Edge Hill has such a diverse range of services and facilities. The campus is beautiful, clean and there is always somewhere to eat or drink. The recent introduction of more vegetarian options across the outlets has been most welcomed. The lecturers are really engaging and for students will to put in the work the support is fantastic. The Business School teach a range of business functions and the management pathways are intresting and challenging. The PPD sessions provide skills that can be applied to a range of contexts however the content does not always relate to mature students who have experience in the world of work. The consideration of mature students in scheduling is not always taken into account but the recent introduction of the mature students society, the recruitment of a mature students officer and the student advisor panels have all been excellent developments in taking the needs of these students into account. There is a lot of group work in the business and management modules but the reasoning behind this is made clear and all students should be open minded to actually learn from other students - the group work seems horrendous at first but by semester 2 you figure out who works hard so you can pair up with them. The lecturers are very supportive and knowledgeable and when it comes to assessments the level of support is second to none. The learning service and the Catalyst functions are a key part of uni life - I would be lost without Uniskills sessions. The campus grounds are amazing, so beautiful, peaceful and well kept. The facilties, estates and mail staff are the heartbeat of the campus and they are always smiling and helpful. I would recommend Edge Hill to anyone considering it on their list, both traditional aged students but also for mature students.

First year modules have mostly taken place in the Wilson centre (Sports faculty), I would have like more in the business school

As someone who moved from Ireland to study at Edge Hill University, the experience has been both exciting and challenging. One of the best aspects of my time here has been the supportive learning environment and the beautiful campus. The facilities are modern, and the library is stocked with excellent resources for PGCE students. The lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, which has made the transition to living and studying in a new country much smoother. I’ve also loved the sense of community. Moving from Ireland, I was initially worried about feeling isolated, but the camaraderie among PGCE students has been fantastic. Everyone supports one another, and there’s a shared understanding of how demanding the course can be. This has helped me settle in and feel at home. However, the move wasn’t without its challenges. Adjusting to a new country while tackling the intense workload of the PGCE has been tough. Balancing academic assignments, lesson planning, and placements can feel overwhelming at times. Placements, in particular, can be a mixed bag – some offer brilliant support, while others require you to navigate difficult situations more independently. Despite these challenges, my experience at Edge Hill has been incredibly rewarding. It’s been a steep learning curve, but the skills and confidence I’ve gained have made the journey worthwhile. Studying here has not only prepared me for a career in teaching but also helped me grow on a personal level.

One of the best aspects of the PGCE English course is the hands-on, practical approach. The combination of in-class university sessions and school placements offers a comprehensive understanding of teaching in real-world settings. The lecturers are knowledgeable and approachable, always willing to provide guidance and feedback, which makes a huge difference when navigating the complexities of the course. The emphasis on reflective practice has been invaluable for developing my teaching style and understanding educational theory in action. Another positive is the structured timetable, which balances lectures and independent study time effectively. Sessions are well-organized, and I appreciate the university’s commitment to preparing us for life in the classroom with practical workshops and lesson planning activities. However, the course can be intense, with long hours during placement and the need to juggle lesson planning, assessments, and academic assignments. Time management is essential, but it can still be overwhelming at times. Some aspects of communication could be improved, particularly when it comes to timely updates about assignments or placement requirements. Overall, the course is a rigorous but rewarding experience that provides the necessary preparation for entering the teaching profession.