Overview

The purpose of IOU’s Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is to cap an undergraduate degree or diploma so as to develop and prepare the student to be an effective teacher. A PGCE ensures that graduates are prepared for entry-level employment in the sector. The PGCE provides graduates and diplomates with the knowledge and skills needed to perform as classroom teachers in their chosen subject. The targeted and mentored acquisition of practical teaching skills and workplace experience enables graduates to apply their learning as beginner teachers in schools in varying contexts.

The programme has been carefully formulated and developed to respond to national and global education needs and trends, and includes modules that provide a thorough foundation in education and pedagogical studies, as well as teaching observation and practice opportunities.

The PGCE is ideal for students that hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, and are interested in becoming a formal school teacher* in primary or secondary education schools, or working in school administrative, educational support or management areas.

The degree has been benchmarked against leading universities in Africa and the United Kingdom, to ensure IOU students are afforded a contextually relevant education in accordance with international standards.

The PGCE also incorporates the study of Islamic teachings, in alignment with the vision and mission of the university, affording students opportunities to merge and gain religious perspectives on education – enabling pedagogical application of content Islamization.

The qualification may be completed on a full-time basis within a minimum period of one year, and on a part-time basis within two years.

Upon completion of the programme, the student will be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Education with a specialization in their chosen subject field(s).

Career paths for graduates of this programme include: school teacher* in primary or secondary education, general educator and/or facilitator, school administrator, head teacher or school principal*, or education specialist.

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the programme, students would be able to

PLO1 Apply discipline knowledge of the theories and principles of education relevant to their work as a school teacher/administrator/principal, and/or education expert;

PLO2 Critically evaluate and synthesize pedagogical theory, research and practice to apply knowledge of the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and across the full range of abilities to enhance learning;

PLO3 Apply principles of Islamization of education as a pedagogical approach to education;

PLO4 Select, curate, use and create a range of digital resources and technologies to support learning and teaching, and communicate professionally with students, parents, colleagues and the community;

PLO5 Plan and deliver effective learning and teaching experiences in curriculum and assessment; and

PLO6 Teach subjects in accordance with chosen subject specialization on a primary and/or secondary level.

PROGRAMME ALIGNMENT WITH IOU’s VISION & MISSION

The PGCE aligns with the vision and mission of IOU by:

• providing facilitated access to quality higher education to all students around the world, particularly in the field of Islamic Studies,
• promoting the Islamic values of peace, harmony and tolerance, embedded in the curriculum, pedagogical practices and teaching approaches of this programme,
•  contributing to the establishment and strengthening of knowledge-based communities globally through the teaching and learning activities of the programme, and
• committing to creating diverse, scholarly communities, where students are encouraged to engage in intellectual rigor, high ethical standards and critical evaluation

Semesters