PGCE Open Evening

Date
Thursday, 16 October 2025
Time
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Location
Exton Park, Chester
Book your Place
Young boy engaged in a group discussion.
Open EventOn CampusPostgraduateFaculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Join us for one of our upcoming PGCE Open Events, and discover how our teacher training courses can help you develop into a confident, reflective, and inspiring educator.

We host a number of events throughout the year, giving you the choice to join us at a PGCE-exclusive Open Evening or as part of our University-wide Open Events.

Our in-person PGCE Open Evenings:

  • Thursday 16th October 2025, 5:30pm-7pm
  • Tuesday 20th January 2026, 5:30pm-7pm
  • Thursday 7th May 2026, 5:30pm-7pm

Our University-wide Open Events:

  • Saturday 18th October 2025, 10am-4pm
  • Saturday 15th November 2025, 10am-4pm
  • Wednesday 26th November 2025, 5:30pm-7pm
  • Saturday 6th December 2025, 10am-4pm
  • Wednesday 25th March 2026, 5:30pm-7pm 

Opportunity to join us online:
If you can't make it in person to any of the above events, you can join us for an online-only PGCE event on Wednesday 12th August 2026, 5:30pm-7pm. 

Whether you're interested in teaching in a primary or secondary setting, this is your opportunity to explore your options and take the next step towards a rewarding career in education.

We have a proud history of shaping the teachers of the future, with PGCE courses designed specifically to equip learners with the practical experience and professional insight needed to thrive in today’s classrooms. With expert academic staff, strong partnerships with schools, robust mentoring support schemes and a commitment to reflective practice, you’ll receive the support and training needed to make a real difference from day one.

During our events, you’ll:

  • Meet some of our experienced PGCE lecturers, course leaders and mentors.
  • Have a chance to ask questions about the application process, course content. and placements
  • Hear about the experiences and career progression of recent trainees.
  • Find out how we support your development throughout the course and into your first teaching role.
  • Speak to the University's wider support teams - such as Admissions, Student Support, Academic Skills, and Finance - and have a guided tour across our Exton Park campus (if you attend one of our University-wide Open Events)

Whether you’re a recent graduate, career changer, or already working in education, our one-year PGCEs offer a clear route into Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a fulfilling teaching career. Our events are open to anyone interested in teacher training, and there’s no obligation, just an opportunity to ask questions, get to know us, and discover how you could become a teacher with Chester.

Make sure to contact Kathryn Clarke (Primary and Early Years PGCEs) or Christine Packer (Secondary PGCEs) if you would like more information before your event.

How to get here

Exton Park is centrally located in Chester, and accessible via the M53, A483, A41, A56, and public transport from the city centre.

Find your way around Exton Park

Address

University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ

The Greenway Gate, accessible between 7am – 9pm with your University pass, is located at the back of the overflow car park and is the nearest point of access to the Millennium Greenway cycle path that connects to routes throughout the city.

Bache train station is a 15-minute walk from Exton Park and Chester railway station is a 20-minute walk. Arriva 1A and Arriva 1 run frequent services that stop with a short walk to Exton Park. All three Park and Ride routes, PR1, PR2 and PR3 have connections within walking distance to Exton Park.

Parking on campus is limited, so we recommend using public transport and/or walking if possible.