A PGCE, or postgraduate certificate in education, is a qualification for graduates who want to become teachers. The program combines academic study with practical teaching experience to provide excellence in pedagogy and educational theory.

The course is an ideal choice for aspiring teachers or career changers.

For every individual, there is one question: How demanding is a PGCE in real terms? Is it merely about reading books and preparing assignments or something more than that?

The truth is, it comes with an enormous amount of learning within a single year, which requires sustained effort. This is why PGCE is considered a challenging yet rewarding postgraduate pathway.

But what’s more to it? What is the unique structure that makes it a demanding coursework? Keep reading to know more.

What IS PGCE And Why It Is Considered As Intensive?

A PGCE is a dual structure certification that expects students to balance theory, practice, and meet the practical expectations simultaneously. In the UK, a PGCE is considered an internationally recognised (level 7) qualification.

During this program, graduates with a degree are placed in school-based training (placements) to develop their classroom presence and communication skills.

This makes this coursework highly intensive as an individual is expected to,

Examined as a student for their knowledge
Assessed as a professional based on their performance in professional environments

Completing PGCEassignments feels overwhelming for many students. But with expert help, many of them easily learn to connect theory with classroom practices.

Is PGCE A Demanding Course Academically?

The simplest answer to this is, yes! Many students assume this course to be like other postgraduate programs that require a research paper and a keen focus on coursework only.

However, this is where things become difficult for them. The PGCE course is a distinct mix of academic work and professional practice. This is why students are expected to demonstrate resilience and adaptability throughout the course, making it a demanding one.

So, beyond just a postgraduate course, this training demands professional experience as well. At a single time, an individual is supposed to perform like a student as well as a professional.

What Does The PGCE Curriculum Include?

The academic content of PGCE includes:

Understanding of educational psychology and neuroscience
Strategies for managing student behaviour
Pedagogical approaches
Curriculum planning
Professional ethics and policy
Teaching and learning theories
Inclusive education

What Are The Academic Expectations Of PGCE?

As a student completing the PGCE course, you will be asked to:

Read academic journals and policy documents
Apply your knowledge to the real-world classroom settings
Develop a self-critical approach for your teaching practice
Plan, execute and assess your academic lessons

What Does PGCE Assignments Include?

A PGCE typically takes one academic year to complete. Considering the plenty of learning outcomes, the one year typically includes the following types of assignments:

2-3 Essays that range from 2000-4000 words
Reflective reports
Lesson evaluation
Assignments that demand in-depth research
Portfolio of evidence
Formal assessment of your teaching experience

In short, the postgraduate certificate in education is highly demanding as it requires a significant amount of self-discipline. You need to juggle between the university assignments while focusing on your role as a teacher as well.

Why Teaching Practice Is One Of The Most Demanding Components Of The PGCE?

Teaching practice doesn’t come by the end of this course. Instead, students are expected to dive into the teaching practices right during the early stages of their careers.

Trainees are expected to meet the rigorous standards required for getting the qualified teacher status. To focus on the teaching experience, many of them choose to work with an assignment helper for students to ensure that their assignments are completed on time while meeting the academic standards.

During placements, here is what you are expected to do:

Meet the full timetable of classes
Observe and analyse experienced teachers
Conduct in-depth research and critical analysis
Assess the student behaviour

As the observation phase ends, you gradually progress to the teaching responsibility. This includes:

Teaching detailed lessons
Handling student behaviour
Planning the full lessons
Marking student work

How Many Hours A Week Does PGCE Take?

This is one of the most common questions for students. Committing to a PGCE course means facing an intense workload and time constraints. Students often have to work beyond their standard working hours as well!

The average weekly commitment is said to be a max of 60 hours per week, which comprises a 7-6 shift.

Here is what typically happens in a week:

School placement demands 30-40 hours
Lesson planning and marking take 10-15 hours
Assignments take another 10-15 hours

What Is The Impact Of PGCE On A Student’s Mental Health?

Many students also end up suffering from emotional stress due to the demanding nature of PGCE assignments. The sheer volume of work, coupled with the burden of teaching placements, often leads to depression and burnout.

The most common emotional challenges include:

Classroom behaviour issues
Meeting unreasonable expectations
Pressure of performing well
Adjusting to the dynamic educational environments
Managing the feedback received

Pro tip: If you are searching for an alternative teaching qualification, you can review QQI level 5 course details to get an idea of progression routes within other sectors.

What Are The Differences Between PGCE and Other Post Graduate Degrees?

The major difference lies in the demanding nature of PGCE. While other degrees allow students to focus only on the academic side of the world, a PGCE comes with a dual set of responsibilities.

Take a deeper look into the differences:

PGCE	Post Graduate Degrees
Connects theory and practice together	Focus on knowledge and theory only
Full-time school placements	Classroom settings
Professional responsibility	Academic accountability
Practical world performance+ coursework	Exams and coursework only

Do The Benefits Outweigh The Challenges Of A PGCE?

While the PGCE requires students to put in some extra effort, the benefits of this education make it a worthwhile step in a student’s life.

The key benefits include:

Getting a globally recognised qualification
Comprehensive training for education and practical learning
Hands of experience
Career advancement opportunities

How Can One Manage The Demands Of A PGCE?

Keeping a few strategies in mind can help you successfully navigate this journey, which comes with a few hurdles but fruitful outcomes in the end! Remember to:

Make use of digital planning tools
Start assignments early
Keep seeking feedback for assignments
Take 8 hours of sleep
Seek professional help if needed

FAQS

1. Can you work part-time while completing a PGCE?

Based on the demanding nature of the course, part-time work is mostly discouraged for students. The workload makes it extremely challenging for students to commit to a job. Only the students who outsource assignment help can manage jobs.

2. Is PGCE difficult for international students?

While the answer depends on the intellectual capabilities of a student, getting familiar with the UK education system, such as the professional standards and academic writing conventions, is often a big challenge for many students. With the right support, you can adjust easily.

3. Does the subject you teach affect the PGCE difficulty levels?

Yes! The teaching standards are often the same, but the variations in workload and depth of the subject can have an impact on difficulty levels. Practical subjects such as science often require more preparation, whereas subjects such as math come with the pressure of achieving high pupil performance.

Wrapping Up

Completing a PGCE isn’t easy. It is about adapting to two different environments, classrooms and school settings, with two different approaches. While the demands might be intensive, they are still very manageable with a full-time commitment, your passion for teaching, and a few effective strategies mentioned above.