Faculty of Education

Worldwide reputation

There are few careers more rewarding than education. It takes creativity and dedication to inspire children and young people, but the sense of satisfaction you’ll get at the end of a working day is incredible. Whether you want to manage a nursery, teach in a school or deliver education programmes in a museum, we’re here to support your career ambitions.
We’ve been training teachers for over 137 years – The Guardian University Guide 2022 ranked us top in the North West for Education, so you’re in expert hands.
With our connections to over 2,000 institutions, there are plenty of opportunities for work experience. That’s just one of the reasons why we’re 3rd in the North West for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2022.
We have a range of courses covering different ages and types of education. Each could lead to a rewarding career – you just need the imagination and curiosity to succeed.

Train to Teach

A typical route for a graduate who wants to train to teach is a PGCE. Regardless of the subject and age phase, a PGCE will challenge you to achieve the very highest levels of both subject knowledge and teaching standards.
With our jam-packed PGCE programmes, you’ll create engaging lesson plans, get extensive experience in the classroom and continuously evaluate your approach. Whenever you need feedback on your teaching or support brushing up on your knowledge of the national curriculum, you’ll have a fantastic support network at Edge Hill you can turn to.
No degree in the area you want to teach? No problem. Our Secondary PGCE students can complete a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course. To make a difference in schools, you’ll also explore social justice by discussing mental health, disability and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Why Edge Hill?

By choosing Edge Hill for your PGCE, you will benefit from:

• Working in partnership – strong relationships with over 2,000 partner schools and colleges, so you can gain extensive experience in a variety of settings, with professional practice placements matched to your training needs.
• A stimulating learning environment – The Faculty of Education is located in a £9 million purpose-built lakeside facility featuring a 300-seat lecture theatre, well-equipped ICT suites, and teaching rooms complete with the very latest technology.
• A top-ranked University. We’re Educate North’s University of the Year (2020-21), and The Times and Sunday Times’ University Guide Modern University of the Year 2022.
• Outstanding student support and expert tuition – Edge Hill adopts a personalised approach to your development as a teacher. You will be supported by a tutor and up to two mentors in practice. Your mentors are enthusiastic classroom practitioners, with a real commitment to teacher education, who will spend a considerable amount of time training you. They will also provide support in your specialist subject area.

Fees, funding and scholarships

To find out more about tuition fees and funding please go to Edge Hill’s Fees, Financial Support and Scholarships page.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement Courses

Edge Hill University offer free Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses for Secondary PGCE applicants to further knowledge in Biology, Computer Science, English, Geography, Mathematics or Religious Education. The structure and length of an SKE programme is flexible and varies depending on your individual subject knowledge requirements.

Find out more about Subject Enhancement Courses.

Campus Life

Edge Hill’s campus is home to landscaped grounds, state-of-the-art facilities, historic architecture, lakes, and even a beach. It has earned the prestigious Green Flag award for 8 successive years in recognition of being one of the world’s best green spaces.

You’ll find everything you need on campus for comfortable studying in our brand new £27m Catalyst building, an inspiring 24/7 destination where welcoming, knowledgeable, professional staff are on hand to support student life, research, learning and career development. As far as learning facilities and resources go, you’re in good hands – we’re 2nd in the UK for university facilities (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2022) and 2nd in the North West for Learning Resources (National Student Survey 2021).

Entertainment and culture

Edge Hill Sport provides a focus for all sports and leisure activities on campus. It supports the competitive sports teams in national competitions and provides recreational activities for the students living on-site. All students have the chance to buy a discounted gym membership.

The Arts Centre is home to the university’s Performing Arts Department and the Rose and Studio Theatres, where you will find a host a range of high quality professional productions, including comedy, dance, drama, literature, music, film, live theatre screenings, and family-friendly shows, designed to entertain students as well as local and regional communities. As with the Sports Centre, exclusive discounts are available to Edge Hill students.

Edge Hill’s Students’ Union regularly engage with cultural and political issues as well as organising a variety of different social events. The diverse, dynamic, student-led societies are an excellent way to connect with other students who share your beliefs and interests.

Open days

Discover Edge Hill University for yourself by attending one of our many open events held throughout the year.

You can explore the campus with a student guide, attend presentations, tour subject facilities and view practical demonstrations. There will also be opportunities to speak with course tutors and current students who can answer any questions about the subject you are interested in studying.

Visit the website to register for an open day.

How to apply

Applying to study a PGCE?

• You will need to apply through the Apply for Teacher Training service on GOV.UK. An early application is strongly recommended as places are allocated throughout the year.
• Their step-by-step guide talks you through the application process, including tips on how to write that all-important teacher training personal statement.