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Education: Supervision in Education PGCert

Start date

September

Previous degree

2:2

Distance learning available

No

Student visa accepted?

No

Duration

1 year (part-time)

supervision-pgcert-v2
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The PG Cert Supervision in Education at St Mary’s is one of the first such education pathways in the UK.

Supervision aims to provide a reflective space for a safe, non-judgemental, collaborative and learning dialogue with a trained supervisor that supports the supervisee’s practice, development and wellbeing. In so doing it contributes to the development and learning of children and young people.

Supervision is on the increase in education settings. There is an emerging evidence base for the benefits of supervision for educators. To date, there have been few training routes open to educators to train at a postgraduate level as a supervisor in education. The Supervision in Education (Post Graduate Certificate) course at St Mary’s University is one of the first universities in the UK to offer such a pathway.

The course enables educational professionals new or experienced in delivering supervision to develop their skills and expertise, whist gaining a deep theoretical understanding of the subject. As part of the course, participants are supported to deliver 20 sessions of supervision in their own and/or other education settings and they must take part in their own supervision.

The course is delivered by leading professionals and supervisors in the field. St Mary’s University co-founded the Supervision in Education Network and played a leading role in contributing to the Supervision in Education Quality Standards Framework.

The PG Cert Supervision in Education can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as a pathway on the wider MA in Education. 

Why St Mary's

This builds on our foundations in the education sector. The success of the programme lies in the flexible structure, bespoke delivery and quality of teaching we offer.

You'll take what you learn from the course and apply it to your own to context. Your knowledge will allow you to drive effective change, whilst engaging in critical debates into contemporary educational issues.

As well as access to excellent online learning resources, you'll also have use of a dedicated education library that boasts numerous study spaces and open access IT facilities.

Education degrees in London

This degree is one pathway from within our Education Master's programme, which includes:

Dr Catherine Carroll

Senior Lecturer - Education

Upcoming Event

St Mary's University logo

MA Education webinar (all pathways) - 23rd April

Wednesday 23rd April 2025, 07:00PM

Course content

Modules

Each module is comprised of 300 hours of study time including:

  • three (in person) teaching days on a Saturday
  • two one-to-one tutorials (in person or online)
  • work based learning (delivery of supervision)
  • online guided learning activities
  • independent study.

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

Entry requirements

2:2

Previous degree

Candidates will normally be expected to possess a good honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or an equivalent qualification approved by St Mary’s University.

St Mary's is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and nurturing an inclusive and diverse student population. As such, we welcome applications from all those interested in pursuing an academic programme of study. Throughout the application process and while a student is enrolled at St Mary's, we will ensure that individuals will not be discriminated against based on any of the characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010.

Additional requirement information

Candidates working in an education setting must provide a supporting letter from their headteacher which states that the candidate will be allowed to deliver at least 20 sessions (50 mins per session) of supervision across the year to one or more members of staff.

For experienced or independent supervision candidates already delivering supervision across one of more settings, evidence from commissioning contracts and/or a headteacher letter is required to demonstrate that at least 20 sessions (50 minutes per session) of supervision will be delivered across the year.

The course is designed to meet the professional development needs of a wide group of professionals working in education settings (nurseries, schools, colleges, local authorities and multi-academy trusts) either as a member of staff or as an established independent supervisor.

A teaching qualification is not a requirement for the course. Professionals will include (but are not limited to):

  • teachers
  • senior leaders in education settings
  • designated safeguarding leads
  • mentors
  • SENCos
  • chaplains
  • business managers
  • independent supervisors.

Further Information

For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.

Fees & funding

September 2025

Home

£3,080

International

£5,940

Additional costs

You must take part in at least five of your own supervision sessions during the course. This cost must be covered by you, in addition to the course fees.

An individual supervision session costs approximately £65.  

Funding

Except for any iQTS courses, you can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.

Home and international students for non-iQTS courses may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.

For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.

How the degree is taught

Assessment methods

Learning is assessed through a variety of methods:

  • Reflective portfolio
  • Essay
  • Presentations.

Accreditation

The course follows the standards and competencies set out for training providers in the Supervision in Education Quality Standards Framework.

Career opportunities

Qualified supervisors in education can provide supervision in their own and/or education settings.

Increasingly, supervisors in education are setting up their own independent supervision practices.

Apply now

September 2025

Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.

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Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation and Student Wellbeing.