University Centre Colchester | Education and Teaching

Our comprehensive education programmes offer pathways for both aspiring educators and seasoned professionals looking to advance their careers. With a focus on excellence in education management and teaching practice, our MA in Education Studies and PGCE in the Further Education and Skills Sector provide a holistic approach to professional development. From specialised modules to hands-on experience, we equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in leadership roles and make a lasting impact in diverse educational settings.

Our programmes offer pathways to your success:

  • MA Education Studies: Advance your career with specialised education management skills for leadership
  • PGCE/CertEd (Further Education and Skills Sector): Start your teaching journey with theoretical knowledge and practical experience for QTLS eligibility
  • Teaching Apprenticeships: An alternative training route for those in a Further Education teaching role, with a focus of on-the-job learning

Reasons to study with us:

  • Guidance to specialise in your studies, focusing on your specific interests and career goals
  • Our programmes open doors to leadership roles, doctoral study and a wide range of teaching opportunities
  • Benefit from extensive teaching practice and placements, giving you the tools to succeed in your chosen field

The PGCE gave me a good advantage as I was able to get practical experience to complement the theory I was learning.

RACHEL SHEDD PGCE (Further Education and Skills Sector)

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Courses Offered

BA (Hons)Early Years and Primary Studies
Cert EdLifelong Learning
MAEducation
PGCE (Postgraduate)Lifelong Learning
PGCE (Professional)Lifelong Learning

Michele Fuller is the course leader for University Centre Colchester’s Cert Ed, PGCE and MA Education programmes. She also contributes to the BA (Hons) Education degree and is a personal tutor for under- and postgraduate students.

Her identity as a practitioner is what motivates Michele’s work in Higher Education. She has a particular interest in History of Art, specifically the representation of animals in both European and African Art. Current research focus is on teacher motivation and how this can be considered as part of a teacher training process.

Michele is currently conducting research into mentoring and coaching in both England and South Africa, which is linked to her doctoral studies.

Read staff profile

Neil Barnes is Head of School of Social Sciences and University Centre Colchester’s Director of Teaching and Learning. As an academic, he contributes to PGCE and MA Education programmes.

Neil has taught in an independent school and public service organisations as well as having five years’ experience as a course leader in Further Education. He was a physical training instructor in the Army and new probation police officer trainer for Suffolk Constabulary.

His research interests centre on motivation. Neil has recently conducted studies into Further Education student success, Initial Teacher Education in easing the transition of moving from industry to teaching and the importance of induction.

Read staff profile

Michele Fuller

Michele Fuller is the course leader for University Centre Colchester’s Cert Ed, PGCE and MA Education programmes. She also contributes to the BA (Hons) Education degree and is a personal tutor for under- and postgraduate students.

Her identity as a practitioner is what motivates Michele’s work in Higher Education. She has a particular interest in History of Art, specifically the representation of animals in both European and African Art. Current research focus is on teacher motivation and how this can be considered as part of a teacher training process.

Michele is currently conducting research into mentoring and coaching in both England and South Africa, which is linked to her doctoral studies.

Read staff profile

Neil Barnes

Neil Barnes is Head of School of Social Sciences and University Centre Colchester’s Director of Teaching and Learning. As an academic, he contributes to PGCE and MA Education programmes.

Neil has taught in an independent school and public service organisations as well as having five years’ experience as a course leader in Further Education. He was a physical training instructor in the Army and new probation police officer trainer for Suffolk Constabulary.

His research interests centre on motivation. Neil has recently conducted studies into Further Education student success, Initial Teacher Education in easing the transition of moving from industry to teaching and the importance of induction.

Read staff profile

What our students day - UCC Management in Sport / PGCE EducationMegan Partridge