University Calendar 2015/16
Section XIII : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences


PREFACE
CONTENTS
SEMESTERS
SECTION I
SECTION II
SECTION III
SECTION IV
SECTION V
SECTION VI
SECTION VII
SECTION VIII
SECTION IX
SECTION X
SECTION XI
SECTION XII
SECTION XIII
SECTION XIV
 
ARCHIVE 2009/10
ARCHIVE 2010/11
ARCHIVE 2011/12
ARCHIVE 2012/13
ARCHIVE 2013/14
ARCHIVE 2014/15
Academic Unit Southampton Education School
Final Award Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Programme(s) Postgraduate Certificate in Education:
  • Primary
  • Secondary
  • FE
  • School Direct
Intermediate exit awards:
Professional Graduate Certificate in Education
Last modified July 2015

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV of the University Calendar with particular reference to the regulations governing Progression, Determination and Classification of Results: Standalone Masters Programmes.

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

1. Admissions
 
1.1 Specific entry criteria are detailed within programme specifications.


2. Structure of Programme(s)
 
2.1 The PGCE is a full-time, Master's Level (FHEQ level 7) programme with three distinct modules (10ECTS/20CATS each). The PGCE FE programme includes two additional modules taught at FHEQ level 5.
2.2 The normal duration of study is one academic year commencing in the autumn term and completing in the summer term.
2.3 The programme is designed to take students with at least degree level qualifications and to equip them with professional knowledge, understanding and capabilities relating to educational theory and practice in order to become professional and reflective teachers. For Primary and Secondary, the programme's structure complies with statutory requirements in having periods of University-based work and placements in at least two different schools. The Primary and Secondary programmes require 120 days of school-based practice.
2.4 Students must also, through their school-based practice, acquire a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their competence against the Teachers' Standards. For Primary and Secondary, this is against the Teachers' Standards and for FE against the prevailing Professional Standards for Teachers in FE Learning and Skills. This process is supported jointly by the University and the practice schools/colleges where students are placed.
2.5 A full description of the content of the taught modules is published in the programme specification.


3. Progression
 
3.1 Students are assessed through a combination of University tasks and school-based reviews. Students are expected to pass through the Review Statements and complete University based work in order to progress. Failure to progress will initially be signalled through a Cause for Concern process. This process will detail the difficulties and identify action points and a deadline for improvement. Only when there is no clear indication of progress will students be advised that they cannot progress further. In cases where a student’s behaviour, health and/or professional conduct raises concern, the procedures associated with the University’s Fitness to Practise Policy will be invoked.
3.2 For Primary and Secondary trainees, the successful completion of the programme will lead to a recommendation of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). All FE trainees will be prepared for QTLS but this status is not conferred in the same way as for the schools route and it is the responsibility of the individual trainees to apply for QTLS following completion of training if they so desire.


4. Assessment
 
4.1 The PGCE award is approved through the Board of Examiners and awarded by Senate. The performance of students is assessed by the Board.  
4.2 Examination on the PGCE is coursework based. Submission dates are advised by tutors and published in the programme handbook, made available to students at the start of their programme of study.
4.3 In accordance with the variation of arrangements for referral or repeat as approved by the University, candidates who have been unsuccessful in the assessment may submit themselves for referral on one occasion only. The conditions for referral will be prescribed by the Programme Board. Resubmission of written pieces will be made within 4 weeks of the Board of Examiners and approved through Chair of Board's action unless there are extenuating operational or medical circumstances requiring further extension. If the resubmission still fails to meet the standard, the candidate will be viewed to have failed.
4.4 Resubmission of the practical teaching element of the programme will be determined through recommendations made by the appropriate programme tutor. This resubmission of practice must take place within twelve months of initial failure.
4.5 Further details on the assessment process can be found in the programme handbook


5. Award of Qualification(s)
 
5.1 The final qualification is awarded at Pass/Fail only, with no distinctions or grades. All students who complete the programme and can demonstrate full achievement at Postgraduate Certificate level, showing FHEQ level 7 achievement in written coursework will be awarded the PGCE. A minority of students who demonstrate positive academic achievement but may not show full academic achievement at Postgraduate Certificate Level will receive a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education provided that they fulfil the criteria of the programme at level 6.
5.2 Modules are taught at FHEQ level 7 and have FHEQ level 7 marking criteria. However, in addition, modules have level 6 marking criteria to record outcomes for the minority of students who do not achieve at FHEQ level 7. The programme handbook provides detailed information about module content and marking criteria. The PGCE FE programme has two additional modules taught and assessed at FHEQ level 5.
5.3 For students following the PGCE Primary or the PGCE Secondary, successful completion of the programme will lead to a recommendation of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).


6. Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork
 
6.1 All students are required to undertake and successfully complete school-based practice periods.
6.2 The programme is a combination of academic and practical study and students are expected to pass all areas of the programme to achieve their award.
6.3 In cases where a student’s behaviour, health and/or professional conduct raises concern, the procedures associated with the University's Fitness to Practise Policy will be invoked.


7. Other
 
7.1 Students are required to satisfy the academic and the Attendance and Completion of Programme Requirements as set out in section IV of the University calendar, the programme specification and the programme handbook. Those students failing to do so may have their programme terminated (see University Calendar Section IV: Transfer, Suspension, Withdrawal and Termination). Students are expected to attend at all times in all areas of the programme. Students are required to record their absence in a calendar in their own monitoring documents. Extended absence without due reason will be viewed as a significant cause for concern.
7.2 As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our programmes to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, these regulations may be revised during a student’s period of registration, however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student’s programme.



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Last reviewed: 06-Aug-2015
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