I understand that a dissertation is worth 60credits which is one third of a whole masters degree which is technically a pgcert.

I know its possible to get a pgcert from doing the first 60credits of a masters degree but is it possible to get one from just doing the dissertation?

The reason I ask is because I like doing dissertations and I want to teach in FE and to broaden the subjects I cam teach I'd like to see if I could be (for example) pgcert sociology or pgcert history or whatever. I figure this would also allow me to embrace the pleasure of study without the full masters price tag.

I'm hoping that also the self study nature of a masters dissertation (currently doing my second) would provide me to study with a uni even if I'm not local to it.

Anyone able to shed any light on this?

I would imagine it's better to just do a Masters.

I'm not sure how that would work, because usually in a Masters course they cover certain methodologies and then match you with a supervisor who has knowledge of your chosen approach for the dissertation. I've never heard of anyone doing a dissertation only - I think you'd have to start by contacting some unis and asking if this is possible and if they would have anyone who could supervise your dissertation.

Hi Spidermanspiderman

You're right that the credits for a Masters degree and a Postgraduate Certificate break down that way, but I'd be quite surprised if an institution allowed you to gain the PGCert by just submitting a dissertation.

The dissertation component of a Masters is what differentiates it from other postgraduate qualifications, as the candidate carries out independent academic research or professional project work.

The PGCert and PGDip, on the other hand, are more concerned with acquiring a more specific suite of advanced skills and / or academic subject knowledge.

In addition, as chickpea, points out, the taught component of a Masters plays an important part in preparing students for the dissertation phase.

If I were you I'd take a look at some Masters programmes in subjects you're interested in. You'll probably find that they actually allow (indeed, require) a fair amount of independent and self-directed study even during their taught components (scratching that research itch). Most courses will also allow students to enrol part-time or by distance learning.

Hope that helps a bit

Would just doing the dissertation give you the subject knowledge you'd need to actually teach that subject? I wouldn't have thought so as it's so specialised. Maybe it's just this region but when FE jobs are advertised here, it seems like the extras they look for are ability to teach literacy and numeracy - might that be a better training track to investigate?

And can you imagine them giving you- say- a third off, when they 'need' all the income they can get!

Forgot to say, I've got an MA and am completing an MSc. Written to my uni of choice today. For me it's a case of not being able to afford to do more full masters degrees but I've done the training for handling that level of research in my previous degrees.

I'm not holding my breath either but I'll let yous know how it goes.