{"id":8778,"date":"2025-05-29T14:02:41","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T13:02:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=8778"},"modified":"2025-05-29T14:16:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T13:16:18","slug":"why-i-chose-to-study-a-pgce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2025\/05\/29\/why-i-chose-to-study-a-pgce\/","title":{"rendered":"Why I Chose to Study a PGCE"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”on” next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″][et_pb_row_inner locked=”off”][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″][et_pb_post_title _builder_version=”3.0.106″ title=”on” meta=”on” author=”on” date=”on” categories=”on” comments=”on” featured_image=”on” featured_placement=”above” text_color=”dark” text_background=”off” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_layout=”light” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

When I finished my undergraduate degree in psychology, I found myself reflecting on what I really wanted to do with everything I had learned. I had always been interested in working with children and understanding how they learn and develop. Throughout my degree, I explored topics like cognitive development and educational psychology\u2014but it wasn\u2019t until I completed a placement in a primary school that everything truly came together.\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That school experience was a turning point. I remember standing in the classroom on the first day and thinking, this feels right. The environment was dynamic, collaborative, and full of energy. I saw firsthand how powerful teaching could be in shaping young minds, and I knew then that education was where I belonged.\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After that, I started looking into the different pathways into teaching. There are so many options available\u2014School Direct, Teach First, and salaried routes, to name a few\u2014but the PGCE really stood out. I chose the PGCE route because it offered a strong balance between practical teaching experience and academic learning. I liked that it was a one-year intensive course that would allow me to gain qualified teacher status (QTS), while also earning a postgraduate qualification. For me, that structure felt like the best of both worlds.\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the biggest strengths of the PGCE is the level of support you receive. You\u2019re placed in schools where you\u2019re mentored by experienced teachers, and at the same time, you have university tutors who guide you through the academic side of the course. That dual support system makes a huge difference. It means you\u2019re never alone in the process\u2014you always have someone to turn to for advice, feedback, and encouragement.\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I also really valued the university-based elements of the course. Spending time on campus learning about pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom management, and educational theory gave me the knowledge and confidence to understand why we teach the way we do. It wasn\u2019t just about delivering lessons\u2014it was about reflecting on our practice, adapting our approaches, and considering how to meet the needs of every learner in the classroom. These sessions created a space where we could discuss challenges, share ideas, and learn from experts and each other.\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Of course, the PGCE is a demanding course. Balancing placements, assignments, and lesson planning can be intense\u2014but it\u2019s also incredibly rewarding. Every week brings new lessons, not just for the pupils we teach, but for ourselves. I\u2019ve learned to be resilient, flexible, and patient. I\u2019ve learned how to celebrate small wins and how to learn from setbacks. Most importantly, I\u2019ve grown into someone who is ready to lead a classroom with confidence and purpose.\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re someone who\u2019s passionate about education and eager to make a real impact, I\u2019d highly recommend considering a PGCE. It\u2019s a fast-paced, challenging journey\u2014but it equips you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to thrive in teaching. For me, it was more than a course\u2014it was the start of a meaningful and exciting career.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Written by Amy, current PGCE Primary Student<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_nav _builder_version=”3.0.106″ in_same_term=”off” show_prev=”on” show_next=”on” prev_text=”Previous” next_text=”Next” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” \/][et_pb_comments _builder_version=”3.0.106″ show_avatar=”on” show_reply=”on” show_count=”on” background_layout=”light” header_font_size_tablet=”51″ header_line_height_tablet=”2″ custom_button=”on” button_icon_placement=”right” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_use_icon=”off” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”Related posts” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

Related<\/h1>\n\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_sidebar _builder_version=”3.0.106″ area=”sidebar-1″ orientation=”left” show_border=”off” background_layout=”light” locked=”on” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”on” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″][et_pb_row_inner locked=”off”][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″][et_pb_post_title _builder_version=”3.0.106″ title=”on” meta=”on” author=”on” date=”on” categories=”on” comments=”on” featured_image=”on” featured_placement=”above” text_color=”dark” text_background=”off” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_layout=”light” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

When I finished my undergraduate degree in psychology, I found myself reflecting on what I really wanted to do with everything I had learned. I had always been interested in working with children and understanding how they learn and develop. Throughout my degree, I explored topics like cognitive development and educational psychology\u2014but it wasn\u2019t until I completed a placement in a primary school that everything truly came together.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

That school experience was a turning point. I remember standing in the classroom on the first day and thinking, this feels right. The environment was dynamic, collaborative, and full of energy. I saw firsthand how powerful teaching could be in shaping young minds, and I knew then that education was where I belonged.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

After that, I started looking into the different pathways into teaching. There are so many options available\u2014School Direct, Teach First, and salaried routes, to name a few\u2014but the PGCE really stood out. I chose the PGCE route because it offered a strong balance between practical teaching experience and academic learning. I liked that it was a one-year intensive course that would allow me to gain qualified teacher status (QTS), while also earning a postgraduate qualification. For me, that structure felt like the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

One of the biggest strengths of the PGCE is the level of support you receive. You\u2019re placed in schools where you\u2019re mentored by experienced teachers, and at the same time, you have university tutors who guide you through the academic side of the course. That dual support system makes a huge difference. It means you\u2019re never alone in the process\u2014you always have someone to turn to for advice, feedback, and encouragement.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

I also really valued the university-based elements of the course. Spending time on campus learning about pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom management, and educational theory gave me the knowledge and confidence to understand why we teach the way we do. It wasn\u2019t just about delivering lessons\u2014it was about reflecting on our practice, adapting our approaches, and considering how to meet the needs of every learner in the classroom. These sessions created a space where we could discuss challenges, share ideas, and learn from experts and each other.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Of course, the PGCE is a demanding course. Balancing placements, assignments, and lesson planning can be intense\u2014but it\u2019s also incredibly rewarding. Every week brings new lessons, not just for the pupils we teach, but for ourselves. I\u2019ve learned to be resilient, flexible, and patient. I\u2019ve learned how to celebrate small wins and how to learn from setbacks. Most importantly, I\u2019ve grown into someone who is ready to lead a classroom with confidence and purpose.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re someone who\u2019s passionate about education and eager to make a real impact, I\u2019d highly recommend considering a PGCE. It\u2019s a fast-paced, challenging journey\u2014but it equips you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to thrive in teaching. For me, it was more than a course\u2014it was the start of a meaningful and exciting career.<\/p>\n

Written by Amy, current PGCE Primary Student<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Related<\/h1>\n\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_sidebar _builder_version=”3.0.106″ area=”sidebar-1″ orientation=”left” show_border=”off” background_layout=”light” locked=”on” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ prev_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

PGCE Primary student Amy talks about why she chose to study a PGCE, and how it aligns with her passion for education.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7632,"featured_media":8779,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"

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When I finished my undergraduate degree in psychology, I found myself reflecting on what I really wanted to do with everything I had learned. I had always been interested in working with children and understanding how they learn and develop. Throughout my degree, I explored topics like cognitive development and educational psychology\u2014but it wasn\u2019t until I completed a placement in a primary school that everything truly came together.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

That school experience was a turning point. I remember standing in the classroom on the first day and thinking, this feels right. The environment was dynamic, collaborative, and full of energy. I saw firsthand how powerful teaching could be in shaping young minds, and I knew then that education was where I belonged.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

After that, I started looking into the different pathways into teaching. There are so many options available\u2014School Direct, Teach First, and salaried routes, to name a few\u2014but the PGCE really stood out. I chose the PGCE route because it offered a strong balance between practical teaching experience and academic learning. I liked that it was a one-year intensive course that would allow me to gain qualified teacher status (QTS), while also earning a postgraduate qualification. For me, that structure felt like the best of both worlds.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

One of the biggest strengths of the PGCE is the level of support you receive. You\u2019re placed in schools where you\u2019re mentored by experienced teachers, and at the same time, you have university tutors who guide you through the academic side of the course. That dual support system makes a huge difference. It means you\u2019re never alone in the process\u2014you always have someone to turn to for advice, feedback, and encouragement.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

I also really valued the university-based elements of the course. Spending time on campus learning about pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom management, and educational theory gave me the knowledge and confidence to understand why we teach the way we do. It wasn\u2019t just about delivering lessons\u2014it was about reflecting on our practice, adapting our approaches, and considering how to meet the needs of every learner in the classroom. These sessions created a space where we could discuss challenges, share ideas, and learn from experts and each other.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Of course, the PGCE is a demanding course. Balancing placements, assignments, and lesson planning can be intense\u2014but it\u2019s also incredibly rewarding. Every week brings new lessons, not just for the pupils we teach, but for ourselves. I\u2019ve learned to be resilient, flexible, and patient. I\u2019ve learned how to celebrate small wins and how to learn from setbacks. Most importantly, I\u2019ve grown into someone who is ready to lead a classroom with confidence and purpose.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

If you\u2019re someone who\u2019s passionate about education and eager to make a real impact, I\u2019d highly recommend considering a PGCE. It\u2019s a fast-paced, challenging journey\u2014but it equips you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to thrive in teaching. For me, it was more than a course\u2014it was the start of a meaningful and exciting career.\u00a0<\/p>

Written by Amy, current PGCE Primary Student<\/strong><\/p>

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Related<\/h1>

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Contact Us<\/h4>

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+44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>

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Find Us<\/h4>

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The University of Manchester
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PL
UK<\/a><\/p>

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