PGCE Business Studies

Student profile

Emma Davidson – PGCE Business Studies (Postgraduate)

Age: 28
Year: 2007/08

What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to enrol on your course?

"I was interested in entering the teaching profession and a friend recommended that I look into the University of Portsmouth and the courses they offer. I had just completed my degree in Business and Management I was looking for a suitable PGCE course, which I found at the University of Portsmouth. It was also important for me to be relatively close to my home town, hence finding a University along the south coast which offered the right course was equally as important."

How have you found the course?

"The course so far has been challenging but very rewarding. There is a lot of work, both for University and your school placement but it is all essential to meet the requirements for qualified teacher status."

How have you found life at the University of Portsmouth and what aspects of being a student here have you valued?

"Whilst there is a lot of lesson planning and assignment writing, the support you receive from your lecturer at University is really good; they are always on hand to offer advice and guidance."

How has the course affected your life?

"You have to be prepared to give up a lot of your free time during your training year. I spend a lot of my spare time planning lessons and also writing my assignments that contribute towards my masters. But I recognise the importance of completing every aspect of the course to my best ability, and working on assignments that contribute to a Masters qualification is important to my future career in teaching."

Would you recommend your course and/or studying with the School of Education and Continuing Studies to others?

"I would definitely recommend the course to others; in fact I have, to a friend who was on my degree course."

Paul Hilton – PGCE Business Studies (Postgraduate)

Age: 24
Year: 1

What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to enrol on your course?

"Having studied at the University I felt comfortable here, and the course that was offered seemed to fit me well. I liked it so much here I have moved here full time!"

How have you found the course?

"Having lots of friends that are teachers I had been warned about the sheer volume of the work, so was under no illusions that it would be easy. However, the course is well structured and there is plenty of support from teachers and fellow pupils. My mentor at my placement has been a great help also, which makes teaching much easier."

How have you found life at the University of Portsmouth and what aspects of being a student here have you valued?

"Having studied here I know the university well, so I'm no stranger to what Pompey has to offer. There is loads to do at night and during the summer it is great to be by the coast and take advantage of the water sports available."