Flexible Education / Training / Learning (Theory) Postgraduate Courses

Overall score

Its good having everything close e.g union shop. Everyone is friendly. The course is hands on and practical not just big lectures. I recommend living in York they have good bars.

Study experience

Practical seminars. I have 30 hours a week and lots of time on placement. Its alot more independent they don't check up on you. I only started my essays the night before in my first year, you might want to start yours a bit earlier.

Facilities

The computers are slow but they have a good sports hall and a gym.

Postgraduate life

Not any

Job prospects

Jobs are hard to get in York but I want to work in leeds. My course has made me enthusiastic about teaching.

This review is the subjective opinion of a postgraduatesearch.com reviewer and not of postgraduatesearch.com.

Overall score

Study experience

As a postgraduate student, I was dependent in organising my study. I have to keep in touch with the teachers as they have the same view. They were manually approached and they gave me the guidance I require.

Facilities

London provides all the facilities one needs! Great!

Postgraduate life

I had to be well organised and took initiative to attain my study goals. I seldom saw my fellow students to discuss my learning objectives.

This review is the subjective opinion of a postgraduatesearch.com reviewer and not of postgraduatesearch.com.

Overall score

Swansea Inst was great! Overall, the tutors were extemely supportive and fun and the swansea nigthlife is fab, something for everyone! Everything is quite central and as the School of Education is now at Townhill instead of Hendrefoilan its a lot easier to get to!! My one recommendation is not to stay in halls if you are a PGCE student, unless you get a nice big room in Cenydd Hall....all the others suck. The Freshers will not give u a minute's peace and u'll be out of bed more than once on the weekends with the fire alarm. That was my only complaint, in terms of the course and the course alone, it couldn't be bettered, plenty to do and learn and the opportunites are brilliant. I loved it, it was the only university to give me a chance to teach and now that i am, I'm grateful for the confidence the course gave me!

Study experience

Best part of the institute as far as I'm concenred, they are trying to get the name changed to Swansea Metropolitan Uni which is well deserved, they put their hearts and souls into making the PGCE the best and most enjoyable course it can be. The hours are full time, no 3 hour long lectures a week!! 9-5 everyday except when you will be out on placement. Lecturers are fab, i loved them, with the exception of 1 or 2 who weren't as good and helpful as they could have been. All Primary PGCE students are required to learn Welsh which i thought was great! I loved it, being from ireland its not at all similar but good craic anyway. The weeks are divided up into core (English, Maths, ICT, Science and PE) and foundation (music,art,D&T, RE, History, geogrphy etc) subjects and the foundation weeks are always better craic...very hands-on and practical. my favourite classes were always during this week.

Facilities

Library is extremyl well stocked with great computer suite...only problem is not enough staff at night and at weekends....closed sometimes due to staff shortages, not good when PGCE students have back to back assignments plus lessons to plan.

Postgraduate life

Apparently lots for freshers, not so many geared towards the oldies (postgrads)but then again, i never really made an effort to join anything

Job prospects

I can't answer this with accuracy as i didn't stay in Swansea - i'm from Belfast so came home straight away and started supply work so i'd sy prosepects are good though not for permanent employment! I have friends still in Swansea and they have been doing regular supply, or getting long term posts.

This review is the subjective opinion of a postgraduatesearch.com reviewer and not of postgraduatesearch.com.