A group of female teacher training students around table writing notes and open laptop screen.

PGCE Events

If you're considering studying a PGCE and would like to find out more and receive personal advice, guidance and support, you're welcome to join us at one of our PGCE online or in-person events.

Learn more and book your place

Course Overview

Our course is designed to provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills that you need to be an outstanding teacher. Teaching is an extremely rewarding and challenging career. Our course is designed to provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills that you need to be an outstanding teacher. We aim to nurture teachers who are passionate about the development of their own and their pupils' learning.

The University of Chester Partnership has a rich history of developing highly skilled, knowledgeable teachers, and has a high employability rate. Our Partnership has learning at its heart, combined with passion and enthusiasm for teaching and learning. We will provide you with the support you need to become a critically reflective evidence-based practitioner through a combination of academic challenge and school learning. An unusual aspect of the Chester experience is the enrichment module, which will support you in developing your expertise and employability in different educational settings, e.g. nurseries, SEND schools, post-16 provision. Strong pastoral care is a key aspect of ensuring your success on this demanding but fulfilling course.

Our ‘School-led PGCEs’ were previously named ‘School Direct PGCEs’

Changes within the government’s Department for Education have led to a change in nomenclature, but the courses remain the same in both build and delivery. The way we work with our partners and local schools has not changed.

Accreditations

Ofsted Good Provider

How You'll Learn

An aerial photograph of Exton Park with the text 'How we teach at the University of Chester'

How we teach at the University of Chester

Professional and academic learning takes place within the University and partnership settings in lectures, seminars, practical workshops and tutorials. School-based learning is assessed holistically against the Teachers’ Standards, and through assignments and directed activities. 

Your Future Career

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .

PGCE Courses at the University of Chester Course Video

PGCE Courses at the University of Chester

Beyond The Classroom

On this course, you’ll spend time out on placement where you’ll apply what you have learnt to real scenarios in the workplace, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future career. 

Our Facilities