Edge Hill University

I am an international student from Nigeria. My undergraduate degree was in philosophy and logic, which I completed in my home country. My postgraduate degree is MSc Computing. My reason for pursuing this is because I wanted more in life. I fell in love with solving technical problems and I decided to look for courses online. I was fortunate enough to find the MSc conversion course at Edge Hill University. The culture and diversity in the UK makes it a very comfortable, homely place for me.

My application process to Edge Hill University was very smooth compared to other universities that I applied to. I submitted my application form through UCAS, along with my Statement of Purpose and other documents that were required. Edge Hill provided someone to guide me through the whole process of my visa application. After I submitted my application, the response from Edge Hill was very quick.

My course is a conversion course for people who don’t have a technical background. I have studied topics like software engineering and computer architecture. My modules also cover research methodologies and programming principles.

My advice to anyone wanting to study this degree is to make the most of the learning materials that the university provides you. They will give you everything that you need to succeed, however you need to put in the work yourself as well. In one year you can literally turn your life around through postgraduate study, but you need to make it count.

After graduating, I would love to apply the knowledge that I have gained from my degree into real world applications. I want to make sure that I am a valuable person, providing solutions in whichever company I find myself in and always striving to make a difference. I also want to continuously upskill my knowledge, as tech is a constantly evolving industry.


For more information about MSc Computing, please visit: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/course/computing-msc/

I have always had an interest in the educational system. To contribute to society and students’ education, inspiring students to fulfil their dreams and change the world. In my own studies, I have always had a passion for geography, and I wish to share this enthusiasm with others.

Edge Hill University offers a substantial number of practical experiences in schools, allowing us to develop our learning through practice, experience, and implementation. There are lots of supported opportunities for employment through conferences, as well as getting further support from placement schools.

Seeing my personal development and confidence being built inside and out of the classroom is the most memorable part of the course for me.

Studying my PGCE at Edge Hill has drastically changed my confidence academically and socially. When beginning my degree, the lack of confidence would restrict what I believed I was capable of. Studying at Edge Hill changed this for me, I started to believe that I was capable of anything that I was presented with. Taking on any feedback provided, whether positive or negative to build myself as a teacher. Always remembering that criticism is constructive.

Since starting Edge Hill, I have strengthened belief in myself as a teacher. The support I have received from both the lecturers and classmates has made my degree much more enjoyable. Through a challenging and rewarding process Edge Hill has supported me and my development in the classroom.

The feeling of accomplishment, knowing that you have made a difference in the classroom has got to be one of the best feelings when teaching, whether big or small, the achievement feels great.

To find out more about studying this programme, please visit: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/course/pgce-secondary-geography/

I had great faith in the teaching quality and the facilities at Edge Hill University having studied here at undergraduate level. After graduating, I felt like I still wanted something more from my university experience and pursued a Masters programme to expand my understanding of an alternative, yet relatable, area of interest to education.

I looked at the different modules and their assessments, identifying whether they were interesting and would suit my purpose for completing the programme. I wished to continue working alongside the course to help to fund this course alongside my student loan. I made sure the course would suit my needs and looked into contact hours so that I could tailor my work schedule.

Beyond the expertise of my postgraduate lecturers, a great strength remains in their enthusiasm and consistent ability to make the sessions engaging, collaborative and critically stimulating. There’s a vast variety in the types of assessments – such as designing innovations to support young people with their health, or working as team to resolve problems with case studies. I particularly found interest in module topics around the impact of trauma, wellness of children and young people and innovations in mental health.

I am currently aiming to undertake the role of a SENDCo upon completion of this Masters. Whilst the course’s emphasis is around children, the content is transferable to adulthood and the health sector, providing great opportunities for career prospects. Overall, the course has introduced me to numerous career pathways.

Edge Hill University also provides countless methods to support your development, such as career, apprenticeship, and internship openings; numerous support services; academic guidance and many more. I couldn’t recommend Edge Hill more – the education and memories that I have gained here have been immeasurable and whilst I look forward to commencing my career, I remain envious of the new students who are lucky enough to experience this university through a fresh perspective. Take every opportunity you can and enjoy – I promise, it flies by in an instant.

My greatest advice for commencing any university course, whether undergraduate or postgraduate is to join a society or sports team. The social aspect of these experiences provides the greatest memories of university and truly make studying here priceless. I am forever thankful that I tried one of the University’s sports teams, which has trul

The high quality teaching and exposure to knowledge from industry professionals were what first attracted me to Edge Hill University. The best thing is the University’s commitment towards creating diverse forums to bring the best out of their students. The University supported me through giving me adequate time to pay my tuition fees through instalment payment plans. I was also able to loan a laptop which helped me whilst I was saving up to purchase my PC.

My favourite thing about my subject is the versatility and usefulness in virtually every real-world sector, increasing my employability. Team work, resilience and programming are all skills that I have developed. I have also been able to obtain free certifications and licenses to training platforms like Try Hack Me. I hope to continue my studies through a placement in any sector in the technological industry when I graduate. This will further expand my work experience, which will increase my employability even further.

The most memorable moment so far was when my project, AI-Driven Web Application Vulnerability Detection System, was shortlisted for the 2025 End-of-Year Project Showcase. This project focuses on developing an Al-driven web application vulnerability detection system, integrating machine learning models with penetration testing tools to address critical security challenges. The core of the system is a user-friendly dashboard built with Streamlit, which enables seamless interaction with vulnerability data and prediction results. The system uses Decision Trees and Logistic Regression models, trained on large datasets, to predict the severity levels of vulnerabilities and provide actionable insights for web application developers and security professionals.

I would encourage anyone who considers a career in cyber security to actually give it a shot, because it is an integral aspect of the future of technology. Computers are the backbone of the global space today. It is essential to protect them and relevant digital information from malicious attackers. It can be conveniently integrated with Artificial Intelligence, which is also an integral part of the future of technology. A degree in cyber security gives you the opportunity to develop relevant technical skills and provide you with multiple employment opportunities.

For more information about MSc Cyber Security, please visit: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/course/cyber-security/

I had been working at LFC for about 5 years and found myself at a bit of a junction, where I wasn’t sure what the next step was. There wasn’t much room for progression, so I just looked around the team thinking where can I step up around here? And I spotted that gap where I was working in a design team. Our Head of Design comes from an advertising background, and apart from him there was no one with any marketing or brand experience. So I then floated the idea of studying a masters degree to my managers, and they agreed with it.

I loved the campus at Edge Hill, all of the facilities are brilliant. But what I loved the most about my experience was the lecturers. They were all very helpful and you could tell they really cared about how everybody in the class did, no matter how big the class was. I think they really took an interest in everyone in the class and wanted to see them succeed.

I didn’t write much as a designer, but getting a 70 on my first essay gave me more confidence. My writing style was encouraged and nurtured by my lecturer, so that skill has really improved and sharpened. I felt a bit of imposter syndrome when I first started, but my confidence in myself and my skills grew and I could see what I was capable of.

I would say to anyone coming on a course like this, have a clear direction of what you want at the end and make sure all the work you do is driving towards that. I knew at the start of this that my dissertation at the end was going to be about football in some sense and the delicate nature of brand and marketing within football. So I geared all my modules building up to that to that final piece, meaning that anything that I was reading over the course of the two years would have some sort of benefit at the end that came to the dissertation.

After achieving a BA (Hons) in Primary Education in 2016, my vision for teaching was simple – inspirational and enthusiastic teachers pave the way for motivated and passionate learners. Indeed, easy to write, however, was this possible in the classroom? In my opinion, yes. Developing a class ethos that encouraged children to make mistakes, become resilient, enjoy, and have fun in their learning, could open the door to outstanding teaching and learning. However, after many years in the education sector, there was a realisation that the very system that is there to develop our children was having an overwhelming effect on their mental health and wellbeing, and this is where I began to reflect on my vision for teaching and learning – finding myself questioning the ethos I previously had, and leading me to dedicating myself to developing a set of skills that enables me to advocate for the marginalised and vulnerable.

Studying at Edge Hill was like a breath of fresh air. Although there were students from a range of diverse backgrounds, there was always a sense of ‘team’. It was amazing to see students, lecturers, and workshop providers all coming together to work on one goal. I found it valuable studying with younger students, as I developed more of an understanding of any age related issues. I also developed an understanding of international dynamics, through my international counterparts. Having such a diverse range of people on, and facilitating, the course really allowed me to develop my professional and personal understanding of many different problems and solutions.

The MSc equipped me with a range of skills that I am able to apply in my current role. It helped me develop a robust understanding of developmental psychology and mental health frameworks, which are relevant in today’s social and economical landscape. It also allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the educational contexts in which young people navigate their formative years. As well as this, it gave me a knowledge to work closely with Senior Leadership Teams to ensure there are relevant evidence-based strategies and procedures put into place – ensuring that more children do not fall through the cracks and into crisis.

I have always wanted to become a physical education teacher. Both my undergraduate degree; BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport and postgraduate degree; PGCE Secondary Physical Education with QTS (11-16) have significantly enhanced my knowledge of sports, pedagogies and teaching requirements, preparing me for the world of teaching and what it has to offer.

Pursuing a PGCE in secondary physical education, was the next stepping stone of achieving my dream career. Receiving the offer text and email was the most rewarding feeling.

The interview day at Edge Hill for my PGCE was incredible. Despite being nervous the staff made me feel at ease from the offset. I just wanted to make sure I delivered the best quality lesson and interview responses I possibly could.

The campus was one of the main reasons I chose to study at Edge Hill. Everything you will ever need is all in one place, the accommodation is fantastic, and having everything on your doorstep really made my university experience the best I could have asked for.

The top three skills I have developed during my degree are:

Academic writing
Practical application of teaching styles/strategies
Confidence in myself
Meeting lots of new people who have the same ambitions as me has been my highlight so far. We all share our placement experiences and can take tips from one another, which can be applied to our own learning.

My favourite thing about studying my degree subject is being able to express my passion for sport and physical education. My lecturers have been absolutely incredible.

My favourite place on campus is The Hub. The whole campus is very well maintained, and there is lots to get stuck in with. There is always something going on with student life, or careers events.

I am weighing up lots of different options for when I graduate. These range from becoming a full time secondary PE teacher in the UK or UAE, to starting a GTA PhD position, to even enrolling onto an MRes postgraduate degree.

My advice for anyone wanting to study at university would be to do your research about the course and know exactly what is expected of you. Speak to people who have completed the course previously. Make sure to give 100% to all assignments. Ask for support if you need anything at all, someone will always have an answer to your question.

In Nigeria, thousands of children are malnourished. They’re susceptible to illnesses, and at risk of childhood blindness due to inadequate knowledge of public health nutrition. This geared my interest to study the MSc Public Health Nutrition degree at Edge Hill University and learn about various alternatives for improving a healthy diet, what to consume, the right amount, and how to identify healthy foods, especially among hard-to-reach and less privileged communities. Over the last eight years, I’ve coached community extension health workers on the benefits of micronutrients, safe administration, and best practices for administering micronutrients of Vitamin A and albendazole (deworming tabs) to eligible children in Nigeria.

I was keen to learn how longevity could be achieved in the early years of life. How to improve nutrition for young and old, knowing that healthy diets could build stronger immune systems and lower the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The MSc Public Health Nutrition develops nutritional knowledge on healthy diet and prevention of dietary-related ill health. What is fascinating about the course is that it accommodates criticality, scientific appraisals, strong academic writing skills and the assessment approach to learning about preventing and managing dietary-related diseases.

Positive interventions and behavioural change can improve health. The degree involves learning about nutritional recommendations, nutrition requirements, and the metabolism of diseases. The course explores socio-ecological factors that affect nutrition, including disparities in culture, education, race, economic background and the role of individuals, families, communities and government to promote comprehensive and sustainable health.

I’ve had amazing tutors. Having access to their knowledge in order to build my own career is tremendous. I’ve also received lifelong learning that could enable me to lead and champion professionalism and capacity-building opportunities in Nigeria and the world at large.

I plan to acquire more skills and training. I’m looking at the need for social and behavioural changes in public health nutrition, and would like to do a PhD in a related field. Longer term, I plan to work with international agencies such as UNICEF and FAO, contributing to the science of nutritional fortification, healthy food choices, and promoting access to a healthy diet.

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I chose the MSc in Leadership Development because the course content aligned perfectly with my professional goals and my career in mental health and wellbeing. I gained valuable skills in making sense of research, so that I can apply an evidence-based approach to everything I do.

I am able to understand all the different leadership types and how to apply them to be an effective leader. I would say this is one of the many key skills I have developed on this degree.

Edge Hill is a lovely supportive place with a wide variety of experienced tutors. The Uniskills service played a significant role in improving my academic skills.

What stood out to me the most about Edge Hill was the broad range of support available, the welcoming atmosphere, and the university’s history and culture. I plan to apply all that I learnt on my course back into the institution as Head of Mental Health & Wellbeing, for the benefit of staff and students.

I would advise anyone studying at Edge Hill to utilise all the available support, it is there for you! The support available can significantly boost both your academic and personal development.

I have always been passionate about supporting individuals with mental health challenges, especially those who also have physical health needs. This dual interest inspired me to pursue nursing, with the goal of making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who require compassionate and holistic care.

I chose Edge Hill University because it was the only university near me offering an integrated master’s in Adult and Mental Health Nursing. When I read the prospectus and explored the university’s profile, I immediately felt it aligned with my values and aspirations. The course structure, support systems, and facilities truly stood out.

Throughout my degree, I’ve developed many knew skills. This includes strong leadership skills, enhanced academic writing abilities, and refined clinical nursing skills, particularly in delivering person-centred and evidence-based care.

There have been many memorable moments. One that stands out is when a lecturer broke down a complex written assessment in our second year that many of us were struggling with. That moment of clarity not only helped me pass the assessment but also boosted my confidence.

My favourite thing is the variety of placement experiences. They allow me to care for people in different settings and develop a compassionate, adaptable approach to nursing.

For me, the best thing about Edge Hill is the campus environment. It’s peaceful, beautifully maintained, and supports sustainability. It creates a perfect atmosphere for learning and growth.

The lake is my favourite place on campus. It’s a peaceful spot where I can relax and reflect in between lectures and placements.

I hope to open my own care setting that offers both physical and mental health support services. This is my aim after completing my preceptorship and gaining more experience within a hospital setting.

If you’re considering this course, know that you are choosing one of the best universities. The lecturers are approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in your success. The Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre is equipped with everything you need to prepare for practice placements, and the support here will guide you every step of the way.

Edge Hill has supported me in so many ways, from academic guidance and pastoral care to well-being resources and personal development opportunities. The encouragement and belief from staff have made a huge difference in my journey.

What attracted me to a career in teaching is the idea that education serves a wider purpose. I think we can use education as a tool to promote positive progression and to disrupt unequal practices. As Nelson Mandela suggested, ”Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

As an enthusiastic educator, I am dedicated to enabling young minds to grow and achieve. I am passionate about teaching and helping students come to love technology and digital literacy.

Edge Hill has an excellent reputation. My friends who have been students at Edge Hill all had good experiences and spoke highly about the quality of teaching and outstanding facilities.

The subject knowledge enhancement course allowed me to apply my skills and knowledge with confidence whilst teaching. I had no background in computer science and was anxious to start my PGCE journey, but the subject knowledge enhancement course enabled me to extend and deepen my subject knowledge in computer science.

The subject knowledge enhancement course made me feel more able and prepared to address misconceptions that my students had and shape their understanding of various computing concepts.

I would recommend everyone to consider joining the subject knowledge enhancement course regardless of their background as it provides you with a refresh of all the core concepts. It helps you become familiar with the curriculum more closely before you start your PGCE.

The top three skills I have developed during my degree are:

1.Functional skills
2.Self-management skills
3.Special knowledge skills.

Edge Hill University is a truly multicultural society, with a great mix of people from different backgrounds. I love, the stunning campus, the great atmosphere and warmth it provides for students and the exceptional facilities. It just makes the overall student experience great.

The best advice I can give to any new student is to come to Edge Hill with an open mind and heart. There is so much you are going to experience. One of the first and most crucial lessons you’ll learn as a PGCE student is the importance of effective time management. The road ahead may seem daunting, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can not only survive but thrive during your PGCE journey.

I truly believe Edge Hill is the best university for teacher training.

I’m passionate about caring for others, especially vulnerable populations like children. My inspiration for a career in nursing comes from personal experiences, witnessing the impact that compassionate and skilled nurses can have on patients and their families during difficult times.

Providing care to children is a uniquely rewarding experience. It requires a special approach. Children may not fully understand their medical condition or why they’re in hospital. Being able to make a positive impact on a child’s wellbeing and development is incredibly fulfilling.

I’ve learnt the importance of effective communication and empathy in paediatric nursing. Children may have difficulty expressing their feelings, so being able to listen attentively and communicate in a way they understand is crucial to providing the best care possible.

Social work and child nursing has been both challenging and rewarding. The most challenging aspect has been balancing academic studies with practical placements. The most rewarding aspect has been the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families. Being able to offer comfort, support, and care to young patients during their stay in hospital.

I had the opportunity to work at both the Prince’s Trust. I helped disadvantaged young people develop life skills and access opportunities for personal growth. It was inspiring to see how a supportive environment and mentorship can empower young people to overcome challenges and achieve their potential.

And I was part of the paediatric nursing team at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Witnessing the bravery of children facing medical procedures and the dedication of healthcare professionals was truly inspiring. I administered medication and provided emotional support to young patients and their families, amongst other responsibilities.

The NHS represents the embodiment of compassion, dedication, and equal access to healthcare for all. It’s a symbol of the collective effort to ensure the wellbeing of our entire population, regardless of their background or income.

The facilities at Edge Hill are phenomenal: a state-of-the-art medical simulation centre – the CSSC; a fully equipped library; easily accessible support services; a new sports centre. The campus even has a cinema which regularly offers free tickets for students.

The best part of living on campus is the people you meet. You are immersed in the university

I developed an interest in studying social work at the university from doing a course in Human Rights and working as a Refugee Case Worker with the Red Cross. I am passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives. Hence I decided to go to university to deepen my knowledge and understanding of social work. University has supported me in developing the skills needed to support vulnerable people in my community.

The supportive and inclusive nature of Edge Hill stands out for me. The lecturers are very approachable and supportive. They are very passionate about what they do and it shows in their style of teaching which makes learning very enjoyable. They also work well together to provide a great understanding of complex subjects like law and specialist modules. It is also well equipped with the right facilities to help you in your studies.

My favourite thing about my degree is the practical nature of the course. I was able to work with families struggling with alcohol and drug addictions. I have been able to go on placement which served as a great opportunity to apply theory and law to practice. I also gained valuable experience while on placement in managing my caseload. Most importantly, I have been able to rediscover myself by studying social work which has given me a sense of purpose. My course gives me the opportunity to advocate and support individuals going through challenging situations which I find fulfilling.

I am hoping to work as a social worker with adults struggling with learning difficulties and mental health issues. My degree has enhanced my employability by equipping me with practical, interpersonal and analytical skills that are valuable to social work practice. Studying social work at Edge Hill has also allowed me to build my confidence as a leader by serving as a Class Representative. I have attended workshops organised by Uniskills which has been very helpful in improving my academic writing skills. I am also currently working with the Careers Team to support me attend an important Social Work Conference. This will also help in increasing my employability. In addition, I received a University Scholarship which helped in boosting my CV.

I was inspired to study this course because I have always wanted to see how data could help increase the productivity of industries, especially the food and logistics sector considering the increasing population of the world. This inspiration led me to make comprehensive research on the best course to study which can combine data science knowledge and artificial intelligence technology in providing realistic solution to industrial challenges. I researched the best country and institution that would give me the opportunity to study and apply my knowledge to real world solutions. Edge Hill University was my top preference judging from the testimonies and recommendations from previous students, especially those actively practicing in the data science and artificial intelligence field.

The most memorable moment of my degree was when I worked as a team with some of my classmates to solve a data analysis problem. The joy derived from seeing our result and solution accepted and applied to the company increased my confidence level. This project was facilitated by one of my lecturers to increase our knowledge and development of our analytical skills for industrial applications. My favourite thing about my degree is the blending of tutorial and practical in the studies. The practical assessments have expanded my knowledge and increased my research skills, helping me to apply my knowledge to developing a realistic solution application for the food production sector. My project involved the development of a mobile app which identifies potential food diseases from a phone image. The project focused on watermelons in particular, with the aim of helping low resource agricultural environments track their watermelon production in terms of disease management. The future steps for my project would be to work on the accuracy of the model and the AI system, and then expand it to other fruits and vegetables.

My course aligns with industrial standards, and I have learnt from the best university lecturers who have both academic and industrial experience in the field. I have developed multiple skills during my studies at Edge Hill University, including project management, computer vision model development and deployment and programming and analytical skills. The institution provided a careers department to prepare for life after studies. They provide advice and graduate job preparation, as well as academic advice.

For more information about MSc Data Science &

The Edge Hill course was very field-based. I could put into practice what I’d studied in the classroom, which is how I learn best. I was looking for a Masters degree that offered me a theoretical background combined with practical experience. A lot of courses I considered didn’t offer much hands-on activity or field trips. As well as this, I liked the feel of the campus as it is open and welcoming with lots of great learning facilities on site.

I really enjoyed the field trips. We got to go out and study many species in their natural environment and learn different surveying methods, for example small mammal trapping and newt habitat surveys.

I did a 20-day placement with Atkins, quite a large consultancy firm, as an assistant ecologist. I helped with habitat, plant, bat and newt surveys, which was brilliant. I gained lots of experience in report writing, which was a real insight, as it’s not something I’d done before.

I’m now an assistant consultant ornithologist. A firm in Newcastle wanted someone with a degree, but who also had skills and experience within the industry, which is what this MSc has given me. The course really is second to none in terms of skills preparation and real-world experience. It’s brilliant.

The tutors are brilliant and all have their own areas of research expertise. There are lots of interesting optional opportunities such as seminars and lectures, which I found invaluable in providing real insight into current research. I’d say to go to as many as possible. They’re always happy to help and give feedback if you’re struggling or want extra information, so make use of them.

The course far exceeded my expectations. Without that opportunity to get hands-on experience, I don’t feel I’d have got my job. It was so enjoyable.”

To find out more about studying this programme, please view full course information for MSc Conservation Management.

The inspiration to do my PGCE came when I was on placement in a school during my undergraduate degree. The overall feeling of being able to educate and provide young people with an opportunity to develop really inspired me to become a teacher. This, as well as having the opportunity to work with students who have Special Educational Needs.

I chose to study at Edge Hill due to the reputation of the University. There is genuinely a real effort made by Edge Hill for people to feel welcome at the University. Furthermore after networking with previous alumni it was evident that the University was producing a high calibre of teachers.

The top three skills I have developed during my degree are:

Organisation. Being the course representative, being on placement, having lesson plans and assignments has required an incredible amount of organisation and structure in order to work to my optimum level and this is something that has been enhanced.
Resilience. Sometimes you can have a bad day, and it can throw you back. Teaching has instilled great resilience in me.
People skills. During my PGCE I am always speaking to people, whether in lectures, to students on my course, other students at university, teachers and my mentor. There are lots of conversations and being on this PGCE has further enhanced my people skills.
To date the most memorable moment has been on placement when year 7/8/9 students were participating in cross country, there was one student who was working hard and was close to the finish line when he felt like giving up. The other students that had already finished started cheering him on. As he crossed the finish line everyone celebrated with him. That for me is what has sold the job of a teacher to me.

One of my favourite things about my degree was attending an outdoor activity centre. This allowed me to experience outdoor activity adventure activities that I may want to teach when I go out on placement. This was an amazing overnight residential and I also made friends with others on my course.

My favourite place on campus is 53.3 Degrees coffee shop in the Catalyst building. Friendly staff, incredible coffee and a raspberry croissant to die for!

My advice to someone considering studying my course at Edge Hill would be to network with students who are at the University and ask them personal questions that you may have about the course.

Edge Hill University is brilliant! The support, the lectures,

Being a teacher is a rewarding experience as not only will I be teaching students about the exciting world of science, I also get to play a part in getting them ready for their next step in life. I have always enjoyed learning about science throughout my own educational journey so choosing a career as a science teacher felt right for me.

Doing a PGCE in secondary science meant I had a wide range of job prospects. I understood the excellent opportunities that would come with my postgraduate course.

I had been recommended Edge Hill University from multiple graduates who completed a PGCE here and who all spoke so highly about the course. The outstanding university is only half an hour from my house which meant I could commute from home.

My postgraduate degree is different from my undergraduate course in many ways. A large part of my PGCE involves going on placement where I learn vital hands on skills for teaching outside of lectures. Another key difference is I am living at home, which personally helps me keep a well needed routine and helps my wellbeing.

Edge Hill will provide you with the essential information and skills that you need so you are ready to step in front of a class. For anyone thinking about attending this course, do not worry if you don’t have any experience working with young people because I didn’t when I first started.

The top three skills I believe this course has given me are:

Confidence, to stand up in front of a room full of teenagers and present a topic I am passionate about
Adaptability, no class or lesson is the same and thinking on your feet is a useful skill to have
Professionalism, which is a vital characteristic that teachers need to obtain at all times
During my degree I have attended a placement school which I thoroughly enjoyed teaching at. Building rapport with students and aiding their academic success is extremely rewarding. Completing my placements has helped me realise that being a secondary school teacher is the perfect career for me.

My favourite thing about my degree subject is going out on placement where I can learn valuable hands-on experience to get me ready for working full-time in a school.

I couldn’t speak highly enough of my course leader. She has helped me settle into a course which I felt was daunting and resolved all my worries from day one. My course leader has helped me through every step. Any questions or worries are answered promptly and h

“I first started researching postgraduate study as I wanted to start a career in marketing, and I knew that having a Masters degree would make me stand out in a crowded marketplace when applying for jobs.

Through working at Edge Hill, I was already aware of the excellent reputation that Edge Hill has for both teaching and graduate prospects. When researching the course, I looked through the module list on the course page on Edge Hill’s website. This gave me a good overview of the different areas that I would be studying. I also contacted two lecturers from the department, who met with me to discuss the course content and structure. This gave me the reassurance that I was making the right decision. Their passion for the subject was evident, along with their supportive nature in answering any questions or concerns that I had.

My main question before starting the course was the time commitments of studying alongside working. As I work full-time, I decided to study on a part-time basis. I would recommend part-time study to anyone working full-time, as it ensures that you have enough time to dedicate towards studying. Edge Hill are very understanding and supportive of students working alongside their degree, and I was given two possible timetable options. This allowed me to tailor the degree to suit my own personal work circumstances.

When submitting my application, I made sure that my personal statement was thorough and covered my academic background, any relevant work experience, and the reasons why I wanted to study this degree at Edge Hill.

The beautiful campus makes studying at Edge Hill a delight. There are so many nice places to sit, my favourite being by the lake when the weather is nice. The facilities are also excellent. My usual place to study is on the top floor of the Catalyst, in the silent study section. I love all the natural light and décor in the room, and the fact that it is a silent study area makes it easier to concentrate. I have also utilised the group study areas in the Catalyst, which are useful for groupwork activities.

I have found working alongside studying a degree to be extremely rewarding. I have learned a lot of valuable time-management and self-discipline skills through balancing my work and study commitments. I have also learned about the importance of transferring theory into practice, which is taught in the Strategic Marketing Planning module. I found this module to be useful when reflecting

I currently work as a senior psychotherapist at Wilderness Way, Penrith. Wilderness Way is one of the country’s leading providers of residential care for children who have suffered trauma and exploitation and are in crisis. Our holistic, child-centred care offers children a safe space to develop the wellbeing, skills and independence they need to achieve outstanding outcomes and move successfully into their futures.

A typical day in my job involves working 1:1 therapeutically with young people and I also supervise a team of clinicians to ensure wrap around care. I support our clinical team, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based therapeutic care for vulnerable children. I provide clinical supervision and support, helping our team grow professionally and deliver exceptional results. Days are varied and are hugely dependent on our young people. We are all there to make a difference and even the smallest of wins can mean the world.

I was introduced to the fastrack programme at Edge Hill. I’d made a decision to change career, I felt a little stuck as I didn’t have the qualifications needed to start a degree. Then I was introduced to the preparation for higher education programme. This course made me realise I had the capacity for learning and built my confidence hugely. The lecturers were so supportive and knowledgeable. Without the fastrack programme I wouldn’t have been able to build the career that I have as I would never have known my own capabilities.

I studied both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Edge Hill University. I studied my undergraduate degree in counselling and psychotherapy and then progressed onto my postgraduate studies and completed a MSc Psychology (Conversion) degree.

My favourite things about studying at Edge Hill were the supportive learning environment and the diverse range of modules on the course. The diverse modules have enabled me to deep dive into specific topics I was interested in such as developmental trauma. The accumulation of this knowledge really enabled me to lay the foundations for a career supporting looked after young people.

My degree provided me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful graduate career supporting children with a history of trauma. Alongside the skills gained on the counselling and psychotherapy degree I have been able to respond effectively and compassionately to their needs from a psychotherapeutic approach as wel

After completing my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted to complete my postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) next. I have always wanted to contribute to educating young children. I have volunteered in schools since I was 15 and met lots of inspiring teachers.

Edge Hill University has a fantastic reputation especially for education and teaching. After visiting an open day and meeting the lecturers I knew that Edge Hill was the place I wanted to study. Not to mention the beautiful grounds too.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placements. I fully immersed myself when starting at my placement schools. I wanted to continually develop and better my teaching so asked lots of questions and worked hard to get the most out of my placement experience. My last placement school offered me a teaching job!

Being a teacher is the most rewarding job, I love seeing children develop and talk about what they have learnt. Children walk in through my door with a smile on their face and are so enthusiastic about wanting to learn. I feel really proud that I have made an impact on their educational life.

Believing in yourself is so important. To be a successful teacher you need to be hardworking, prepared and dedicated to educating and supporting every child. A successful teacher is also kind, caring and loving.

If you are a good communicator and can show leadership, teaching incorporates these strong qualities every day. A successful teacher aligns their philosophy into their teaching. Creativity and adaptability are also an important trait in the teaching profession when planning lessons, teaching creative tasks or having to adapt to last minute changes out of your control.

My biggest challenge is how to communicate with parents. During my placement my school mentor helped me when speaking with parents. They helped me when I needed to talk to them and included me during parents’ evenings.

I would absolutely recommend Edge Hill for teacher training. I am continuously learning how a reception classroom works and developing myself as a teacher by attending lots of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities to further my learning. I would eventually like to become an early years lead.

My top three tips for others thinking about becoming a teacher:
1. Ask lots of questions
2. Be prepared and organised
3. Celebrate successes

Teaching is the best job. You must put in the hard work and be passionate abo

Maths is a subject which I enjoy and being able to share my enthusiasm in the classroom is something I am really looking forward to. If I can bring my passion for maths, enthusiasm, sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject to the classroom, I hope it will inspire the next generation and make maths fun for all.

As a teacher, I will have opportunities to inspire and encourage the next generation and potentially shape their lives beyond the classroom. I have always admired the relationship a teacher has with their students. No doubt my teachers in secondary school had a big influence on what I studied and where I am today – both academically and personally.

I believe Edge Hill University is the best institution for helping me prepare and develop the necessary skills I need to be an effective maths teacher. I first completed my undergraduate degree at Edge Hill in 2017 and I knew then of the University’s reputation and rich history of providing high quality teacher training courses.

The top three skills I have developed during my degree:

-Increased confidence, especially in public speaking. This is essential when demanding a classroom and being able to teach large groups of students at a time, on what sometimes can be a difficult topic.

-Resource development. This includes having effective lesson plans for every lesson, creating worksheets and extension questions for those more able students.

-Professionalism and understanding. What it means to be a professional both inside and outside the classroom.

The most memorable moment of my degree is the very first lesson I delivered to a year 10 class during placement. I was nervous and apprehensive but at the same time excited by the challenge. I had confidence in my ability and that was due to the quality of teaching I received on the PGCE course at Edge Hill. It went really well, and the students were engaged throughout.

Edge Hill is very inclusive. The mix of cultures and life stories we have shared during the course has created a real friendship within the group.

The best thing about Edge Hill University to me is the quality of teaching mixed with the resources that are available. The Catalyst library is amazing, and I recommend anyone who studies at Edge Hill to make full use of it.

Edge Hill is a campus university, I believe it offers everything I need in one location. There’s a strong sense of community when walking from lecture to

My favourite thing about my degree is learning about new sports. Back in Ireland I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to participate in different sports such as handball and Badminton, however I have already learnt a lot about these sports in such a small space of time and now have the opportunity to teach younger generations the skills while on placement.

The opportunities that the PGCE has given me includes learning from a new curriculum. As someone from Northern Ireland, I have been used to working within the NI Curriculum however since studying at the University, I have adapted this and become aware of the differences between both.

Whilst on placement in a school based in Liverpool, I have learnt new things every day. A bit like the curriculum, I have been able to get an insight into the differences between NI schools and Liverpool schools and gain a lot of new experience.

Everyone at Edge Hill has made me feel so welcome. As an individual coming from Northern Ireland, I was extremely worried about how I would settle into a new environment far away from home. I love spending time at the campus and want to try and spend as much time in the state-of-the-art PE facility as I can.

As an individual who has a learning disability, the Edge Hill Inclusion Team have been extremely helpful and guided me in the right direction. They have made me feel that no problem is too big or too small and they are always around to help when needed. I have also been lucky to have received funding from student support to help enhance my CV and give me amazing opportunities.

When I graduate, I hope to start my dream job as a secondary PE teacher.

The reputation of Edge Hill University is very positive, especially for those wanting to start their teaching careers. I looked around various PGCE providers and Edge Hill felt like the right place to study.

The campus has everything you need, the facilities are excellent and communication at all stages was brilliant.

The team at Edge Hill were very supportive and knowledgeable. You are supported by your tutors when needed. The time they put into placing you into suitable placement schools was also important.

I really enjoyed the specialism part of my PGCE. Mine was English and It lead me to being the English lead for many years. Leading on a core subject was an excellent experience for going into leadership roles later down the line.

As part of my PGCE studies I got to experience all key stages across different types of schools. Some schools in more affluent areas and some that faced the challenge of being in areas of deprivation. It was extremely beneficial to experience all the different types of schools and key stages throughout the PGCE. For me in particular, it made me realise what kind of school and key stage I wanted to work in and where my strengths were.

Doing a PGCE means you need to be adaptable, confident and well organised. I feel these are three key attributes that I still need and use everyday as a headteacher.

I believe that Edge Hill was the first step in my career journey in education. I loved my last teaching placement so much that I said if a job ever came available there that I would apply. A job did become available and I applied and I am still here today. I have worked as a student teacher, class teacher, curriculum lead, wider opportunities lead, subject lead, acting assistant head, deputy headteacher and now I am the headteacher.

Edge Hill has the best reputation for anyone wanting to go into teaching. As an employer of early career teachers (ECTs), I always think highly of anyone who has studied at Edge Hill as they are always very knowledgeable, hard working and they have a good work ethic too.

The best thing about Edge Hill to me was the support during the course. The cohort group that studied the PGCE together are still friends now and we still check In on each other, share successes and try to meet to socialise even all these years later.

Our cohort group were very supportive and even now, years later, we still try to meet up and catch up even though our lives are

Can you tell us about your background (education and or career to date?) And what inspired you to pursue a PGCE, what was it about Edge Hill University that attracted you?

I have a B.A in Political Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. I was motivated to teach after my national service as a Teaching Assistant in the Political Science Department of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. I taught at the Primary School Level for 13 years and later taught “Government” for 2 years at the Secondary Level before starting my PGCE. I was drawn to the university’s strong reputation for teacher training and the emphasis placed on combining academic study with real classroom experience, which I felt will prepare me well for my teaching career.


How did you hear about us?

I heard about Edge Hill University from my friend, who is a past student of this great university.


What’s your favourite thing about your degree?

My favourite thing about PGCE is the placements. It combines theory with practice which provides a hands-on experience to students. I will gain a lot of practical skills and experience in the classroom, enjoy learning new teaching strategies that can be implemented in my future classroom to impact pupils learning.


How have your lecturers helped you during your degree?

My lecturers are very supportive, providing clear guidance on teaching strategies and curriculum. They are always available to answer questions. This has boosted my confidence and readiness to go on my first placement.


How has your subject knowledge improved to date?

My subject knowledge has improved through a deeper engagement with research, evidence- informed practice and curriculum. The extensive reading I have done for my assignments has deepened my understanding, turning me into the reflective teacher I aspire to become.


How will you implement your learning within your professional practice whilst on placement?

Whiles on my placement, I will apply the teaching strategies and theories by adopting differentiated instructions that will meet the learning needs of my pupils. I will also reflect on feedback from my mentor to improve my classroom experience. It would also accelerate my path to professional growth and enable me to work in leadership and specialist roles in education. I intend to pursue a career as a primary teacher who will make a positive impact in the learning

The reason I chose Edge Hill was the great links back in Northern Ireland. The flights are very handy coming in and out of Belfast and I've found it really easy to settle in here. There are a lot of Irish people here, very easy to make friends, on my course alone, I would say half are Irish. It’s nice to see people who can relate to being away from your own country and living somewhere else and settling in somewhere else, it’s been really easy to settle in.

Edge Hill are an Ofsted Outstanding Provider, they do a lot of placement links back home, which is handy for people from Northern Ireland, settling in was made very simple and easy. Staff are very helpful.

As the course is based on contemporary creative approaches in psychotherapy and counselling, part of the application process included providing a creative submission. I opted for a movement video as I felt my dance background could benefit me in taking a step ahead. I was given a brief on what to include in the creative submission. I submitted the application form along with the movement video and a statement of purpose. The statement of purpose included my journey so far in the field of psychology and dancing (which was essential to note for the course I was interested in). As an international student, I stated my reasons and thoughts behind choosing to study abroad. The application process ended with an online interview. They made me feel comfortable and it seemed like a friendly chat rather than a nerve-wrecking interview. I was provided with all the information regarding the course and an open invitation to raise any questions I might have.

The course involves working with the person-centred experiential approach as well as creative modalities (movement, art, drama) to facilitate a successful therapeutic relationship with the clients. The course believes in practical knowledge that includes creative activities during classes, discussions, personal development groups, guest lectures, triad practice for counselling skills and placement experience. The assignments are designed for students to deliver their knowledge in academic and creative manner. My favourite part about the course is some of these assignments have open approaches to presentation and the students can choose how to present them (presentation, performance, discussion etc.).

As an international student, my undergraduate study had a completely different culture to it but I still would say that studying a Masters has made me more independent and resilient. I started taking charge and being more curious as you’re motivated to find answers to questions. Postgraduate courses demand refined time-management. With the plethora of tasks (assignments, presentations, dissertation), alongside managing personal and educational life, I see postgraduate courses as more challenging. It certainly opens new avenues to your career plan and teaches you to be on your toes to achieve your goals.

I plan to stay in the UK and start working as a creative psychotherapist. I hope to pay off my student loan and establish a career in mental health.

Before choosing your course, research it an

A typical day shift starts at 7am. We discuss patient care and any issues, before starting patient observations. We get patients ready for theatre. Throughout the day we get new patients coming to the ward, going through the admission process alongside the doctors. The medication round can involve administering IV medication. We liaise with the doctors on the ward, raising any concerns.

It’s great to be part of a patient’s journey. We’ll see patients from admission, pre-and post-theatre, up until discharge. I also enjoy working as part of a team. The doctors and advanced nurse practitioners work well with the nursing staff to provide effective patient care.

Keeping families up-to-date about their loved one’s progress was difficult during the pandemic. We weren’t allowed any visitors on the ward. Part of this involves making sure that each patient is able to speak to their families regularly.

I learnt a lot from tutors sharing their experiences, and encouraging us to share ours. Discussing real experiences was a really important part of my learning journey. A stand-out module was the ‘Change in Practice’ module, where you have to choose a service area where you would like to improve.

Placements are the best place to practice the skills you learn. After each shift try to reflect on two things that have gone well and one thing that you’d like to improve – two stars and a wish. This is particularly helpful if you’ve had a challenging shift as it prompts you to focus on the positives.

Seek out any opportunity to broaden your experience. I’m really interested in palliative care, so I’d seek out opportunities to work with specialist palliative care nurses. If you don’t know something, or aren’t sure, ask. You’re a student nurse and you’re there to learn.

To find out more about studying this programme, please view full course information for MSc Nursing (Adult).

“I wanted to go into nutrition but thought that the public health angle of this course would give me a broader overview of health conditions, as well as how nutrition can impact on them. I went back to Edge Hill because my undergraduate degree here was really high quality with a great standard of teaching, so I felt confident that I’d experience the same with my postgraduate degree. Also, I knew that it’s a really nice campus with a good community vibe.

The course wouldn’t have been the same without the tutors. They adapted modules, changed their teaching styles and went faster and slower through the content, all to suit the needs and strengths of the students. For example, you do quite a lot of practical work in the laboratory and none of my cohort had been in the lab before, but the tutors were prepared to start from scratch and give the support we needed. The guest lecturers were also amazing.

As part of the course we looked closely at public health campaigns. We had to research an area, decide how the evidence we found applied to our particular catchment area and then plan how we could make changes. We worked through the entire planning process, just as you would in a public health-related role, before presenting our campaigns and being critiqued by tutors. These were really useful exercises which put theory into practice and encouraged you to think how you would improve next time – just as you do in the real world.

Because it is such a broad course and you look at international as well as UK perspectives, you have the opportunity to go into so many different sectors. When I was looking for a job I initially focused on becoming a nutritionist, but I soon realised that the skills I developed on the course meant that I could go into public health campaigning, weight management, diabetes prevention, even health and lifestyle journalism. There are so many avenues available to you.

Consequently, when I went for my job interview and was asked to produce and present a weight management intervention, something I’d already done at Edge Hill, I was fully prepared. My interview and presentation exceeded their expectations, so despite tough competition I was successful. Health and nutrition jobs are quite competitive but this is a really good course which prepares you for life in the sector.

I’m now working as a life coach at an occupational health company. Nutrition is the main focus of my job, so my master’s is really relevant

The University has a great reputation for training teachers. Having studied an undergraduate in Drama and a Masters in English, I felt the best way for me to apply and share my subject knowledge was to teach.

I was already familiar with the Edge Hill campus and the support systems in place, so this really helped the transition. In my experience, postgraduate life has a much higher expectation for self-directed study, so time management comes into play a lot more.

The application process was straightforward. I used my personal statement as a basis to form talking points for my PGCE interview too, so this was really useful. I funded my course through student finance, which I also found to be an easy process to complete.

I’ve been given plenty of opportunities for continued professional development. My PGCE course at Edge Hill involves theory-based learning, covering topics such as how children learn. All my theory work is put into context either with real-life examples from my tutors, or when I see it first hand out on professional practice. Each student on the course is assigned personal academic tutors, who offer advice and guidance throughout our time on the course. I’m finding this support system to be extremely helpful.

Professional practice placements out in schools are the best opportunity to put my theoretical learning into practice. My tutors at Edge Hill offer lots of support and regular contact throughout my time on placement, so I always feel supported and like I have guidance if needed. I’ve met so many inspirational teachers on my placements who have supported me in planning and delivering lessons. Building this support system and learning from experienced colleagues has really helped my confidence grow as a teacher.

Learning when to seek advice from more experienced colleagues is a top skill I have developed through my PGCE. Other key skills include managing classroom behaviour and how to transfer theory into practice. Putting them into practice out on placement is what has really made them stick.

I’m looking forward to making use of the alumni services offered at Edge Hill, such as the careers support and the free CPD sessions the Faculty of Education offer to graduates. Once I finish my PGCE, I am hoping to secure my first teaching position.

As an undergraduate studying computer science, I became increasingly fascinated by the potential of data to inform decisions, predict outcomes, and create intelligent systems that adapt and learn over time. I was captivated by how machine learning models could identify patterns invisible to human perception and how AI could personalise learning or support early diagnosis in medicine. Edge Hill’s emphasis on employability and real-world impact resonated with my own career aspirations. The University’s strong links with industry and focus on applied projects gave me the confidence that I would graduate with both the knowledge and practical experience needed to thrive in today’s data-driven world.

Throughout my degree, I learnt to extract insights from complex datasets and building predictive models using machine learning techniques. I gained hands-on experience with tools like Python, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, applying these in coursework and real-world projects. I was able to not just implement algorithms, but also critically evaluate their performance, select appropriate models, and address issues such as overfitting, interpretability, and data bias.

The most memorable moment of my degree was showcasing the initial results of my project on “Enhancing Student Engagement Through AI-Driven Adaptive Learning and Gamification.” After months of research, development, and iteration, it was incredibly rewarding to see the system I built not only function as intended but also receive positive feedback from both academic staff and peers. That showcase was a turning point as it validated the practical relevance of my work and highlighted the potential of AI to meaningfully impact education. This moment reinforced why I chose this field, not just to learn and build, but to solve real problems and contribute to innovation with social value.

The best thing about Edge Hill University to me is the strong sense of academic support and community. From the outset of my postgraduate journey, I was struck by how approachable and committed the faculty were. The campus itself creates an atmosphere that is both inspiring and conducive to learning. Workshops, career support, and industry-engaged projects have helped me build the skills and confidence to transition from study into real-world practice. In short, Edge Hill isn’t just where I study, it’s a place that has truly shaped who I’m becoming as a data scientist, researcher, and professional.<

My inspiration and motivation to study social work came from my nature to care for people and unwavering willingness to support those going through hard times, especially vulnerable people. My interest started during my undergraduate degree in social studies, where I took part in community service. I helped in local projects and saw how much of a difference small acts of support and care can make. This experience made me realise I wanted to work with people in a meaningful way. I have just completed my master’s in social work at Edge Hill University. The course helped me develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to become a caring and professional social worker.

Edge Hill has truly felt like a second home where I can grow personally and professionally. My decision to study at Edge Hill University was as a result of the strong reputation in social work and the supportive environment it offers to international students. As an international student and a first-time mum in the UK, I faced many new challenges, but the unwavering support I received from the University made a big difference. My tutor was incredibly kind and understanding and put plans in place to make sure I didn’t miss out on classes and stayed on track with my learning, and offered encouragement when I needed it most. Other lecturers were also very understanding and approachable, always ready to offer help and support with everything. Their kindness made me feel valued and motivated.

My communication skills have improved through working with service users, attending meetings, and writing reports on placement. I learned to listen with empathy and speak clearly. I have gained strong problem-solving skills by supporting people with complex needs and working with other professionals to find the best solutions. My time management skills have also grown as I balanced my placement, academic work, and being a first-time mum. These experiences have prepared me to be a confident, organised, and caring social worker in future.

The most memorable moment of my degree was completing my final placement. It was a proud moment because I realised how much I had grown. I worked closely with service users, supported them through challenges, and felt I was truly making a difference. I also received positive feedback from my supervisor, which gave me confidence in my abilities.


When I graduate, I hope to work as a mental health social worker in adult social care. I want to