Postgraduate courses in Pedagogy

Don’t let the word pedagogy throw you off! It looks like the type of word we all might have trouble pronouncing but it is very easy to understand!

Pedagogy is a friend to teachers and those in teaching professions who wish to enhance their career and add to their education. 

We have all the information you need below so keep reading and see if this is the right direction for you.

What is pedagogy?

Pedagogy is the term used to describe the approach to teaching. It is the theory and practice of learning and looks at how this process influences and can be influenced by social, political and psychological development of learners. 

There are five approaches to pedagogy. They are constructivist, collaborative, integrative, reflective and inquiry based learning.

What is the importance of pedagogy?

Pedagogy is important as it said to help improve the quality of teaching. It also helps the way students learn and can help them to gain a better understanding of fundamental material. It can also help students to identify their preferred learning styles with a process of teaching that suits them and how they like to learn. 

Courses

There are a few courses in pedagogy courses to choose from across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study part time and full time and under current Covid-19 restrictions, some universities may have their own plans. It is important to research a specific course in full. Examples of courses on offer are:

Professional Practice in Physical Education and School Sport

This course is one example of courses in this area. A course like this offers the opportunity to professionals to develop their expertise and knowledge in order to enhance their teaching practice. Students on this course will learn different teaching methods and be able to find their own and develop it more. 

Assessment only route to Qualified Teaching Status (QTS)

This course is a little different to others as it is not only just 12 weeks long but also it is not a training course. By this we mean you must already be up to the teaching standards before you undergo assessment. Courses like this are aimed at those who are already working in the teaching profession or in a teaching role in a school setting that can support you throughout the course. You will be expected to present a portfolio as proof that teaching standards have been met. 

Practice Education

These courses will allow you to gain a PgCert. Such courses in practice education are suited to social workers who have completed their training and are in employment. Courses like this one give social workers the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge as well as their career prospects. While this is a postgraduate certificate, it can help guide you towards a postgraduate degree.  

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements may differ from course to course and university to university. A good bachelors degree is required. Many courses will require a 2.1 degree while there are some where a 2.2 degree will suffice. Specific course requirements can be found on course outlines and on university websites. It is important to look into your preferred course in order to make sure you meet the requirements. 

Employers

Potential employers for those who take a pedagogy course may include:

• Primary schools – teacher/potential principal role
• Secondary school – teacher/potential principal role
• Community centres 

Salary expectation

The salary in this area depends on your exact job. For the most part, pedagogy is studied by teachers who are already working within the profession. The average salary for a primary school teacher in the UK may be around £25,777 but that can vary depending on location. The average salary of a secondary school teacher is around £30,063. Should you work your way up to becoming a principal through career enhancement, aided by courses like this, you could earn £46,461. Figures are based on estimates. 

Skills and requirements

Helpful skills for working within this field include:

• Strong communication 
• Strong leadership skills
• Able to adapt to new teaching styles
• Critical thinking 
• Organization skills
• Ability to work with others 
• Patience
• A passion to learn and teach
• Time management skills
• Technology skills