{"id":126148,"date":"2025-10-10T11:18:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T10:18:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edgehill.ac.uk\/?p=126148"},"modified":"2026-03-09T05:10:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T05:10:45","slug":"why-study-a-pgce-or-further-education-diploma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edgehill.ac.uk\/news\/2025\/10\/why-study-a-pgce-or-further-education-diploma\/","title":{"rendered":"Why study a PGCE or Further Education Diploma?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \n \n \n Why study a PGCE or Further Education Diploma? <\/span>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n\n

There are few careers more rewarding than teaching. It takes creativity and dedication to inspire children and young people, but the sense of satisfaction you\u2019ll feel at the end of a working day is incredible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you considering studying a PGCE or Further Education and Skills Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching<\/a>? Unsure whether it is right for you? We have put together a useful guide below to show you the benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why should I train to teach?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Enviable salary and holidays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Teachers with qualified teacher status (QTS) will get a minimum starting salary of \u00a331,650, which rises as you become more experienced. All students of our PGCE courses will gain recommendation for QTS. There are few qualifications where you can earn above the graduate national average straight after leaving university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No other profession has holidays quite like teaching. With 6 weeks paid summer holiday and half term breaks. You can have a great work life balance as a teacher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get paid to learn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s plenty of scholarships available for aspiring teachers. The Government will pay up to \u00a329,000 in bursaries<\/strong> for selected secondary PGCEs. For certain subject areas, you may be eligible to apply for a Teacher Training Scholarship worth up to \u00a331,000<\/strong>. We can help you look into the funding available to see what you might be eligible for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Make a difference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Teaching isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to inspire minds and change futures. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you have made a difference to so many lives. Sitting in your classroom could be the entrepreneurs and innovators of tomorrow. Each interaction counts. And no two days will be the same. It’s a career with built-in variety as you teach new topics, new curricula and get to work with children and young people each year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Work anywhere in the world<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our PGCE\u2019s are accredited by the Department for Education and are an internationally recognised academic qualification. This means you will be able to teach almost anywhere in the world, from International Schools to other English-speaking countries like Canada and Australia. Opening up a range of exciting prospects you might not have considered. And great if you want to work and travel the globe after your studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enhance your career prospects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Teaching is a highly transferable skill. It is well respected and has great employability and progression pathways. You could start as a teacher and become a Head of Department or Headteacher. Studying a PGCE can help you with all aspects of teaching. From teaching practices to research and theory, you will cover and understand it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Edge Hill University, 98.1% of PGCE graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes data released 2025 from 2021\/23 graduates). Thinking about studying for a Masters degree too? You may be able to transfer 60 credits from your PGCE towards a full Masters degree, which would usually be 180 credits (subject to approval).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Develop your personal skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

PGCEs and Further Education Diplomas will help increase your independence, self-motivation and confidence. You will oversee a classroom and will need to be able to make quick decisions, communicate effectively, manage your own time and create your own lesson plans. Get stuck in and learn from your experiences first-hand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Increase your subject knowledge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like to build on your undergraduate degree and delve deeper into your subject, then a PGCE is for you. You’ll be able to specialise in a specific area of secondary education or broaden your knowledge to deliver a variety of subjects for primary education. And teachers don\u2019t just share their existing knowledge. It’s an opportunity for lifelong learning too, keeping on top of the latest trends and technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find like-minded people<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During your time studying a PGCE or Further Education Diploma, you will be surrounded by people just like you. Everyone there will want to benefit their career in a specific area. Make deeper connections and network with your fellow students and tutors. Your PGCE or Further Education Diploma class is your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studying at Edge Hill University gives you more than professional practice in the classroom. Spend time in group discussions and reflection with your tutors and fellow students. Immerse yourself in the knowledge around you to become an outstanding teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why study at Edge Hill University?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Edge Hill began life as a teacher training college for women in 1885. Having trained teachers for almost 140 years, we\u2019ve earned an amazing reputation within the sector and have most recently been graded Ofsted Outstanding<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re proud to be one of the first universities to be rated outstanding across all three initial teacher training age phases<\/strong><\/a>. The glowing report stated that \u201ctrainees at Edge Hill flourish\u201d and reflects the commitment of Edge Hill \u2013 the largest Initial Teacher Education (ITE) provider in the North West \u2013 to deliver the highest quality education and support for its trainee teachers.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Throughout our time we have developed relationships with over 2,000 partner schools, colleges and other settings. These partnerships allow us to provide top-class opportunities for our students. Professional practice is an essential element of any PGCE or Further Education Diploma, giving you an excellent experience throughout your training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all of our partners are traditional schools. You can experience education in SEN schools, hospital schools and forest schools, so you’ll be more than prepared by the time you graduate. As one of the largest providers of professional qualifications for teachers, many PGCE students return to study MA Education and specialist routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edge Hill’s Ormskirk campus is home to a \u00a39 million Faculty of Education building. Housing a stimulating learning environment with a 300-seat lecture theatre, ICT suites, teaching rooms and a cafe. In addition, the Faculty of Education Piazza building is now the base of Secondary and Further Education and Training provisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about why to study at Edge Hill<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fees and funding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Department for Education has a number of bursaries available. You may be eligible to receive a bursary worth up to \u00a329,000 by joining selected Secondary PGCE programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of a bursary, you may be eligible to apply for a Teacher Training Scholarship. These prestigious awards, worth up to \u00a331,000 for the academic year 2026\/27, are aimed at outstanding graduates who are passionate about their subject and have the potential to be inspirational teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n

Find out more about bursaries and Teacher Training Scholarships<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

Ready to apply?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ready to start a PGCE or Further Education and Skills Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching? You can apply online through GOV.UK<\/a>. You’ll need to prepare some key information to ensure your application is accurate and stands out from the crowd. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This includes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Proof of your degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Proof of your GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent qualification) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Personal details and contact information\u202f <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • References <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Personal statement <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Work experience details <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Details of adjustments needed <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    You\u2019ll also need to apply for DBS and medical clearance as soon as possible, so you can start in a school on placement right away and not miss a second of the experience. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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