Salma studied the PGCE at our partner Preston College. She shares how the course’s flexible part-time structure and supportive environment helped her develop the skills and confidence to pursue a rewarding career in teaching.
"My experience studying the Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Preston College was fantastic. What initially attracted me to the course was its flexibility—it was part-time and held in the evenings, which allowed me to balance my studies with family responsibilities and my teaching placement, all in one place. This setup made the whole process much more manageable and less stressful.
The flexibility of studying part-time in the evenings, combined with having my placement at the same location, made it possible to balance my family life and pursue my passion for teaching.
"My experience studying the PGCE at Preston College was fantastic. What initially attracted me to the course was its flexibility—it was part-time and held in the evenings, which allowed me to balance my studies with family responsibilities and my teaching placement, all in one place. This setup made the whole process much more manageable and less stressful.
One of the highlights of the course was meeting a diverse group of people with such a wide range of experiences. It was inspiring to learn alongside individuals who brought so much life experience to the programme. As a maths graduate, I enjoyed sharing my perspective while also learning from others.
The facilities were excellent, and having access to both physical and online resources, like e-books, made a huge difference in completing assignments. The teaching staff were approachable and always ready to help, which was a big support during the tougher moments, especially with assignments.
To prospective students, I would say: make sure you understand the commitment required in terms of teaching hours and assignments, so you can plan accordingly around your life. Overall, it’s a challenging but rewarding journey, and it’s definitely worth it.
Now that I’ve graduated, I’m excited to step into teaching, with a particular focus on A-Level maths. I’m also considering furthering my education with a Master's in Mathematics down the line. This course has truly set me on the right path for my career and future goals."
