Why Turn Your English Degree into a PGCE?

If you’re a third-year English or creative writing student, it can be hard knowing what to do next. Creative writing degrees are a fantastic platform for a variety of jobs, but not everyone knows exactly what their career path looks like.

For students who want to channel their skills into something productive, purposeful, and rewarding, teaching is a great career to pursue. As Nelson Mandela once said, “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”, and teachers are the ‘change-makers’ who power the future.

Here are just some of the reasons to stay on at university and study for a PGCE English degree:

It can be easier to get a job

English degrees are diverse in the sense that they can open many doors, but some jobs require advanced or specialist skills.

With a PGCE, your training is focused and targeted, allowing you to hone your skills in one specialist field. English teachers, like all teachers, are always in demand too. This means it can be much easier to get a job after you graduate.

As a leading university that ranks 2nd in the North West (and Joint 7th in the UK) for Student Satisfaction in Education Courses*, there’s nowhere better to continue your studies than the University of Bolton. We also have a high teacher graduate employment rate, making our training courses a worthwhile investment.

Teaching shapes future generations

One of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher is being able to contribute to educating the next generation. Your work matters and touches people’s lives in a very direct way, giving you a sense of purpose and ensuring maximum job satisfaction.

What you do creates the business leaders, managers, innovators, artists, and influencers of tomorrow. If you have a passion for creative writing and the English language, but you’re not sure how best to apply your skills, teaching can be a way to bring powerful meaning to your talent.

Travel and work abroad

A PGCE English degree doesn’t just restrict you to jobs in the UK. Teaching abroad is a popular choice for qualified teachers, and a PGCE English degree can help you stand out against competition. This is because English teachers are in demand worldwide.

English is a global language, and an important skill for international trade, making it essential in every country. Some of the nations in desperate need of quality English teachers right now (either due to globalisation of industries or tourism) include Brazil, Cambodia China, Colombia, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, and Spain.

However, teachers with a PGCE English degree should be able to get a job easily in most countries. So if you dream of working overseas, learning a new language, and exploring different cultures, teacher training can unlock a world of possibilities.

Your PGCE is a qualification for life

A teaching qualification is an excellent addition to any CV, even for those who don’t want to work in teaching forever. In fact, there are many alternative roles you can do with a PGCE.

Some teachers begin their careers or eventually go on to work in education liaison, in student learning support roles, as private tutors, as academic advisors, or incorporate education positions. Having teaching experience can also be beneficial for youth and community leadership, or for human resources.

Unlock further education and higher earnings

Becoming a teacher is a gift that never stops giving because there’s always continued growth in this line of work. It’s impossible to stop learning, and teachers never hit the glass ceiling like some professionals experience in their careers.

For instance, after completing a PGCE Secondary English degree, you can work towards a number of promotions within the secondary school system. Teachers will normally work their way to assistant department heads, then to the head of department. After that, you could aim towards a school head position, or even progress onto teaching at universities and colleges.

Alternatively, some educators decide to invest in further education, such as a Master of Education (MEd) or a Doctorate of Education (EdD).

Why stay on at Bolton?

Whether you’re interested in doing PGCE secondary English or you dream of teaching abroad, we have the right teacher training course for you.

English and creative writing graduates can apply for our PGCE M (Secondary 11-16) English with QTS course, or our PGCE (M) 14+ English and ESOL course.

As well as being one of the largest providers of teacher training courses in the UK, we have a student-centric approach that means we put you, and your needs first. Stay on at Bolton for your PGCE, flourish in our friendly and supportive learning environment, and continue to enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe!

To find out more about applying in 2022/23, see our available PGCE English courses. 

*Complete University Guide 2022