Faculty of Education

There are few careers more rewarding than education. We’ve been training teachers for 138 years, so we know the creativity and dedication it takes. But the sense of satisfaction you’ll get at the end of a working day is incredible. This long tradition of inspiring minds has earned us an enviable reputation in the sector. The Guardian University Guide 2023 ranked us top in the North West for Education, so you’re in expert hands.

Whether you want to manage a nursery, teach in a school or you’re already working in the children’s workforce and want to take the next step, we’re here to support your career ambitions. We have connections to over 1,000 educational settings, so there are plenty of opportunities for work experience. That’s why we’re 3rd in the North West for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2024.

We have a range of courses covering different ages phases, specialisms and types of education. Each could lead to a rewarding career – you just need the imagination and curiosity to succeed.

Postgraduate Teacher Training

A typical route for a graduate who wants to train to teach is a PGCE. Regardless of the subject and age phase, a PGCE will challenge you to achieve the very highest levels of both subject knowledge and teaching standards.

With our jam-packed PGCE programmes, you’ll create engaging lesson plans, get extensive experience in the classroom and continuously evaluate your approach. Whenever you need feedback on your teaching or support brushing up on your knowledge of the national curriculum, you’ll have a fantastic support network at Edge Hill you can turn to.

No degree in the area you want to teach? No problem. Our Secondary PGCE and Primary Mathematics Specialist PGCE students can complete a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course.

Professional development

If you’re already working in an education setting, we offer a range of MA Education pathways as part of our professional development portfolio. Programmes will place you at the cutting edge of education theory and practice, exploring a range of learning needs from Leadership and Curriculum Design to SEN and Children and Young People’s Mental Health. They can be studied full and part-time, face-to-face or online, and will prepare you for further study at PhD and EdD level.

Why choose Edge Hill University?

• Partnerships with over 1000 schools – benefit from our links to gain experience in a variety of settings, with placements matched to your training needs.
• Expert tuition – most tutors are research-active so you’ll be the first to apply the latest findings to the classroom.
• Support that doesn’t end after your course – we’ll help you overcome any challenges throughout your first year of teaching once you graduate.
• Personalised approach – support is personalised to your development. You’ll be supported by a tutor and up to two mentors in practice.
• Stimulated learning environment - The Faculty of Education is located in a £9 million purpose-built lakeside facility equipped with the latest technology.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for postgraduate teacher training programmes for 2024/25 are £9,250.

You can elevate your teaching journey with a Department for Education bursary worth up to £28,000 for selected Secondary PGCEs in 2024/25. Bursaries are tax-free, non-repayable and no application is required. For certain subjects, you may be eligible to apply for a Teacher Training Scholarship, instead of a bursary, worth up to £30,000.

Fees for professional development courses vary from to £9,000 for full-time MA Education pathways. For PGDip, PGCert and part-time study fees, please visit Edge Hill’s Fees, Financial Support and Scholarships page.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement Courses

No degree in the area you want to teach? We offer free Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses will get you up to speed. Courses are available for Primary Mathematics Specialist PGCE applicants as well as Secondary PGCE applicants to further knowledge in Biology, Computer Science, English, Geography, Mathematics or Religious Education. The structure and length of an SKE programme is flexible and varies depending on your individual subject knowledge requirements.

Find out more about Subject Enhancement Courses.

Student Life

Experience the epitome of campus life, where nature meets innovation. Our beautiful grounds, with lakes and a beach, has earned us the prestigious Green Flag Award for 12 consecutive years, recognising Edge Hill as one of the UK’s best green spaces.

For comfortable studying outside the faculty, you’ll find everything you need in our £27m Catalyst building. An inspiring 24/7 hub home to Student Support Services, Careers and resources to enrich your learning. And as far as facilities go, we’ve got you covered – we’re 3rd in the UK for university facilities (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023).

Beyond academia, there’s a diverse range of opportunities to get involved in. From joining societies at the Students’ Union to trying out for sports teams at Edge Hill Sport or taking in free performances at The Arts Centre.

Located in Ormskirk in Lancashire, we're perfectly positioned to connect you to industrial and cultural hubs like Liverpool and Manchester, scenic landscapes in the Lake and Peak Districts, and the stunning north-west coast. At Edge Hill, we really do have it all.

Open days

Discover Edge Hill University for yourself by attending one of our many open events held throughout the year.

Take a guided tour of campus, attend subject presentations, and see our facilities in action. There will be opportunities to speak with course tutors and current students who can answer any questions about your subject. Staff from all departments across the University will also be on-hand to answer your questions at the Student Experience Fair.

You will even get a taste of the food we offer with a complimentary lunch and refreshments on us. Free parking on campus is also available.

Visit the website to view upcoming dates and to register for an open day.

How to apply

Applying to study a postgraduate education course?

• For postgraduate teacher training you will need to apply through the Apply for Teacher Training service on GOV.UK. An early application is strongly recommended as places are allocated throughout the year.
• For postgraduate taught education programmes you can apply online via the relevant course page on the Edge Hill website.