Considering PGCE at MMU

Hi there, I am applying for my PGCE in the next few weeks and I am struggling to decide where my first choice should be. I am stuck between Manchester Metropolitan and Sheffield Hallam for their PGCE in Secondary Social Sciences (with QTS). Both courses look great and both offer good opportunities but I am now thinking about quality of life in each place.
If you studied your undergrad/postgrad/pgce at MMU, please can you tell me what it was like to live in Manchester, what was cost of living like, green spaces, social life, commuting, transport around the city, how friendly is it, how safe etc. I am autistic and adhd so getting this right is extremely important as I know a PGCE will be stressful.
I have never been to Manchester and plan on taking a day trip there soon but of course this still won't give me an idea of the bigger picture.

Additionally, any advice on what the best living situation for a PGCE student is would be a massive help (ie: houseshare, halls, my own place etc)
TIA!!!

Reply 1

MMU-UGStudentRep

Official Rep

Hi @jazzmac964!

I'm a second year history student at MMU and also looking to do a PGCE at MMU in 2027 so know of the area/course and staff in that department, so I'll share what I've seen/experienced - maybe it'll help with your decision-making.

•

green spaces and city vibe - manchester has amazing parks all over the city, river walks, and smaller quieter corners. Some of my favs are Platt Fields Park, Heaton Park, and Fletcher Moss!

•

transport and commuting - public transport is pretty good - buses, trams, hireable bikes -> bee network and I think an automatic cap is calculated if you pay with the same card.

•

safety - manchester, like many cities, has areas that feel safer than others. It helps to look up specific neighbourhoods, and when choosing housing, check how close you'll be to campus. It helps to have the WalkSafe app and SafeZone App which is connected to MMU campus security.

•

friendliness - in my experience people are super friendly! A quick smile in passing, holding the doors open, thanking everyone. I live at home, so among locals, and everyone is super nice.

I hope this covered what you need to know, if you have any more questions ask me anything! I'm happy to help.

MMU Student Rep,
Innaya x

Reply 2

Manchester Metropolitan University

Official Rep

Original post

by jazzmac964

Hi there, I am applying for my PGCE in the next few weeks and I am struggling to decide where my first choice should be. I am stuck between Manchester Metropolitan and Sheffield Hallam for their PGCE in Secondary Social Sciences (with QTS). Both courses look great and both offer good opportunities but I am now thinking about quality of life in each place.
If you studied your undergrad/postgrad/pgce at MMU, please can you tell me what it was like to live in Manchester, what was cost of living like, green spaces, social life, commuting, transport around the city, how friendly is it, how safe etc. I am autistic and adhd so getting this right is extremely important as I know a PGCE will be stressful.
I have never been to Manchester and plan on taking a day trip there soon but of course this still won't give me an idea of the bigger picture.
Additionally, any advice on what the best living situation for a PGCE student is would be a massive help (ie: houseshare, halls, my own place etc)
TIA!!!

Hi @jazzmac964

Great to hear you're considering Man Met for your PGCE.

If you can, I would recommend coming to our Postgraduate Open Day on 12th November, hopefully you can make it! You'll be able to speak to the PGCE academics as well as current students. Also the Accommodation team will be there so you can discuss your options. Our Student Support Services team will also be attending so you can speak to our Disability Services team about the support that we can offer you in your studies. You can book your place here.

We hope to see you then.
Mel 😊