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Student Profile

Name: Catherine
Country: Northern Ireland
Programme:Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Why did you choose to study for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Queen’s School of Education?

I really enjoyed my undergraduate degree at Queen’s! I studied English and Linguistics and I loved every second of it. I had such a great experience that if I was going to study further, I knew I wanted it to be at Queen’s. I also knew that Queen’s School of Education has a great reputation throughout Northern Ireland and beyond, and I wanted to gain my qualification from a reputable institution.

Is the course what you expected?

Yes and no! I expected the course to be hard work, enjoyable and challenging - which it most certainly is! What I didn’t expect is quite how much I would enjoy the course. Despite the hard work, it is so much fun and I am so glad that I applied.

What have you found most interesting or useful about the course?

The course tutors are absolutely brilliant! They are a real source of advice, knowledge and support. Also, the way the course is structured is so varied. You are never bored!

What is your experience of the teaching support and student facilities at Queen’s?

The teaching support and student facilities are excellent at Queen’s. The library is fabulous!

What do you plan on doing after the course? 

I plan to apply for as many teaching jobs as possible! The school experience I’ve had during my PGCE year has absolutely confirmed my desire to teach. The next step is to pursue teaching as a career and I hope I will be successful- and I am confident that the training I’ve had at QUB has given me the best possible start on my new career path.

Have you any advice for future students?

  1. Be prepared to work hard! You need to want to teach to do this course.
  2. Be disciplined- so that you can get everything done in the given time and very importantly, so that you can have some time to relax!
  3. Don’t freak out- there will be lessons after which you think you are the world’s worst teacher… Everyone has those days!
  4. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get everything right all of the time- remember it’s a learning process!

Would you recommend studying for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)in the School of Education to prospective students?

I would definitely recommend studying for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)in the School of Education. A varied and challenging course, with excellent teaching and a great support network! I’m so gladI enrolled in this course.

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