Lifelong Learning CertEd in-service

Select the year

2027-28

Start Dates

20 September 2027

Duration

2 years part-time

Recent Awards For Excellence

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About this course

Overview

This course is designed for practising teachers and trainers who want to develop their professional skills while continuing to work in the further education, adult education or training sectors. If you are already employed in a recognised teaching or training role and want to advance your practice, this course supports your progression.

You will deepen your understanding of teaching, learning and curriculum development and focus on your own subject specialism. Because much of your learning takes place in your workplace, you will be able to apply new ideas directly to your teaching and reflect on your development as an educator.

On completion, you will be eligible to progress towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status through the Society for Education and Training. This is the full professional status for teachers in the lifelong learning sector.

You will also benefit from expert tutors, strong professional networks and access to specialist teaching resources.

This course is delivered at the University of Huddersfield and through the Education and Training Consortium. If you hold a first degree, please see our PGCE Lifelong Learning (Pre-Service).

Career opportunities after the course *

Sports Coaches

Design Technology Teachers

Technology Teachers

Teachers of Design Technology

Teaching Fellows

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

You should normally:

be in employment as a teacher or trainer at a recognised training or educational establishment for a minimum of 250 hours (at least 125 hours in any one year). Voluntary teaching/training may be acceptable in some circumstances (please check with your local centre).
have qualifications at Level 3 or above, for example HNC, CGLI Advanced, NVQ level 3/4 or other recognised professional qualification.
have Level 2 Maths and English.
have the ability to demonstrate appropriate work experience in the area you wish to teach.

In addition you must also:

provide confirmation of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
provide one satisfactory reference.
complete a satisfactory interview.
identify a work-based mentor who can support you in your subject specialism.

The course is particularly suitable if you have work experience and/or qualifications in industry, including business and administration, hair and beauty, health and social care, uniformed services or armed forces, construction, engineering and many other vocational areas.

We also offer this course at professional graduate (honours) and postgraduate (masters) if you hold a degree (or recognised equivalent). If you already have a degree (2:2 or above), you may be eligible for our Lifelong Learning PGCE In-Service.

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.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

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 of 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 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 optional modules in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module will develop your understanding of policy and issues relating to curriculum development in lifelong learning. You will explore the impact of policy on curriculum development and draw on appropriate evidence to evaluate 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 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 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.

Teaching and Assessment

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

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

89% of undergraduate graduates from the School of Business, Education and Law in work or further study within fifteen months of graduating

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 22/23, UK domiciled graduates, other activities excluded.

If you’ve ever been interested in teaching, this course supports you in every aspect. It introduces you to the theory behind different teaching methods such as pedagogy while helping you improve your own delivery as you work. Teaching is such a rewarding career whether you’re teaching children, young adults or older adults and being able to help learners achieve and surpass their goals is amazing.

- Dawn Furner
Community Teacher in ICT and Digital Skills.

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£2,512.50 per 30 credits

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2027/28.

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.

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit our fees page.

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 the Lifelong Learning Entitlement tuition fees loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

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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.

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

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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

Huddersfield Business School students in lecture

Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre

Richard Steinitz building in the sunlight with staff and students sat infront

Richard Steinitz Building Exterior

Students walking inside the Charles Sikes building

The Street in the Charles Sikes Building

Seminar room

Breakout space on The Street in the Charles Sikes

Explore More

What does it mean to be a Huddersfield teacher?

In this video, Mason, Robbie and Jemma who have all graduated from the University of Huddersfield— share what they’ve learned, the values they’ve developed, and the impact they’re already making in the classroom. If you're thinking about a career in education, this is a powerful insight into the kind of teacher you could become — and the difference you could make by studying with us.

Undergradute Open Days

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

Learn More

Lifelong Learning: From Motor Vehicle Technician t

In this blog, Dawn shares her inspiring journey from working as a Motor Vehicle Technician to becoming a Community Teacher in ICT and Digital Skills.

Find Out More

Lifelong Learning: From Engineering to Teaching CN

In this blog, Joel shares his inspiring journey from a career in precision engineering to training the next generation as a Trainee Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering.

Ready to guide learners of all ages?

Lifelong Learning is a dynamic and essential part of the UK’s education and skills sector. It focuses on teaching and training learners aged 16 and over in a wide range of settings - including sixth form and further education colleges, adult and community learning, offender education, and workplace training.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Lifelong Learning CertEd in-service

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

Accreditation and Professional Links

Entry Requirements