![](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Classroom_1600x600.jpg)
Meet our Education students
![PGDE Modern Languages student David Laverty PGDE Modern Languages student David Laverty](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/DavidLaverty_500x500.jpg)
David Laverty, Secondary Education - Modern Languages (PGDE)
I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others; being that from new graduates who have recently spent a considerable time in countries that speak French or Spanish, or from mature entrants to the course who brought such a wide range of personal and professional experiences.
![EdD student Valerie Martin EdD student Valerie Martin](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/ValerieMartin_500x500.jpg)
Valerie Martin, Doctorate of Education (EdD)
The EdD is life changing on a personal and professional level. It pushes you academically by widening your understanding and challenging your thinking about education.
![Education & Curricular Studies student Danielle Reid Education & Curricular Studies student Danielle Reid](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/DanielleReid_500x500.jpg)
Danielle Reid, Education & Curricular Studies with Teaching Qualification (BSc)
I absolutely loved both of my placement schools. The staff were so welcoming and supportive. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication but it all definitely pays off in the long run when you see yourself growing as a student teacher, you become more confident within yourself.
![PGDE Business Education student Stuart Hutchinson PGDE Business Education student Stuart Hutchinson](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/rsz_1rsz_1rsz_1stuart_hutchinson_photo.jpg)
Stuart Hutchinson, Secondary Education - Business Education (PGDE)
For anyone thinking of coming to Strathclyde to take the PGDE, I would definitely say do it. Be prepared to work hard and be prepared to be changed in your way of thinking.
![PGDE Business Education student Jemma Johnston PGDE Business Education student Jemma Johnston](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/xrsz_1rsz_11rsz_1rsz_1jemma_johnston_-_dubai.jpg.pagespeed.ic.y7xwEm60Mh.jpg)
Jemma Johnston, Secondary Education - Business Education (PGDE)
Teaching in general, never gets boring. The dynamic and challenging nature of the profession is enjoyable as every day brings new opportunities to engage with students, adapt teaching strategies, and foster creativity and critical thinking.
![Quinn Thurston PGDE Primary Education student Quinn Thurston PGDE Primary Education student](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/xQuinnThurston_500x500.jpg.pagespeed.ic.GYT5qXUMkx.jpg)
Quinn Thurston, Primary Education (PGDE)
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.
![MSc Applied Educational & Social Research student Chima Eden MSc Applied Educational & Social Research student Chima Eden](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/ChimaEden_500x500.jpeg)
Chima Eden, Applied Educational & Social Research (MSc)
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.
![PGDE student Minrong Zhang PGDE student Minrong Zhang](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/MinrongZhang_500x500.jpg)
Minrong Zhang, Secondary Education - Mandarin (PGDE)
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.
![A man wearing spectacles and a black hat A man wearing spectacles and a black hat](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/Ewan_Cameron_500x500.jpg)
Ewan Cameron, Primary Education (PGDE)
The support from tutors on the PGDE was excellent. The rigorous, honest and constructive feedback during placements I found really supportive.
![Hailey O'Reilly PGDE and MEd graduate Hailey O'Reilly PGDE and MEd graduate](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/xHaileyO,27Reilly_500x500.jpg.pagespeed.ic.5S-ry5XwyP.jpg)
Hailey O'Riley, Professional Practice (MEd)
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.
![Primary Education student Leah Monk Primary Education student Leah Monk](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/LeahMonk_500x500.jpg)
Leah Monk, Primary Education (BA)
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.
![](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/studentprofiles/MartaJanePerinon_500x500.jpg)
Marta Jane Perinon, Education International (PgCert)
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.
![Martin Rooney Martin Rooney](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/Martin_Rooney_500x500.jpg)
Martin Rooney, Education & Curricular Studies - Technological Education (BSc)
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.
![Education and TESOL student Gihad Al-Jabri Education and TESOL student Gihad Al-Jabri](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/GihadAlJabri_500x500.jpg)
Gihad Al Jabri, Education & TESOL (BA)
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.
![PGDE Primary student Akansha Sharma PGDE Primary student Akansha Sharma](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/xAkanshaSharma_PrimaryEducation_500x500.jpg.pagespeed.ic.0z5lbwJk2-.jpg)
Akansha Sharma, Primary Education (PGDE)
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.
![Professional Practice student Tao Fu Professional Practice student Tao Fu](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/TaoFu_ProfessionalPractice_500x500.jpg)
Tao Fu, Professional Practice (MEd)
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.
![BSc Mathematics with Teaching student Eilidh Cuthbertson BSc Mathematics with Teaching student Eilidh Cuthbertson](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/xEilidhCuthbertson_MathematicswithTeaching_500x500.jpg.pagespeed.ic.imJuf24k02.jpg)
Eilidh Cuthbertson, Mathematics with Teaching (BSc)
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.
![Jerusha Massey MSc Autism student Jerusha Massey MSc Autism student](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/Jerusha_Massey_500x500.jpg)
Jerusha Massey, Autism (MSc)
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.
![Heather Kent Education Studies student Heather Kent Education Studies student](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/xrsz_463acf76-97ed-4468-b12a-50ac4c1c4420.jpg.pagespeed.ic.svuCmQEptg.jpg)
Heather Kent, Education Studies (MSc)
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.
![MSc Education Studies student Yuting Jia MSc Education Studies student Yuting Jia](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/xrsz_1rsz_1rsz_1rsz_picture.jpg.pagespeed.ic.JVhCFE5x3J.jpg)
Yuting Jia, Education Studies (MSc)
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.
![Nicole ORafferty PGDE Business Education student Nicole ORafferty PGDE Business Education student](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/xNicole_ORafferty_500x500.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Hujt0nyAEF.jpg)
Nicole O'Rafferty, Secondary Education - Business Education (PGDE)
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!
![Dun Wang iPGCE student Dun Wang iPGCE student](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/rsz_1rsz_1rsz_1rsz_1dun_wang.jpg)
Dun Wang, Education International (PgCert)
The course can prepare me to teach and/or enhance my career prospects of working in international school settings.
![Soma Szentivanszki PGDE Physics student Soma Szentivanszki PGDE Physics student](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/xrsz_1rsz_1rsz_1rsz_1rsz_123711267_370273307425050_2846941588689128021_n.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Iff41tYAgP.jpg)
Soma Szentivanszki, Secondary Education - Physics (PGDE)
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.
![Olivia Bell PGDE Physical Education 500x500 Olivia Bell PGDE Physical Education 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/OliviaBell_500x500.jpg)
Olivia Bell, Secondary Education - Physical Education (PGDE)
I selected the University of Strathclyde as I believe that it has one of the best courses for aspiring PE teachers. With the outstanding brand new facilities in the centre of the city this was another tick in the box for me.
![Jonas Christensen PGDE RME student Jonas Christensen PGDE RME student](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/JonasChristensen_500x500.jpg)
Jonas Christensen, Secondary Education - Religious Moral Education (PGDE)
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.
![PGDE Modern Studies student Sean Smith PGDE Modern Studies student Sean Smith](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/SeanSmith_500x500.jpg)
Sean Smith, Secondary Education - Modern Studies (PGDE)
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.
![Manuel Lechthaler PGDE RME 500x500 Manuel Lechthaler PGDE RME 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/xManuelLechthaler_500x500.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lhQfgSYOzY.jpg)
Manuel Lechthaler, Secondary Education - Religious Moral Education (PGDE)
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.
![Anthony McFadden PGDE Maths 500x500 Anthony McFadden PGDE Maths 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/AnthonyMcFadden_500x500.jpg)
Anthony McFadden, Secondary Education - Mathematics (PGDE)
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.
![Heather Melville MSc Education Studies 500x500 Heather Melville MSc Education Studies 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Heather_Melville_500x500.jpg)
Heather Melville, Education Studies (MSc)
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.
![Alastair Scott PGDE Computing Science 500x500 Alastair Scott PGDE Computing Science 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Alastair_Scott-500x500.jpg)
Alastair Scott, Secondary Education - Computing Science (PGDE)
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.
![Shalini Pattabiraman PGDE English 500x500 Shalini Pattabiraman PGDE English 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Shalini_Patabiraman_500x500.jpg)
Shalini Pattabiraman, Secondary Education - English (PGDE)
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.
![Sonia Jacas Xufre PGDE Spanish 500x500 Sonia Jacas Xufre PGDE Spanish 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Sonia_Jacas_Zufre_500x500.jpg)
Sonia Jacas Xufré, Secondary Education - Modern Languages (PGDE)
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.
![Victoria Forbes PGDE Geography 500x500 Victoria Forbes PGDE Geography 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Victoria_Forbes_500x500.jpg)
Victoria Forbes, Secondary Education - Geography (PGDE)
If you can make just one child feel better each day, it becomes more worthwhile than any other job in the world.
![Irene Cascallana Matias PGDE Chemistry 500x500 Irene Cascallana Matias PGDE Chemistry 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Irene_Cascallana_Matias500x500.jpg)
Irene Cascallana Matias, Secondary Education - Chemistry with Science (PGDE)
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.
![Marie Baxter PGDE Physical Education 500x500 Marie Baxter PGDE Physical Education 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/MarieBaxter_500x500.jpg)
Marie Baxter, Secondary Education - Physical Education (PGDE)
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.
![Samantha Wilson PGDE RME 500x500 Samantha Wilson PGDE RME 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Samantha_Wilson_500x500.jpg)
Samantha Wilson, Secondary Education - Religious Moral Education (PGDE)
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.
![Giuliana Di Rollo PGDE German and Italian 500x500 Giuliana Di Rollo PGDE German and Italian 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Giuliana_Di_Rollo_500x500.jpg)
Giuliana Di Rollo, Secondary Education - Modern Languages (PGDE)
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!
![Laureen Gilmour MSc Education Studies 500x500 Laureen Gilmour MSc Education Studies 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Laureen_Gilmour_500x500.jpg)
Laureen Gilmour, Education Studies (MSc)
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.
![Hayley Leitch PGDE Geography 500x500 Hayley Leitch PGDE Geography 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Hayley_Leitch_500x500.jpg)
Hayley Leitch, Secondary Education - Geography (PGDE)
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.
![Rachael Martin PGDE Chemistry 500x500 Rachael Martin PGDE Chemistry 500x500](/media/faculties/hass/marketing/Rachael_Martin_500x500.jpg)
Rachael Martin, Secondary Education - Chemistry with Science (PGDE)
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.
![Stack of Books Stack of Books](/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences/500x500/rsz_2rsz_1rsz_shutterstock_1017025384.jpg)
Kitra Tailor, Education Studies (MSc)
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!