB check has been successful or formal notification from the student’s employer that such a check is not required.

1.3

Equal Opportunities
In line with the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy, individuals are treated on their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the module, School and University. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no prospective student or current student should receive any less favourable treatment on any grounds which are not relevant to academic ability and attainment. Every effort is made to ensure that disabled students are aware of and assisted in making use of the support provided by the University; to ensure access to lectures, classes, learning materials; and to ensure that where necessary appropriate variations to normal examining arrangements are made.

Structure of Programme(s)

2.1	Modes of Study The programme is normally studied part-time over two academic years.
2.2	Levels of Study The Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PCET) is structured over two academic levels of study. Successful completion confers 60 CATS (30 ECTS) at M Level. The Programme contains modules in pertaining to the academic study of pedagogy and andragogy, including research skills, as well the development of practical teaching skills and techniques.

Progression

Post-compulsory Education and Training programmes follow the University of Southampton's regulations for progression.

Assessment

4.1	Marking Scale Assignments are marked at M Level on an A-C Pass basis. Observation of practice is marked in accordance with OfSTED guidelines on a 1-4 scale.
4.2	Fails, repeats and referrals PCET programmes follow the University of Southampton's regulations for fails, repeats and referrals. All referral activities will be based on the syllabus as taught originally to the students and not on any curriculum changes that might have occurred subsequently.
4.3	Special Considerations If a student misses an assessed piece work through illness or other good reason, or under-performs for a specific period because of external factors, then that student can apply to the Special Considerations Board.
4.4	Examination Board All students' performance shall be assessed by the Programme's Examination Board.
4.5	Academic Integrity The programme follows the University's regulations on cheating, plagiarism and academic integrity. In addition, the programme requires all students to submit selections of their work to the JISC TurnitinUK service. Students are informed of assessment submission procedures at the start of each academic year and at appropriate times throughout the academic year. Failure to follow the specified submission procedures could result in the work being penalised.

Award of Qualification(s)

5.1	Certificate Classification The Certificate is awarded on a Pass/Fail basis.
5.2	Intermediate Exit Awards Students who are unable to achieve the required M Level standard but who complete all assignments at a standard equivalent to H (6) level as well as their teaching observations successfully will be awarded the Professional Graduate Certificate of Education. Students who wish to leave at the end of year 1 are entitled to a transcript detailing their performance.

Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork

6.1

Observation of Practice
All students are required to undertake a number of observed teaching sessions, the details of which are outlined annually in the Programme Handbook and may be subject to change as determined by the SVK/LLUK. In Year 1 the observations are recorded on a Pass/Fail basis whereas in Year 2 they conform to OfSTED grading guidelines.

Other

7.1	Change of Regulations These regulations may be revised during the student's period of registration in accordance with the procedures approved by Senate.
7.2	Attendance Students should comply with the University’s regulations on attendance. For absences caused by illness or injury, students will need to provide a medical certificate if they are absent for three consecutive sessions.