Help me choose! Goldsmiths vs London Met for PGCE Secondary Teaching (MFL)
Hi everyone,
I'm currently deciding between Goldsmiths University and London Met University for my PGCE in Secondary Teaching (Modern Foreign Languages), and I’d really appreciate your insights!
I’m looking for feedback on:
-The quality of the course and teaching.
-Placement schools and support during placements.
-Overall experience (support, resources, workload).
-Career prospects after graduating from either institution.
If you’ve attended either university for this or a similar program, or know someone who has, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Any personal experiences, pros and cons, or advice would be super helpful!
Thanks in advance! 😊
I'm currently deciding between Goldsmiths University and London Met University for my PGCE in Secondary Teaching (Modern Foreign Languages), and I’d really appreciate your insights!
I’m looking for feedback on:
-The quality of the course and teaching.
-Placement schools and support during placements.
-Overall experience (support, resources, workload).
-Career prospects after graduating from either institution.
If you’ve attended either university for this or a similar program, or know someone who has, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Any personal experiences, pros and cons, or advice would be super helpful!
Thanks in advance! 😊
Reply 1
Hey
I can't comment on the quality of mfl teaching but I did primary pgce at Goldsmiths.
The experience is all kinda luck of the draw i.e. dependant on you getting good, understanding and supportive uni mentors and school placements.
My first placement and uni tutor were great but they change uni tutor for 2nd placement. I had a terrible experience with second placement that messed me around and split me in 2 year groups, both with terrible behaviour problems. The university dragged their feet and did nothing for me, my school mentor was a bully but I did not feel I could expect help from the university. Just know if you end up in a bullying situation most of them at goldsmiths don't care enough about you to move you, they care more about their reputation with the school. If you fall out with your mentor they will side with the mentor and punish you, possibly extending your placement.... they put me on a support plan for falling out with my mentor without caring about my side when I was so upset with the mentor that I was in literal tears.. the support plan had no actions for me to take... it was a farce so they could keep a good impression with the school at my expense. I became really ill from the stress. I spoke to someone else who fell out with her school mentor after being bullied and she was doing her pgce at ucl, they were more supportive and took her out of there to find her something else.
The school that messed me around, I literally walked out after finding out another guy on the course got kicked off placement for unprofessionalism but was still on the course - at that point i knew they couldn't kick me off as I'd bring him up. That was the only way of me getting a placement where I could actually meet teaching standards and not work in an unworkable split situation. I did that, they did not help no matter how many times I spoke to them.
One of the tutors was openly rude to students as well.
Quality of teaching.... nothing amazing.... most things will be through a social justice lense so if you enjoy that I guess you may like the discussions.... if you like more educational psychology focus you're better off elsewhere.
Career prospects... schools are always in need of teachers... and one great thing on this course was how extensive the professional studies module is...it's mainly self study (and workload is quite high but at some unis it's even higher than goldsmiths...I don't know if there is a pgce that doesn't involve high workload unfortunately) but it really prepares you for a lot of the interview questions you'll get when you're a teacher...this module does cover the educational theory and research...sorry, should have clarified earlier....it's the lectures and seminars that are more social justice focused and don't really prepare you for the practical realities of placement.
There's a lot of issues with academic staff striking as well which means you can wait months to get your assignments marked. I did not get my results until 4 months after I finished the course.
Some others may have had a more positive experience than I did, certainly what spurred me to choose goldsmiths was the good experiences I was reading online from others. For me it's done and I'm not really the regretting type but if I were I'd say I wish I'd chosen one of my other uni options instead of goldsmiths.
Super long, sorry!
I can't comment on the quality of mfl teaching but I did primary pgce at Goldsmiths.
The experience is all kinda luck of the draw i.e. dependant on you getting good, understanding and supportive uni mentors and school placements.
My first placement and uni tutor were great but they change uni tutor for 2nd placement. I had a terrible experience with second placement that messed me around and split me in 2 year groups, both with terrible behaviour problems. The university dragged their feet and did nothing for me, my school mentor was a bully but I did not feel I could expect help from the university. Just know if you end up in a bullying situation most of them at goldsmiths don't care enough about you to move you, they care more about their reputation with the school. If you fall out with your mentor they will side with the mentor and punish you, possibly extending your placement.... they put me on a support plan for falling out with my mentor without caring about my side when I was so upset with the mentor that I was in literal tears.. the support plan had no actions for me to take... it was a farce so they could keep a good impression with the school at my expense. I became really ill from the stress. I spoke to someone else who fell out with her school mentor after being bullied and she was doing her pgce at ucl, they were more supportive and took her out of there to find her something else.
The school that messed me around, I literally walked out after finding out another guy on the course got kicked off placement for unprofessionalism but was still on the course - at that point i knew they couldn't kick me off as I'd bring him up. That was the only way of me getting a placement where I could actually meet teaching standards and not work in an unworkable split situation. I did that, they did not help no matter how many times I spoke to them.
One of the tutors was openly rude to students as well.
Quality of teaching.... nothing amazing.... most things will be through a social justice lense so if you enjoy that I guess you may like the discussions.... if you like more educational psychology focus you're better off elsewhere.
Career prospects... schools are always in need of teachers... and one great thing on this course was how extensive the professional studies module is...it's mainly self study (and workload is quite high but at some unis it's even higher than goldsmiths...I don't know if there is a pgce that doesn't involve high workload unfortunately) but it really prepares you for a lot of the interview questions you'll get when you're a teacher...this module does cover the educational theory and research...sorry, should have clarified earlier....it's the lectures and seminars that are more social justice focused and don't really prepare you for the practical realities of placement.
There's a lot of issues with academic staff striking as well which means you can wait months to get your assignments marked. I did not get my results until 4 months after I finished the course.
Some others may have had a more positive experience than I did, certainly what spurred me to choose goldsmiths was the good experiences I was reading online from others. For me it's done and I'm not really the regretting type but if I were I'd say I wish I'd chosen one of my other uni options instead of goldsmiths.
Super long, sorry!
Original post
by smchnHi everyone,
I'm currently deciding between Goldsmiths University and London Met University for my PGCE in Secondary Teaching (Modern Foreign Languages), and I’d really appreciate your insights!
I’m looking for feedback on:
-The quality of the course and teaching.
-Placement schools and support during placements.
-Overall experience (support, resources, workload).
-Career prospects after graduating from either institution.
If you’ve attended either university for this or a similar program, or know someone who has, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Any personal experiences, pros and cons, or advice would be super helpful!
Thanks in advance! 😊
I'm currently deciding between Goldsmiths University and London Met University for my PGCE in Secondary Teaching (Modern Foreign Languages), and I’d really appreciate your insights!
I’m looking for feedback on:
-The quality of the course and teaching.
-Placement schools and support during placements.
-Overall experience (support, resources, workload).
-Career prospects after graduating from either institution.
If you’ve attended either university for this or a similar program, or know someone who has, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Any personal experiences, pros and cons, or advice would be super helpful!
Thanks in advance! 😊
Have you read the ofsted reports for each?
Teacher training is still covered by ofsted and they do physical visits talking to staff and students.
While ofsted is FAR from perfect the reports (rather than the ratings) can be useful to get a feel for what’s good or bad at various places.
Reply 3
13
Original post
by BolamasiHey
I can't comment on the quality of mfl teaching but I did primary pgce at Goldsmiths.
The experience is all kinda luck of the draw i.e. dependant on you getting good, understanding and supportive uni mentors and school placements.
My first placement and uni tutor were great but they change uni tutor for 2nd placement. I had a terrible experience with second placement that messed me around and split me in 2 year groups, both with terrible behaviour problems. The university dragged their feet and did nothing for me, my school mentor was a bully but I did not feel I could expect help from the university. Just know if you end up in a bullying situation most of them at goldsmiths don't care enough about you to move you, they care more about their reputation with the school. If you fall out with your mentor they will side with the mentor and punish you, possibly extending your placement.... they put me on a support plan for falling out with my mentor without caring about my side when I was so upset with the mentor that I was in literal tears.. the support plan had no actions for me to take... it was a farce so they could keep a good impression with the school at my expense. I became really ill from the stress. I spoke to someone else who fell out with her school mentor after being bullied and she was doing her pgce at ucl, they were more supportive and took her out of there to find her something else.
The school that messed me around, I literally walked out after finding out another guy on the course got kicked off placement for unprofessionalism but was still on the course - at that point i knew they couldn't kick me off as I'd bring him up. That was the only way of me getting a placement where I could actually meet teaching standards and not work in an unworkable split situation. I did that, they did not help no matter how many times I spoke to them.
One of the tutors was openly rude to students as well.
Quality of teaching.... nothing amazing.... most things will be through a social justice lense so if you enjoy that I guess you may like the discussions.... if you like more educational psychology focus you're better off elsewhere.
Career prospects... schools are always in need of teachers... and one great thing on this course was how extensive the professional studies module is...it's mainly self study (and workload is quite high but at some unis it's even higher than goldsmiths...I don't know if there is a pgce that doesn't involve high workload unfortunately) but it really prepares you for a lot of the interview questions you'll get when you're a teacher...this module does cover the educational theory and research...sorry, should have clarified earlier....it's the lectures and seminars that are more social justice focused and don't really prepare you for the practical realities of placement.
There's a lot of issues with academic staff striking as well which means you can wait months to get your assignments marked. I did not get my results until 4 months after I finished the course.
Some others may have had a more positive experience than I did, certainly what spurred me to choose goldsmiths was the good experiences I was reading online from others. For me it's done and I'm not really the regretting type but if I were I'd say I wish I'd chosen one of my other uni options instead of goldsmiths.
Super long, sorry!
I can't comment on the quality of mfl teaching but I did primary pgce at Goldsmiths.
The experience is all kinda luck of the draw i.e. dependant on you getting good, understanding and supportive uni mentors and school placements.
My first placement and uni tutor were great but they change uni tutor for 2nd placement. I had a terrible experience with second placement that messed me around and split me in 2 year groups, both with terrible behaviour problems. The university dragged their feet and did nothing for me, my school mentor was a bully but I did not feel I could expect help from the university. Just know if you end up in a bullying situation most of them at goldsmiths don't care enough about you to move you, they care more about their reputation with the school. If you fall out with your mentor they will side with the mentor and punish you, possibly extending your placement.... they put me on a support plan for falling out with my mentor without caring about my side when I was so upset with the mentor that I was in literal tears.. the support plan had no actions for me to take... it was a farce so they could keep a good impression with the school at my expense. I became really ill from the stress. I spoke to someone else who fell out with her school mentor after being bullied and she was doing her pgce at ucl, they were more supportive and took her out of there to find her something else.
The school that messed me around, I literally walked out after finding out another guy on the course got kicked off placement for unprofessionalism but was still on the course - at that point i knew they couldn't kick me off as I'd bring him up. That was the only way of me getting a placement where I could actually meet teaching standards and not work in an unworkable split situation. I did that, they did not help no matter how many times I spoke to them.
One of the tutors was openly rude to students as well.
Quality of teaching.... nothing amazing.... most things will be through a social justice lense so if you enjoy that I guess you may like the discussions.... if you like more educational psychology focus you're better off elsewhere.
Career prospects... schools are always in need of teachers... and one great thing on this course was how extensive the professional studies module is...it's mainly self study (and workload is quite high but at some unis it's even higher than goldsmiths...I don't know if there is a pgce that doesn't involve high workload unfortunately) but it really prepares you for a lot of the interview questions you'll get when you're a teacher...this module does cover the educational theory and research...sorry, should have clarified earlier....it's the lectures and seminars that are more social justice focused and don't really prepare you for the practical realities of placement.
There's a lot of issues with academic staff striking as well which means you can wait months to get your assignments marked. I did not get my results until 4 months after I finished the course.
Some others may have had a more positive experience than I did, certainly what spurred me to choose goldsmiths was the good experiences I was reading online from others. For me it's done and I'm not really the regretting type but if I were I'd say I wish I'd chosen one of my other uni options instead of goldsmiths.
Super long, sorry!
Goldsmiths was very "woke" when I was considering applying in 2020 - to the point of them posting information for prospective students a reading list and telling them they would not accept any other sources or books that were not on the list! I went to the site twice, trying to force myself to like it (I like rough and characterful "hoods" in London but I just could not stand the college premises or the main street. Strange as GC was "the" college to be in the early 90s - for art and sensible "leftie" teachers. I would never apply for London Met - try to withdraw and apply at a proper place (perhaps an in-school course, with links to specific colleges, eg Roehampton and of course the IOE. I would not choose KCL either - oh dear.
Reply 4
Hi,
Hope you're doing well! My name is Vinitha Sunil, and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Product Design at London Metropolitan University.
I’d be happy to answer your questions about London Met based on my experience so far.
Course Quality & Teaching: The teaching staff in my department are very friendly and supportive. I’ve been in London for six months now, and they’ve been incredibly helpful throughout. Even before I arrived, the Head of Department was in touch from February 2024—right after I received my offer letter—to help make my arrival and settling-in process smooth. Since it’s a Master’s program, there’s a strong emphasis on independent learning. However, whenever I feel stuck, I reach out to my tutors and they always provide clear guidance and direction.
Overall Experience (Support, Resources, Workload): The library is well-equipped with a wide range of resources. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, the staff are always ready to help you access similar or relevant materials. The workload can be intense, but with proper planning and time management, it’s manageable and rewarding.
Career Prospects After Graduation: Your success really depends on your skills and how well you network. It's important to have a clear idea of how you want to present yourself in the professional world, and the university gives you tools and support to help shape that.
Hope this helps—and all the very best for your future!
Warm regards,
Vinitha Sunil
Hope you're doing well! My name is Vinitha Sunil, and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Product Design at London Metropolitan University.
I’d be happy to answer your questions about London Met based on my experience so far.
Course Quality & Teaching: The teaching staff in my department are very friendly and supportive. I’ve been in London for six months now, and they’ve been incredibly helpful throughout. Even before I arrived, the Head of Department was in touch from February 2024—right after I received my offer letter—to help make my arrival and settling-in process smooth. Since it’s a Master’s program, there’s a strong emphasis on independent learning. However, whenever I feel stuck, I reach out to my tutors and they always provide clear guidance and direction.
Overall Experience (Support, Resources, Workload): The library is well-equipped with a wide range of resources. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, the staff are always ready to help you access similar or relevant materials. The workload can be intense, but with proper planning and time management, it’s manageable and rewarding.
Career Prospects After Graduation: Your success really depends on your skills and how well you network. It's important to have a clear idea of how you want to present yourself in the professional world, and the university gives you tools and support to help shape that.
Hope this helps—and all the very best for your future!
Warm regards,
Vinitha Sunil
(edited 11 months ago)
Reply 5
13
Goldsmiths if only because they are University of London and you will be part of the network if need be. They are though very lefty but I think these nightmare days are coming to an end. I think I said that I was considering Goldsmiths until I read - in their own PGCE "guidance" pages - that they don't accept essays unless the student uses exactly the reading list they set. Talk about the little red book! They are interested in "critical this and critical that" - not a sign at all of linguistics proper (and the Languages department does not talk to the PGCE Languages people - something I always found v. odd - also practised at Roehampton). I think there were a number of sackings at Gold, so perhaps things are a little less bonkers these days.
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