Postgraduate Certificate in Mentoring

Next start date

January 2026

Location

Online, part-time

Course duration

6 months

Fees

£2,000

This short, focused course helps those new to mentoring as well as current mentors to develop a critically engaged mentoring practice.

Join one of our upcoming webinars to find out more about our courses.

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Course Overview

The demand for trained mentors in educational settings is increasing all over the world. For example, in the UK, all schools are now required to have trained mentors to monitor trainee teachers. In international schools, the recognition of this need is also growing.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Mentoring is a 6-month qualification that enables teachers to take the first step into postgraduate education, gaining focused Master’s level training in mentoring in an educational context. 

Every student that earns a PGCert will be awarded 60 Level 7 credits to put towards a Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s should they choose to continue their studies.

Suitable for those new to mentoring as well as those already in mentoring roles, the programme covers both the theory and practical needs of mentors and leaders in educational settings.

The course 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.

By completing this degree, you will be able to:

  • Improve the support you provide to your current and/or future mentees
  • Confidently apply mentoring and coaching methodologies to your teaching practice
  • Build effective leadership skills and behaviours
  • Develop your career in line with your newly acquired skills and qualifications.

The course is based on the UK Department for Education Mentor Standards.

Course Content

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Mentoring Theory (30 credits)

The first of the modules introduces students to a range of theories relating to mentoring in education. One aim is to respond to the findings of the Carter Review (2015) into mentoring in ITT. This suggests that more attention should be given to the quality of training for mentors working in schools. Ofsted recommends that this training needs to be rigorous, in that it should go beyond the ‘structure and nature of the course’ and should look to develop the skills of mentoring. Another aim is to combine the practical needs of mentoring in education with a wide range of scholarship on this topic.

Module 2: A Research-based Approach to Mentoring (30 credits)

This module builds upon the first module and focuses on existing research to understand how theory is implemented into practice. Building upon the theory and models explored in the previous module these topics aim to synthesise theory with their own experience. This module focused on developing further the skills required for effective mentoring.

Course Delivery

Course Delivery

This is a 6-month part-time, online course running from January to September each year. 

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.

As all aspects of the course are delivered online, students can access the course from wherever they are in the world.

You will be guided through each stage of the course:

  • An induction session will introduce you to how the course will run.
  • Every student is allocated a supervisor to support your learning. 
  • You will have access to regular online study sessions throughout the course.
  • Our online learning platform, MOODLE, will provide easy access to all resources needed for successful completion of the course.
  • You will be given a week by week guide which will indicate what work is expected that week. This will either be:
    • a recorded film to watch
    • a reading
    • a podcast with accompanying literature
    • independent study towards a module
    • a Twilight session which will be live, but recorded and shared on Moodle.

It is important to understand that you will be expected to work independently and you are expected to fully engage with the guidance provided to complete the required modules.

Each module is assessed by a 3,000-word essay.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

All applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree and to be currently working as a mentor at a school or another education organisation.

You will also need to have IELTS 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component) or equivalent English level qualification. To see what is accepted by the University, visit our FAQ page on Language Requirements.

Fees

Fees

Registration Fee: £300 (non-refundable)

Tuition Fee: £2,000

Fees are invoiced for in January, at the beginning of the course, and can be paid in termly installments or in one lump sum. Termly instalments can be arranged directly with the Finance department upon receipt of the invoice.

All fees are charged directly by the University of Buckingham, BISE will not add any additional charges for our services.

How To Apply

How To Apply

Click Apply Now below to apply online through Buckingham International School of Education. We will support you to complete your application before submitting it directly to the University of Buckingham.

If you have any queries, click Ask a Question and our admissions team members will endeavour to reply to your enquiry within 24 hours.

Our admissions staff are based in Mainland China and Hong Kong and our hours of business are 10am to 7pm (GMT+7), Mon-Fri.

Admissions for January 2026 intake will close on 30 November 2025.

FAQ's

Why would I do a course in Mentoring if I am already a mentor?

Most mentors in school settings have not had prior training. Our Mentoring courses delve deeply into the thought processes and critical thinking needed to make an excellent mentor. You will be able to critically analyse, engage in and reflect on mentoring and evaluate the implications for your own educational setting. No matter your mentoring experience, this course will help you develop your ability to be a critically reflective practitioner in your work as a mentor, benefitting your career and school.

What is the difference between the PGCert, PGDip and MA?

A Postgraduate Certificate is the first step into postgraduate education and provides focused, Master's-level training in a specific area. Every student that earns a PGCert is awarded 60 Level 7 credits to put towards a PG Diploma or Master’s should they choose to continue their studies. A Postgraduate Diploma follows on from a Postgraduate Certificate. Upon completion of both at Level 7, a student would have 120 credits and may go on to gain a full Master's by completing a dissertation module.

What supporting documentation do I need to provide to apply?

You will be required to provide supporting documentation to prove that you meet the entry requirements. Entry requirements for each course are listed on the individual course pages.

Here are some examples of what you might be asked to provide:

  • A copy of your Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree certificate.
  • For any degrees completed outside of the UK, you will need a 'Statement of Comparability' from ENIC.
  • If you are not from an English-speaking country or your academic degree was not delivered in English, you will be required to provide evidence of English Language proficiency. Doctorate applicants may be waived of this requirement at the discretion of the university.

For any questions, get in touch with our admissions team.