Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Higher Education)

Study LevelLevel 7 Course TypeHigher Education Duration2 Academic Years Start DateAugust 2026 Study ModePart-time LocationDavid Hockney Building

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Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Higher Education) is a recognised, advanced teaching qualification. The programme is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge, values and skills to teach your subject specialism (vocational/academic) in the dynamic Higher Education sector. This course trains you to teach your specialist subject (vocational or academic) in colleges. Learn practical skills, develop inclusive teaching methods, and stay up to date with the latest in the Higher Education sector.

The course aims to produce competent, confident and ambitious teachers who can apply subject specialist knowledge and/or vocational experience and skills to promote learning. You will develop your:

values and skills associated with inclusive teaching and learning, aimed at facilitating individual progress
critical evaluation skills in order to evaluate recent developments in educational research, professional body initiatives and government policy
academic skills, attitudes and values necessary to cultivate a commitment to lifelong learning
analytical and reflective approach to professional practice
knowledge, skills and mindset to effectively leverage digital tools and technologies.

Year 1: Teaching, Learning and Assessment

An introductory module supporting you in developing essential teaching skills to take your first steps in the classroom.

A specialist subject audit will support you to engage in further research within the subject specialism
Ongoing portfolio development with robust adherence to safeguarding principles and practices.
An introduction to academic skills relevant for Level 7.

Innovating Specialist Practice
Introduction to contemporary issues in education.

The use of digital technology
An exploration of contemporary approaches
Theories of Learning

Critical evaluation of relevant and contemporary learning theories.

Application of theories to specialist teaching practice
A strong focus on educational theory

Year 2: Developing Professional Practice

Development and enhancement of professional practice

Completion of a comprehensive portfolio to showcase mastery in teaching skills, with explicit references to relevant standards, policy and legislation
Designing and Developing the Curriculum

Dedicated to understanding and shaping curriculum development

Exploration of contested ideological perspectives on the purpose of education
Integration of theoretical concepts with practical implementation

Empowers you to conduct small-scale Action Research

Focuses on driving improvements in professional teaching practice for best student outcomes through research.

Applicants should normally have achieved the following prior to registration for the programme: Applicants should normally have achieved the following prior to registration for the programme: 
Admissions criteria

Honours degree. Candidates will normally be required to have at least a 2:2.
Level 3+ subject relevant qualification.
An eligible GCSE/Level 2 Maths and English qualification or equivalency* in line with ETF expectations.
Relevant experience/prior learning.
Enhanced DBS and health check, successful interview.

*full list of eligible maths/English quals: Eligible maths and English qualifications | Society for Education and Training (et-foundation.co.uk)

You will be assessed on teaching practice via observations conducted by teacher educators in collaboration with specialist mentors Constructive developmental feedback will be provided to guide you on areas for improvement in your practice, ensuring that by the end of the programme you are teaching at the expected level according to occupational standards.

Career Outlook

Education & Teaching

Learn more about this subject area at Bradford College

Upcoming Events

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Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.

Course information code: PPDL008