Teacher smiling in classroom

Lifelong Learning PGCE pre-service

Order a Prospectus
Postgraduate Events
How to Apply
Select the year

Start Dates

20 September 2027

Duration

1 year full-time 2 years part-time

Recent Awards For Excellence

Education - QS 2025
Find out more about these awards
About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Two contrasting placements give you real-world teaching experience in diverse settings.
  • Join a professional learning community, collaborate with peers and experienced tutors to share best practice and build confidence.
  • Network with trainee teachers nationwide during the Specialist Conference.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate.

Ready to inspire and teach? Our PGCE in Lifelong Learning pre-service is designed for graduates with a passion for teaching and professionals looking to transition from sectors such as health, engineering, business, or the arts. Ideal for those not currently working in teaching, this course prepares you for a rewarding career in the post-16 sector, including sixth form, further education colleges, adult education, and workplace training.

You’ll graduate with a nationally recognised teaching qualification and the opportunity to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, a professional benchmark that enhances your employability and credibility as a Lifelong Learning teacher.

Through two contrasting placements, you’ll gain hands-on experience in different educational settings, supported by expert mentors. You’ll also take part in the Specialist Conference, where you can network with trainee teachers from across the North and South East of England.

You’ll gain:

  • Practical teaching experience in FE and alternative settings.
  • Inclusive teaching expertise to support diverse learners.
  • A strong professional network and excellent career prospects.
Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

No prior teaching experience is needed. The course is particularly suitable if you have relevant qualifications and some experience in your industry and/or subject specialism.

  • UK degree (normally 2:2 or above) or equivalent related to your specialist area
  • Relevant work experience in some specialist subject areas
  • Level 2 Maths and English

In addition you must also:

  • need satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration on the course. We arrange these as part of the application process. You'll be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year and at the end of the course. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination. We will request an Overseas Police Check if you have lived in a country outside of the UK for 6 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years before applying to us and whilst aged 18 or over.
  • provide two satisfactory references
  • complete a satisfactory interview

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups.

If you study at the university centre, you’ll normally be offered a place on the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education.

Alternatively, you may be considered for a place on the Postgraduate Certificate in Education or the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Advanced PGCE in Lifelong Learning).

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

The University of Huddersfield seeks and encourages applications from under-represented groups in order to widen participation, improve access and apply the principles of equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities are under no obligation to declare their disabilities, but the University is committed to making the adjustments necessary to promote positively equality and access for disabled applicants. Applicants are encouraged to identify any special arrangements they may require. General advice and information regarding disability and the support the University can give can be found by visiting the University's Disability Support webpages.

What will you learn?

Course Details

Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. Core modules:

This module aims to develop your understanding of how people learn in the Lifelong Learning Sector and of the role of assessment in enabling learning and achievement. It introduces theories and principles of learning and assessment and develops your ability to apply research evidence in designing effective learning and assessment strategies and materials. It seeks to develop positive approaches to the management of group and individual behaviours and promotes an inclusive approach to teaching, learning and assessment. It introduces the role of key transferable skills and the ways in which people learn English, Maths and digital skills. The module is assessed by means of a practical micro-teaching assignment and the design of an intervention, strategy, activity or resource, underpinned by an understanding of key principles of teaching, learning and assessment.

The module reviews your practice as a trainee teacher. It explores your teaching values, knowledge of your subject specialism, and your knowledge and understanding of how you're learning to teach. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to identify and respond to students’ needs, and how to use suitable teaching, learning and assessment strategies to develop inclusive teaching and learning environments. You'll have the chance to evaluate your teaching effectiveness and develop as a reflective practitioner as well as engage in personal and professional development planning, against the appropriate Professional Standards, to recognise and develop relevant subject specialist knowledge, behaviours and skills. This will include further development of English, Maths and digital skills for you and your students.

This module builds on previous generic and subject specialist development in two ways. Firstly, it contributes to your development of more advanced strategies and methods for promoting learning and, secondly, it involves a focus on specific specialist areas and the critical analysis subject specialist pedagogy. The module seeks to enhance your ability to reflect critically on, and to evaluate, teaching and learning; by recognising particular curriculum and professional challenges; and by enabling you to develop critical responses to these concerns in sophisticated, innovative and creative ways. Key learning activities of the module are practical teaching experience and the engagement with other specialists through collaborative practice. The module is assessed through a Teaching Portfolio and a Conference Paper dealing with teaching and learning in the specialist subject.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module will develop your critical understanding of policy and issues relating to curriculum development in lifelong learning. You will investigate the impact of policy on curriculum development and draw on appropriate evidence to interrogate curriculum practice and discuss possible improvements. The module will cover the internal and external factors that drive curriculum change and consider key contemporary issues in lifelong learning that impact upon curriculum development and design.

This module will develop your understanding of provision for learners with English as an additional language (EAL) in the lifelong learning sector. You will explore the policy and practice of education and training for EAL learners and the impact on curriculum practice. The module will explore ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with English as an additional language. You will engage with evidence-based research on the EAL curriculum to evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module will develop your understanding of special educational provision in the lifelong learning sector and disability equality in the lifelong learning curriculum. You will explore ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with SEN/D in mainstream and specialist contexts within lifelong learning. You will examine education reform and UK policy on post-16 SEN/D provision along with the ways in which national, local and organisational policy influence the SEN/D curriculum. You will draw on appropriate evidence to evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module explores the ways in which lifelong learning can address inequity and disadvantage. It introduces some key conceptual frameworks for understanding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and social justice within a lifelong learning context. You will explore the sociopolitical ideologies that impact upon curriculum design and implementation in the lifelong learning sector. You will consider the sectorial expectations around inclusion, equality and participation that guide the work of the lifelong learning practitioner and the ways in which lifelong learning can extend opportunities for students from a range of backgrounds. You will explore some of the key philosophical positions in the field of inclusive education and consider your own values in relation to inclusive and socially just practice.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Core modules:

This module aims to develop your understanding of how people learn in the Lifelong Learning Sector and of the role of assessment in enabling learning and achievement. It introduces theories and principles of learning and assessment and develops your ability to apply research evidence in designing effective learning and assessment strategies and materials. It seeks to develop positive approaches to the management of group and individual behaviours and promotes an inclusive approach to teaching, learning and assessment. It introduces the role of key transferable skills and the ways in which people learn English, Maths and digital skills. The module is assessed by means of a practical micro-teaching assignment and the design of an intervention, strategy, activity or resource, underpinned by an understanding of key principles of teaching, learning and assessment.

The module reviews your practice as a trainee teacher. It explores your teaching values, knowledge of your subject specialism, and your knowledge and understanding of how you're learning to teach. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to identify and respond to students’ needs, and how to use suitable teaching, learning and assessment strategies to develop inclusive teaching and learning environments. You'll have the chance to evaluate your teaching effectiveness and develop as a reflective practitioner as well as engage in personal and professional development planning, against the appropriate Professional Standards, to recognise and develop relevant subject specialist knowledge, behaviours and skills. This will include further development of English, Maths and digital skills for you and your students.

This module builds on previous generic and subject specialist development in two ways. Firstly, it contributes to your development of more advanced strategies and methods for promoting learning and, secondly, it involves a focus on specific specialist areas and the critical analysis subject specialist pedagogy. The module seeks to enhance your ability to reflect critically on, and to evaluate, teaching and learning; by recognising particular curriculum and professional challenges; and by developing your ability to respond critically to these concerns in sophisticated, innovative and creative ways. Key learning activities of the module are practical teaching experience and the engagement with other specialists through collaborative practice. The module is assessed through a Teaching Portfolio and a Conference Paper dealing with teaching and learning in the specialist subject.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module will develop your critical understanding of policy and issues relating to curriculum development in lifelong learning. You will investigate the impact of policy on curriculum development and draw on appropriate evidence to interrogate curriculum practice and discuss possible improvements. The module will cover the internal and external factors that drive curriculum change and consider key contemporary issues in lifelong learning that impact upon curriculum development and design.

This module will develop your understanding of provision for learners with English as an additional language (EAL) in the lifelong learning sector. You will explore the policy and practice of education and training for EAL learners and the impact on curriculum practice. The module will explore ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with English as an additional language. You will engage with evidence-based research on the EAL curriculum to evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module will develop your understanding of special educational provision in the lifelong learning sector and disability equality in the lifelong learning curriculum. You will explore ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with SEN/D in mainstream and specialist contexts within lifelong learning. You will examine education reform and UK policy on post-16 SEN/D provision along with the ways in which national, local and organisational policy influence the SEN/D curriculum. You will draw on appropriate evidence to evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module explores the ways in which lifelong learning can address inequity and disadvantage. It introduces some key conceptual frameworks for understanding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and social justice within a lifelong learning context. You will explore the sociopolitical ideologies that impact upon curriculum design and implementation in the lifelong learning sector. You will consider the sectorial expectations around inclusion, equality and participation that guide the work of the lifelong learning practitioner and the ways in which lifelong learning can extend opportunities for students from a range of backgrounds. You will explore some of the key philosophical positions in the field of inclusive education and consider your own values in relation to inclusive and socially just practice.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Advanced PGCE). Core modules:

This module seeks to develop your critical understanding of how people learn in the Lifelong Learning sector and of the role of assessment in enabling learning and achievement. It introduces theories and principles of learning and assessment and develops your ability critically to apply research evidence in designing effective learning and assessment strategies and materials. It aims to develop positive approaches to the management of group and individual behaviours and promotes an inclusive approach to teaching, learning and assessment. It introduces the role of key transferable skills and the ways in which people learn English, Maths and digital skills. The module is assessed by means of a practical micro-teaching assignment and the design of an intervention, strategy, activity or resource, underpinned by an understanding of key principles of teaching, learning and assessment.

The module reviews your practice as a trainee teacher. It explores your teaching values, knowledge of your subject specialism, and your knowledge and understanding of how you are learning to teach. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to identify and respond to students’ needs, and how to use suitable teaching, learning and assessment strategies to develop inclusive teaching and learning environments. You'll have the chance to critically evaluate your teaching effectiveness, develop yourself as a reflective practitioner and engage in personal and professional development planning, against the appropriate Professional Standards, to recognise and develop relevant subject specialist knowledge, behaviours and skills. This will include further development of English, Maths and digital skills for you and for your students.

This module builds on previous generic and subject specialist development in two ways. Firstly, it contributes to your development of more advanced strategies and methods for promoting learning and, secondly, it involves a focus on specific specialist areas and the critical analysis subject specialist pedagogy. The module seeks to enhance your ability to reflect critically on, and to evaluate, teaching and learning; by recognising particular curriculum and professional challenges; and by developing your ability to respond critically to these concerns in sophisticated, innovative and creative ways. Key learning activities of the module are practical teaching experience and the engagement with other specialists through collaborative practice. The module is assessed through a Teaching Portfolio and a Conference Paper dealing with teaching and learning in the specialist subject.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module will develop your critical understanding of policy and issues relating to curriculum development in lifelong learning. You will investigate the impact of policy on curriculum development and draw on appropriate evidence to interrogate curriculum practice and discuss possible improvements. The module will cover the internal and external factors that drive curriculum change and consider key contemporary issues in lifelong learning that impact upon curriculum development and design.

This module will develop your understanding of provision for learners with English as an additional language (EAL) in the lifelong learning sector. You will explore the policy and practice of education and training for EAL learners and the impact on curriculum practice. The module will explore ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with English as an additional language. You will engage with evidence-based research on the EAL curriculum to evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module will develop your understanding of special educational provision in the lifelong learning sector and disability equality in the lifelong learning curriculum. You will explore ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with SEN/D in mainstream and specialist contexts within lifelong learning. You will examine education reform and UK policy on post-16 SEN/D provision along with the ways in which national, local and organisational policy influence the SEN/D curriculum. You will draw on appropriate evidence to evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module explores the ways in which lifelong learning can address inequity and disadvantage. It introduces some key conceptual frameworks for understanding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and social justice within a lifelong learning context. You will explore the sociopolitical ideologies that impact upon curriculum design and implementation in the lifelong learning sector. You will consider the sectorial expectations around inclusion, equality and participation that guide the work of the lifelong learning practitioner and the ways in which lifelong learning can extend opportunities for students from a range of backgrounds. You will explore some of the key philosophical positions in the field of inclusive education and consider your own values in relation to inclusive and socially just practice.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. Core modules:

This module aims to develop your understanding of how people learn in the Lifelong Learning Sector and of the role of assessment in enabling learning and achievement. It introduces theories and principles of learning and assessment and develops your ability to apply research evidence in designing effective learning and assessment strategies and materials. It seeks to develop positive approaches to the management of group and individual behaviours and promotes an inclusive approach to teaching, learning and assessment. It introduces the role of key transferable skills and the ways in which people learn English, Maths and digital skills. The module is assessed by means of a practical micro-teaching assignment and the design of an intervention, strategy, activity or resource, underpinned by an understanding of key principles of teaching, learning and assessment.

The module reviews your practice as a trainee teacher. It explores your teaching values, knowledge of your subject specialism, and your knowledge and understanding of how you're learning to teach. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to identify and respond to students’ needs, and how to use suitable teaching, learning and assessment strategies to develop inclusive teaching and learning environments. You'll have the chance to evaluate your teaching effectiveness and develop as a reflective practitioner as well as engage in personal and professional development planning, against the appropriate Professional Standards, to recognise and develop relevant subject specialist knowledge, behaviours and skills. This will include further development of English, Maths and digital skills for you and your students.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Core modules:

This module aims to develop your understanding of how people learn in the Lifelong Learning Sector and of the role of assessment in enabling learning and achievement. It introduces theories and principles of learning and assessment and develops your ability to apply research evidence in designing effective learning and assessment strategies and materials. It seeks to develop positive approaches to the management of group and individual behaviours and promotes an inclusive approach to teaching, learning and assessment. It introduces the role of key transferable skills and the ways in which people learn English, Maths and digital skills. The module is assessed by means of a practical micro-teaching assignment and the design of an intervention, strategy, activity or resource, underpinned by an understanding of key principles of teaching, learning and assessment.

The module reviews your practice as a trainee teacher. It explores your teaching values, knowledge of your subject specialism, and your knowledge and understanding of how you're learning to teach. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to identify and respond to students’ needs, and how to use suitable teaching, learning and assessment strategies to develop inclusive teaching and learning environments. You'll have the chance to evaluate your teaching effectiveness and develop as a reflective practitioner as well as engage in personal and professional development planning, against the appropriate Professional Standards, to recognise and develop relevant subject specialist knowledge, behaviours and skills. This will include further development of English, Maths and digital skills for you and your students.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Advanced PGCE). Core modules:

This module seeks to develop your critical understanding of how people learn in the Lifelong Learning sector and of the role of assessment in enabling learning and achievement. It introduces theories and principles of learning and assessment and develops your ability critically to apply research evidence in designing effective learning and assessment strategies and materials. It aims to develop positive approaches to the management of group and individual behaviours and promotes an inclusive approach to teaching, learning and assessment. It introduces the role of key transferable skills and the ways in which people learn English, Maths and digital skills. The module is assessed by means of a practical micro-teaching assignment and the design of an intervention, strategy, activity or resource, underpinned by an understanding of key principles of teaching, learning and assessment.

The module reviews your practice as a trainee teacher. It explores your teaching values, knowledge of your subject specialism, and your knowledge and understanding of how you are learning to teach. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to identify and respond to students’ needs, and how to use suitable teaching, learning and assessment strategies to develop inclusive teaching and learning environments. You'll have the chance to critically evaluate your teaching effectiveness, develop yourself as a reflective practitioner and engage in personal and professional development planning, against the appropriate Professional Standards, to recognise and develop relevant subject specialist knowledge, behaviours and skills. This will include further development of English, Maths and digital skills for you and for your students.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. Core modules:

This module builds on previous generic and subject specialist development in two ways. Firstly, it contributes to your development of more advanced strategies and methods for promoting learning and, secondly, it involves a focus on specific specialist areas and the critical analysis subject specialist pedagogy. The module seeks to enhance your ability to reflect critically on, and to evaluate, teaching and learning; by recognising particular curriculum and professional challenges; and by enabling you to develop critical responses to these concerns in sophisticated, innovative and creative ways. Key learning activities of the module are practical teaching experience and the engagement with other specialists through collaborative practice. The module is assessed through a Teaching Portfolio and a Conference Paper dealing with teaching and learning in the specialist subject.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module will develop your critical understanding of policy and issues relating to curriculum development in lifelong learning. You will investigate the impact of policy on curriculum development and draw on appropriate evidence to interrogate curriculum practice and discuss possible improvements. The module will cover the internal and external factors that drive curriculum change and consider key contemporary issues in lifelong learning that impact upon curriculum development and design. It aims to engage trainees in critical reflection on the policy and practice of education and training for lifelong learners. The module promotes an analytical and reflexive understanding of the factors that inform curriculum development and delivery in lifelong learning provision.

This module will develop your critical understanding of EAL provision in the lifelong learning sector. You will critically analyse the policy and practice of education and training for EAL learners and the impact on curriculum practice. The module will investigate ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with English as an additional language. You will engage critically with evidence-based research on the EAL curriculum to evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module will develop your understanding of special educational provision in the lifelong learning sector and disability equality in the lifelong learning curriculum. You will critically analyse ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with SEN/D in mainstream and specialist contexts within lifelong learning. You will examine education reform and UK policy on post-16 SEN/D provision along with the ways in which national, local and organisational policy influence the SEN/D curriculum. You will draw on appropriate evidence to critically evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module explores the ways in which lifelong learning can address inequity and disadvantage. It introduces some key conceptual frameworks for understanding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and social justice within a lifelong learning context. You will critique the socio-political ideologies that impact upon curriculum design and implementation in the lifelong learning sector. You will critically analyse the sectorial expectations around inclusion, equality and participation that guide the work of the lifelong learning practitioner and the ways in which lifelong learning can extend opportunities for students from a range of backgrounds. You will assess some of the key philosophical positions in the field of inclusive education and critically appraise your own values in relation to inclusive and socially just practice.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Core modules:

This module builds on previous generic and subject specialist development in two ways. Firstly, it contributes to your development of more advanced strategies and methods for promoting learning and, secondly, it involves a focus on specific specialist areas and the critical analysis subject specialist pedagogy. The module seeks to enhance your ability to reflect critically on, and to evaluate, teaching and learning; by recognising particular curriculum and professional challenges; and by developing your ability to respond critically to these concerns in sophisticated, innovative and creative ways. Key learning activities of the module are practical teaching experience and the engagement with other specialists through collaborative practice. The module is assessed through a Teaching Portfolio and a Conference Paper dealing with teaching and learning in the specialist subject.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module will develop your critical understanding of policy and issues relating to curriculum development in lifelong learning. You will investigate the impact of policy on curriculum development and draw on appropriate evidence to interrogate curriculum practice and discuss possible improvements. The module will cover the internal and external factors that drive curriculum change and consider key contemporary issues in lifelong learning that impact upon curriculum development and design. It aims to engage trainees in critical reflection on the policy and practice of education and training for lifelong learners. The module promotes an analytical and reflexive understanding of the factors that inform curriculum development and delivery in lifelong learning provision.

This module will develop your critical understanding of EAL provision in the lifelong learning sector. You will critically analyse the policy and practice of education and training for EAL learners and the impact on curriculum practice. The module will investigate ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with English as an additional language. You will engage critically with evidence-based research on the EAL curriculum to evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module will develop your understanding of special educational provision in the lifelong learning sector and disability equality in the lifelong learning curriculum. You will critically analyse ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with SEN/D in mainstream and specialist contexts within lifelong learning. You will examine education reform and UK policy on post-16 SEN/D provision along with the ways in which national, local and organisational policy influence the SEN/D curriculum. You will draw on appropriate evidence to critically evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module explores the ways in which lifelong learning can address inequity and disadvantage. It introduces some key conceptual frameworks for understanding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and social justice within a lifelong learning context. You will critique the socio-political ideologies that impact upon curriculum design and implementation in the lifelong learning sector. You will critically analyse the sectorial expectations around inclusion, equality and participation that guide the work of the lifelong learning practitioner and the ways in which lifelong learning can extend opportunities for students from a range of backgrounds. You will assess some of the key philosophical positions in the field of inclusive education and critically appraise your own values in relation to inclusive and socially just practice.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Advanced PGCE). Core modules:

This module builds on previous generic and subject specialist development in two ways. Firstly, it contributes to your development of more advanced strategies and methods for promoting learning and, secondly, it involves a focus on specific specialist areas and the critical analysis subject specialist pedagogy. The module seeks to enhance your ability to reflect critically on, and to evaluate, teaching and learning; by recognising particular curriculum and professional challenges; and by developing your ability to respond critically to these concerns in sophisticated, innovative and creative ways. Key learning activities of the module are practical teaching experience and the engagement with other specialists through collaborative practice. The module is assessed through a Teaching Portfolio and a Conference Paper dealing with teaching and learning in the specialist subject.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module will develop your critical understanding of policy and issues relating to curriculum development in lifelong learning. You will investigate the impact of policy on curriculum development and draw on appropriate evidence to interrogate curriculum practice and discuss possible improvements. The module will cover the internal and external factors that drive curriculum change and consider key contemporary issues in lifelong learning that impact upon curriculum development and design. It aims to engage trainees in critical reflection on the policy and practice of education and training for lifelong learners. The module promotes an analytical and reflexive understanding of the factors that inform curriculum development and delivery in lifelong learning provision.

This module will develop your critical understanding of EAL provision in the lifelong learning sector. You will critically analyse the policy and practice of education and training for EAL learners and the impact on curriculum practice. The module will investigate ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with English as an additional language. You will engage critically with evidence-based research on the EAL curriculum to evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module will develop your understanding of special educational provision in the lifelong learning sector and disability equality in the lifelong learning curriculum. You will critically analyse ways of working effectively with and supporting the achievement of learners with SEN/D in mainstream and specialist contexts within lifelong learning. You will examine education reform and UK policy on post-16 SEN/D provision along with the ways in which national, local and organisational policy influence the SEN/D curriculum. You will draw on appropriate evidence to critically evaluate – and enact improvements to – professional practice.

This module explores the ways in which lifelong learning can address inequity and disadvantage. It introduces some key conceptual frameworks for understanding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and social justice within a lifelong learning context. You will critique the socio-political ideologies that impact upon curriculum design and implementation in the lifelong learning sector. You will critically analyse the sectorial expectations around inclusion, equality and participation that guide the work of the lifelong learning practitioner and the ways in which lifelong learning can extend opportunities for students from a range of backgrounds. You will assess some of the key philosophical positions in the field of inclusive education and critically appraise your own values in relation to inclusive and socially just practice.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Interested in a placement?

Placements

During your time on the course, you will be required to complete 250 hours on a compulsory placement, which will include 150 hours of teaching.

You’ll gain valuable insight into the role of a sixth-form or further education teacher, supported by a subject mentor within the educational institution. They will help you refine your teaching practice through observations, planning meetings, weekly tutorials, detailed reports, and in-depth lesson evaluations.

Previous trainees have been placed in a range of educational institutions including colleges, work-based learning providers and in offender and community learning settings.

We will endeavour to place you in a location convenient to you, although some placements may be located further from your point of study. Please be aware of potential travel costs associated with your placement.

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as Further Education Teacher, Community Education Officer, Learning Mentor, Education Consultant, Family Support Worker and Education Mental Health Practitioner.*

*Source: Prospects

98% Percentage of our postgraduate students go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, UK domiciled.

£38.5k Average salary of our postgraduate students fifteen months after graduating.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, mean salary, UK domiciled, full-time UK employment as main activity.

£27,000–£35,000 Starting salaries range from £27k–£35k depending on experience and location, rising to about £47k in Advanced Practitioner roles.

* Teach in Further Education, Department for Education

The PGCE Lifelong Learning course transformed my career. The subject specialism module deepened my understanding of shaping learners’ futures. Now as Electrical Lead Teacher, I use advanced strategies and skills gained to plan curriculum, teach, and deliver high-quality learning.

- Matt Davies
Lifelong Learning PGCE, now works as an Electrical Lead Teacher at Tameside College.

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

Full-time: £10,050 per year
Part-time: £2,512.50 per 30 credits

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27, both on-campus and distance learning.

Modules credits can range from 15 to 60, dependent on the content of the module. Read more about total credits required for a range of degrees, to allow you to calculate the potential total cost.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy.

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£19,800 per year

This is the tuition fee for 2026/27 entry. Tuition fees for 2027/28 will be published once the information becomes available.

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit our international fees and funding page.

Attendance and participation in the Subject Specialist Conference delivered at the University of Huddersfield is compulsory. If you are studying at one of our Consortium Centres, then you will be required to cover the cost of travel to complete this module.

The Department for Education provides financial support for trainee teachers on some lifelong learning subjects as a bursary. The eligibility requirements for financial support vary depending on your individual circumstances and the amount you can expect to receive will depend on the subject you choose to teach and your relevant academic qualifications. You can find more information about available funding on the Further Education Funding section of the Department for Education website.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

Home
International

Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out more

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

Find out more

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

Email us  
What does the University offer?

Gallery

Take a look at the Charles Sikes and Richard Steinitz Buildings, where your lectures and seminars will take place.

Charles Sikes building from above, on a sunny day with staff and students walking on the attached bridge

Charles Sikes Building Exterior

Three students in a lecture

Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre

Students walking inside the Charles Sikes building

The Street in the Charles Sikes Building

Two teachers having a discussion

Seminar room

Students speaking across a table

Breakout space in the Charles Sikes

Explore More

Postgraduate Open Days

Join our Postgraduate Open Day to explore our courses, tour the campus, and meet academics and students who can answer your questions.

Learn more
Card image

Sign up for Emails

Find out more about postgraduate study at Huddersfield and stay updated with the latest news and events.

Sign up for emails
Card image

Student Blog - From Early Years to Teaching

PGCE Lifelong Learning graduate Sarah shares her inspiring journey from working in the Early Years sector to becoming a qualified educator.

Read here
Lifelong Learning student and teacher

PGCE Lifelong Learning at Huddersfield

Discover our PGCE Lifelong Learning courses. Gain advanced teaching strategies, hands-on experience, and expert support to progress toward QTLS status and shape your future in education.

Find out more

Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

Three students stood in Huddersfield town centre
01

Explore Huddersfield

Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

Find out more
Decorative
01

Your Student Experience

Get involved in great opportunities helping you to make friends from all across the world and create lifelong memories. Join one of over 100 societies with the Students’ Union, experience new cultures through global events, earn whilst you learn and build your skills via our Global Professional Award.

Learn more
Decorative
01

Budget Friendly

Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

Find out more
Decorative
01

Sustainability Matters

We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

Find out more
Decorative
01

Committed to Your Future

Since 2015, we’ve invested £198 million to create spaces where you can learn, collaborate and thrive. We’re continuously investing in our campus with your wellbeing in mind—adding features that make our buildings healthier, more supportive and better places for you to succeed.

Read more
TypeError: Cannot find function replaceAll in object Education.