stuck between two university's
I'm unable to make a decision between the University of Reading and Birmingham City University for my PGCE program. Both have accepted me, but I'm struggling to decide. Could someone who's experienced in either of these universities provide insights on two key points?
1. Support from Tutors/University:
How supportive are the tutors and the university overall? As PGCE is a difficult year, I'm keen to know how much support is available to students (e.g are the tutors helpful and there for when you need them)
2. Placement Schools Environment:
What are the schools like where students are placed for practical experience? Do they tend to have severe behaviour problems, or are they more typical schools with occasional issues?
3. Accommodation
How is the student accommodation?
Any first hand experiences or insights would be greatly appreciated as I weigh my options. Thanks for your help
1. Support from Tutors/University:
How supportive are the tutors and the university overall? As PGCE is a difficult year, I'm keen to know how much support is available to students (e.g are the tutors helpful and there for when you need them)
2. Placement Schools Environment:
What are the schools like where students are placed for practical experience? Do they tend to have severe behaviour problems, or are they more typical schools with occasional issues?
3. Accommodation
How is the student accommodation?
Any first hand experiences or insights would be greatly appreciated as I weigh my options. Thanks for your help
Reply 2
Original post by Anonymous
I'm unable to make a decision between the University of Reading and Birmingham City University for my PGCE program. Both have accepted me, but I'm struggling to decide. Could someone who's experienced in either of these universities provide insights on two key points?
1. Support from Tutors/University:
How supportive are the tutors and the university overall? As PGCE is a difficult year, I'm keen to know how much support is available to students (e.g are the tutors helpful and there for when you need them)
2. Placement Schools Environment:
What are the schools like where students are placed for practical experience? Do they tend to have severe behaviour problems, or are they more typical schools with occasional issues?
3. Accommodation
How is the student accommodation?
Any first hand experiences or insights would be greatly appreciated as I weigh my options. Thanks for your help
1. Support from Tutors/University:
How supportive are the tutors and the university overall? As PGCE is a difficult year, I'm keen to know how much support is available to students (e.g are the tutors helpful and there for when you need them)
2. Placement Schools Environment:
What are the schools like where students are placed for practical experience? Do they tend to have severe behaviour problems, or are they more typical schools with occasional issues?
3. Accommodation
How is the student accommodation?
Any first hand experiences or insights would be greatly appreciated as I weigh my options. Thanks for your help
Hello there,
Congratulations on being accepted to both the University of Reading and Birmingham City University for your PGCE program 🙂 Making a decision can be tough, whilst I don't have direct experience on the PGCE, here are some insights which might be useful!
The University of Reading has great tutors which are dedicated to their students success. My first hand experience has been that the tutors have regular office hours and are available via in person or over email to provide assistance and guidance when needed. This is very helpful to be pointed in the right direction and gives you that extra support network whilst studying at Reading.
As for support overall, our university has a brilliant support system in place, including services like the Student Wellbeing Services which can be found here. This is a great support service to use whilst at Reading to help support anything you may need.
Regarding placement schools, experiences may differ. As I do not have direct experience with this I can advise you to discuss here with Millie who is studying a BA Primary Education with English Specialism here. She will be able to provide an insight into the placements she has first hand experienced on her course.
When it comes to accommodation, it depends which university you decide to go for! At Reading our accommodation services are dedicated to helping students find comfortable living environments which suit them! There is a range of different accommodation here on campus which can be explored here. I have had first hand experience this year with the student accommodation which has been 100% the best choice for me, so I would recommend to anyone looking for accommodation here at Reading.
Whilst I can give insights from the University of Reading's perspective, I encourage you to reach out to Birmingham City University to gain a well-rounded understanding of both! Consider factors such as location, program structure and campus life which align with what you want from your university experience.
Wishing you all the best as you decide which university to go for! Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or require any additional information.
Best of luck,
Millie 🙂
BSc International Development
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