I initially studied Spanish and Portuguese and am currently undertaking a PGCE Primary course. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both of the courses I’ve done at Manchester, though they’re worlds apart. The three main differences I’ve noticed are the approach to writing, shifting from an academic to a professional mindset, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

The first major change I encountered was in how I write essays. During my undergraduate degree, everything was strictly academic, and I always aimed for an impersonal tone. Since I did an arts degree, my essays were usually centred around a specific text or film. In my postgraduate studies, this has completely flipped. Now, most of my assignments are written in the first person, and instead of analysing a set text, I’m reflecting on my own experiences. It took a while to get used to this more personal, reflective style, and it’s definitely changed how I use academic sources—they’ve gone from being the focus of my writing to supporting my reflections. 

Another key shift is how you approach the course itself. A postgraduate course feels a lot more like a full-time job than a traditional degree. Attendance is taken seriously, and the workload is much heavier. I have to keep an extensive portfolio, stay on top of regular audits, and plan lessons constantly. If you let daily tasks pile up or miss sessions, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed. I think this is one of the main reasons postgrad courses tend to have higher dropout rates than undergrad ones. That said, if you treat it like a 9–5 and keep up with your responsibilities, it’s manageable. 

Outside of the academic side, the intensity of postgraduate study means you won’t be going out as much as you did during undergrad. In some ways, that’s a good thing—but it also makes it even more important to carve out time for yourself and your social life. You’ll likely be more tired than you were as an undergrad and might not always feel like meeting up with friends, but it helps to build routines that keep you connected and engaged. For example, even when I’m exhausted, I make time to paint every evening. I also play snooker on Mondays and go to “acoustic circle” on Tuesdays. These small routines—though tough to stick to sometimes—really help me avoid burnout. 

In conclusion, my three pieces of advice would be: don’t stress about changing your writing style—you’ll get the hang of it, and your tutors will support you. Stay on top of small tasks before they pile up. And finally, make time for yourself and for socialising—otherwise, it’s easy to burn out. 

Written by Ben, current PGCE Primary Student

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