Education - International

Deepen your knowledge in teaching and learning

This dynamic and relevant programme will appeal to those interested in deepening their knowledge and expertise in teaching and learning, and in developing an understanding of educational issues, challenges and innovative approaches to practice in multiple contexts. You will advance your knowledge, understanding and professional practice through engagement with current research and thinking. It also involves a reflection on, and analysis of, your own professional practice, supporting your personal development as well as putting you in a strong position for career progression as an educator.

Develop as an educator

The programme focuses on your development as an educator and an educational professional at all levels. The content and specialised online learning approach is designed to provide a rich, stimulating, and individualised learning experience. This post-graduate programme aims to facilitate an exploration and understanding of the concepts, issues, policies and legislation pertaining to education.

While practice observations are not a requirement of this programme, experience in an educational setting is critical and a suitable placement will need to be completed if you are not currently in related practice.

Balance study with work and home

The model of online delivery is based on a linear structure, with each module delivered over 12 weeks. Students take one module at a time, commencing a new module upon completion of the previous one. You will have the option to take time off between modules; providing flexibility to balance study, work and family commitments.

This PGCEi programme aims to:

Develop informed, knowledgeable, outstanding teachers and related professionals, espousing creativity and research informed teaching through deliberate practice.

Develop students' critical reflection and reflexivity within the field of education and schooling, through analysis, synthesis and evaluation of evidence, theory and practice.

Enable students to access, assess and effectively apply educational research, advanced scholarship and new insights from the discipline of education (and other related disciplines) in the classroom/learning environment.

Develop an understanding of the factors that influence effective, inclusive curriculum design and pedagogy and impact on pupils/learners.

Provide opportunity for students to achieve their full academic potential at Level 9, through study encouraging self-motivation, self-awareness and application of initiative.

Encourage professional accountability informed by an understanding of evidence-based practice.

Who will recognise my qualification?
Upon completing this level 9 degree, you will hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) awarded by Liverpool John Moore's University (LJMU).

The programme design, content and philosophy draws on some existing postgraduate education syllabus and pedagogy, and significant knowledge and expertise in the School of Education at LJMU. The School has a reputation for excellence, regionally and nationally, with a growing profile for innovative research and quality in teaching internationally. The most recent inspection by OFSTED rated LJMU as 'Outstanding' in Primary Teaching and 'Good, with Outstanding features' in Secondary.

Globally recognised academic qualification in education sectors

The PGCEi seeks to reflect the local and international contexts of a postgraduate academic qualification in education, and is a recognised academic qualification in education sectors internationally. The PGCEi programme's design and philosophy is informed by the Teachers' Standards (DfE, UK), QAA Benchmark for Education Studies and Master's Degree Characteristics (QAA).

This PGCEi is a postgraduate award globally recognised as an advanced level of study and qualification for those wishing to enhance their practice and advance to more senior positions in teaching and educational management, in education organisations and in international schools.

You will be registered as a student of LJMU for the duration of your studies.

Qualifications Frameworks in Ireland and the UK

The Irish and UK qualifications authorities have collaborated on initiatives that promote the transparency, recognition and mobility of qualifications between our respective jurisdictions. The qualifications authorities in the UK and Ireland have agreed the qualifications frameworks in operation, Brexit will not impact this agreement. Further guidance on this framework is available at https://www.qqi.ie/what-we-do/the-qualifications-system/national-framework-of-qualifications

Both LJMU and Portobello Institute aim to deliver transformative education, which is marked by inquiry, discovery and creative dialogue between students and staff. There is a natural synergy between LJMU's curriculum design and pedagogies for excellence in teaching, learning and assessment in the programme, and the approaches and philosophy of Portobello Institute.

An inclusive and accessible academic environment

Cultivating an inclusive and accessible academic environment for all sections of society is articulated in both institutions' visions and embedded in the proposed programme's philosophy and learning journey for students interested in socially just, transformative policies, concepts and research-informed practices in education and educational contexts.

An international programme with localised context

The curriculum design and pedagogy is intended to offer a coherent academic experience. Academics from the LJMU School of Education have extensive experience of curriculum and assessment design, along with expertise in a range of education contexts and critical understanding of theories and philosophies of education and educational contexts.

This is an international programme; the use of culturally appropriate practice scenarios, policy critiques and case studies have been integrated throughout the programme, so that these are examined in local educational contexts.

Practical Placements

You will be required to complete a practical placement as part of the requirements for this programme. There will be set tasks for you to complete and if you are already working in an educational environment, these hours can be used as your placement provided you can complete the tasks required. You will be required to complete 20 days placement, this can be completed as follows;

One block of 4 weeks
One block of one-day-a-week for 20-weeks
Two blocks of two weeks
Two blocks of one day a week for 10 weeks.

There is some flexibility if this schedule does not fit with your work/home life.

Theories & Principles in Education, Teaching & Learning

This module will support you to deepen knowledge and critical understanding of principles and theories relating to education, teaching and learning. To identify and apply strategies and methods which translate into effective teaching, learning and assessment practices in the educational environment.

Inclusive Pedagogy & Evidencing Impact on Learners

This module will support you to develop knowledge and understanding of issues and barriers to learning and recognise dilemmas of access and equity in education in order to inform effective
strategies for learning; with particular emphasis on inclusive pedagogy as a framework for teacher development.

Critical Reflection and Developing Practice
This module will support you to critically examine different perspectives, models and theories of reflective practice and reflexivity, and consider implications for your own professional practice. It will also support growth of personal and professional development through critical evaluation of learning and reflection on experience in your teaching and promoting a leadership stance in your practice.

Delivery Mode
This PGCEi has been specifically designed for delivery by online learning, with one to one tutorial support and modular webinars designed specifically to prepare you to complete the module. It is very suited to you if you are working full-time with limited spare time yet you want to achieve your postgraduate qualification.

Each module commences with an induction webinar and you will meet your lead lecturer during this session. You will be able to log-in and "attend" the lecture even if you are off-site or you can re-visit the lecture at a later date through our online portal. You can upload your assessments and your lecturer will give you feedback on whether you are on the right track before you submit the final version.

What is a webinar?

A webinar, in the context of online learning, is a lecturer delivering a presentation or class online to a group of students. We use specifically designed e-learning software so you can participate in the class just as if you were present in the same room. You can ask a question of the lecturer at any stage during the class.

Interactive break-out rooms

The software is designed with "break-out rooms" where you can discuss a topic or complete a group exercise with a smaller group from your class. You will need a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone that has internet connection, an audio facility so you can hear and speak during the class and a camera so your lecturer and fellow class participants can see you.

Secure online learning environment

The webinar is a secure online environment and only those permitted entry by the lecturer can gain access to the "classroom". Webinars are recorded during each session and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date. You will only be able to access Webinars of the group you are assigned to.

There are entry criteria available to students with differing qualifications however students must hold a relevant honours degree (at least 2:2) and it is preferable you work in an educational environment.

Entry to this postgraduate certificate is by direct application to Portobello Institute.

3 academic semesters blended learning.

This course is delivered over 3 semesters with supported webinars held during scheduled weekends. This programme consists of three core modules. You will complete one module in each semester.