Meet our Education students

One of the biggest draws for me was that I could do my degree in under a year here whereas in Canada a post-graduate degree in education is two years in nearly every university. I didn’t want to go back to school for another two years, I felt my career was already underway and so Strathclyde’s single year program was the only one that felt right to me.

From the guidance of renowned faculty to the wealth of resources and opportunities available, I feel incredibly well-equipped to tackle the challenges of my dissertation and emerge as a confident, well-rounded educational researcher.

Even after graduation and being in a teaching position for several years, I still review my PGDE folder and go through materials/notes on a regular basis. They can always keep me right when I am unsure about things during my day-to-day teaching.  

The support from tutors on the PGDE was excellent. The rigorous, honest and constructive feedback during placements I found really supportive.

I was able to complete Masters credits as part of the PGDE and, from this, received a scholarship to continue my MEd Professional Practice, which was fantastic.

My main highlight from the course has definitely been the placements I have embarked on. Each year you feel yourself growing in strength and actually envisaging yourself as a teacher.

ThePgCert gave me the opportunity to potentially work from anywhere in the world, giving me the freedom to choose who I want to be as a person. Moreover, it shaped my beliefs as an educator and made me a better teacher.

The BSc course has been fantastic for my development and I would recommend this pathway to anyone. My only reservations were over my own suitability for university-level education given that I had left school at just 17. I lacked confidence in myself but since entering the course I have never looked back, achieving highly during my first year.

There are many aspects that I like about the course, but the placement is one of the experiences that I will never forget. It provided me with the opportunity to put theories into practice, and to become more involved with all aspects of teaching including planning, preparing materials, teaching, and evaluating learning experiences.

I’ve been really lucky to learn from some fantastic tutors who have a vast range of experience in primary education and also in research.  Teachers have provided immense support for all of us.

As a teacher, it is easily for us to enhance our teaching through daily practice, however, the theories which better support our teaching as well as confirming how effective and reliable teaching or assessment are our students also need considered reflection.

It won’t surprise you that there will be some challenges along the way, but just make the most of every moment and never give up! The level of maths is challenging but if you use the lecturers and the maths skills centre for help you will feel a lot better.

The best part is that we get to learn about the emotional wellbeing of the autistic individuals, and how we as a society can lessen the mental health challenges they face- primarily by accepting them and making sure they feel belonged.

This course has shown me how I can look at education in a different perspective than other educators, people may think that education and learning can just be found in a formal school setting, but education can be found almost anywhere – if you know how to look for it.

For me, this course provides me an opportunity to learn more theories about the philosophy of education and explore broader thinking space. The MSc Education Studies guides me to revalue and re-think about education from a metaphysical point of view to the real world without limitations.

It may seem scary, and it is a big decision to make... but so worth it! Prepare for a difficult year, but with the level of support you'll get from your tutors and friends, you'll be sorted!

The course can prepare me to teach and/or enhance my career prospects of working in international school settings.

I also consider teaching an extraordinary opportunity to influence the world positively. There are more than enough physicists all around the world, but the lack of physics teachers is a problem almost everywhere.

If you're looking to get into teaching, I'd say go for it. I feel it's prepared me well for my upcoming probation year.

My personal experience on placement was an overwhelmingly positive one. It's a 9-5 all-consuming experience and involves a lot of work both in school and at home. But it was a totally rewarding experience and confirmed my dream of wanting to become a teacher.

My passion for teaching comes from my love to share my curiosity to explore philosophical, moral and religious questions with others. Moreover, I believe that educating children and young people is a very important and meaningful activity. It gives you the opportunity to inspire and shape the minds of the next generation and to work in a profession where every day is different and exciting.

A friend who I went through the first four years of my undergraduate with completed the PGDE course last year and told me how much he enjoyed the experience. This coupled with my own experience of the university meant that Strathclyde was my first choice.

One highlight has been meeting and working with fellow students from all walks of life: that in itself has been an educational experience as I have found out about many different cultures and met so many interesting people. We have been able to share our experiences of education in these different nations, which has helped us to see how the theory we have learned applies in the real world.

Make sure you spend some time in a classroom before you start. For me, it underlined that the choice I was making was the right one for me.

I believe education is a gift and a privilege that everyone must have access to. As a teacher I facilitate that process and make learning accessible through ideas that are fun and engaging. When I relocated to Scotland from Singapore in 2017, it became apparent that I had to undergo a PGDE to continue doing what I loved doing.

To be honest, I heard great things about the teachers who run the modern languages department; Kandi, Gillian and Alan. I also heard of the great reputation of the university, therefore when I was asked to go for interviews to other universities, once I knew I was accepted for Strathclyde there was no other option for me, my decision was made.

If you can make just one child feel better each day, it becomes more worthwhile than any other job in the world.

I was inspired to become a teacher by my own primary school teacher. He was a very nice teacher with a great sense of humour. He used to often make good use of games to facilitate learning, which is something that I found extremely effective.

It is hard work, you have to be extremely organised, and placements are tiring: but if you work hard and put in the effort, you will enjoy it. Having a young family, I have to be super organised and have that balance, so that is something I am good at luckily. I would definitely recommend doing it if it's something you have a passion for.

If you are committed to being a great teacher Strathclyde is a good place to be. The PGDE offers a lot of support for its students and has a very experienced team of educators to help you navigate the course. The one piece of advice I have for anyone considering taking the course is to try and get as much classroom experience as you can before you start.

My first German teacher had a lasting impression on me. She was full of energy and enthusiasm; as well as being a master of her subject. I was utterly enthralled from start to finish: I aim to be equally as memorable!

The support I have received has been phenomenal. My supervisor is amazing and is always willing to answer any questions I may have, she is as excited about my research project as I am, which helps a lot.  The support of the professional services has been amazing; they want to help all students achieve their degrees and will always help find a way to make it possible. They are here to support us all we need to do is ask for help. 

Use the theory that you learn on campus in the classroom, take the time to let it sink in. It makes you a better teacher.

The placements have definitely been the best part about the whole course. Getting to meet all the pupils and build relationships with them have cemented just how important it is for young people to get the best chance in education.

It can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s not as hard as it seems. The instructors are supportive and understanding. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Everyone wants to help and support you here!