Student Voices

Upon completion of a Masters in Inclusive Education in 2017, I decided it was time for a career change. I was motivated to join the world of teaching because I was inspired to contribute to the education forum by opening up doors in children’s learning.

I had chosen UoB Dubai because it is one of the Russell Group universities and is ranked as a prestigious organization worldwide. I was confident to make this decision because of its reputable status and the way in which the staff welcomed me during the Train to Teach Open day.

My university tutor, Mrs Karen Brodie has been absolutely amazing with supporting my learning trajectory right from the start of the PGCE programme. It has made all the difference in knowing that there is someone I can trust and rely on when things get tough. The library staff are super helpful and friendly and have always gone out of their way to help me locate books I needed during my study. The computer labs and study rooms are quiet and spacious which creates a good study environment.

The facilities, cultural and social events UoB arranges have made a difference to the way in which I settled into university life. My classmates were all very friendly. It helped to start off the programme with a small cohort because everyone got to know one another very well and were willing to help one another throughout the course.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Try to get your hands on the core reading materials before the start of the programme. Time-Management is a key skill when having to balance between school placements and academic study during this course. This course is a very challenging one but that you will truly be fulfilled with the fruits of your labour when your work and efforts are recognized and valued.

What are your career aspirations?

I hope to gain teaching experience in good or outstanding schools whose ethos embraces differences as being a natural part of human diversity. Inclusion and inclusive education has been a central theme across lectures and workshops that have been arranged at UoB. This has certainly sustained my motivation in pursuing a teaching career.

Tell us about your favourite aspect of UoB Dubai?

At the end of School Experience 1, I had arranged for a fun get together with the Primary PGCE group to celebrate the first learning milestone we had all reached and accomplished. I believe it is important to not be too hard on yourself and to take time out to appreciate how far you have come. I think morale support from peers has helped each and every one of us to be reminded of learning as a journey and that no matter how steep the climb, it is important to recognize perseverance as an important life-skill quality one could possess.

Aishah and her parents at the PGCE Celebration Ceremony, May 2019

Tell us why you wanted to become a teacher?

Teaching, empowering pupil with knowledge, gives me a great sense of satisfaction.

Tell us why you chose to study your PGCE at UoB Dubai?

It is a privilege to be studying at University of Birmingham, which is ranked one among the best universities in the world. Also, UoB is the only university in Dubai which is offering a full-time PGCE taught programme which is very beneficial.

What has your experience been like on your PGCE?

UoB has a brilliant team of teachers who carry with them several years of experience and have made the entire process interesting. The team is very supportive and encouraging, they have always stood by me in times of need.

What has your student experience been like at UoB Dubai?

I got an opportunity to re-live my university life after almost a decade of completing my post-graduation.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

The PGCE is a rigorous course which will test one’s passion for teaching. Unlike other courses, PGCE can be seen as the only single course which your tutor will personalize it for you according to your needs. Moreover, following your tutor’s advice and working diligently will take you a long way.

Tell us about your favourite aspect of UoB Dubai?

The best part of PGCE was attending Science lessons which were made interesting by our tutor. PGCE programme helped me in finding new friends at the UoB.                                  

Following a career break, the UoB Dubai’s PGCE programme offered me the opportunity to retrain as a teacher at a reputable UK university, in an international setting.

I opted to study a PGCE Primary at the UoB Dubai rather than a PGCEi, as I valued the opportunity to attend university based teaching, rather than having to study online. Additionally, this course provided the opportunity to meet other students to share and benefit from our joint experiences.

The UoB Dubai provided the opportunity to study an internationally recognised teacher qualification without the need to move back to the UK, which wasn’t a feasible option for me.

What has your experience been like on your degree programme?

The combination of university based learning, alongside substantial experience in a school setting, has prepared me with the professional skills and confidence to become an effective classroom practitioner.

Whilst the PGCE Primary was a challenging and rigorous course, I felt supported throughout my learning journey by academic staff at the university and teachers and mentors whilst on school experience placements.

The staff in the School of Education are knowledgeable and supportive and have an awareness on the local educational context which they integrate with the UK programme.

What has your student experience been like at UoB Dubai? 

I valued the opportunity to study with a truly international cohort of students.

How have you settled into a new city?  

There are countless recreational activities available in the UAE. The UAE is clean and safe and has a welcoming expat community.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Teaching is a huge responsibility and the PGCE Primary programme requires a high level of commitment. Before embarking on the course seek out opportunities to work with young people to ensure a career in education is for you. Being organised and effectively managing your time will support you in undertaking this course.

What are your career aspirations?

Whilst undertaking the PGCE Primary course I was able to secure employment at a leading International school in Dubai. The diversity of my school experience placements allowed me to consider the type and culture of school I wished to work in.

Tell us about your favourite aspect of UoB Dubai?

Undertaking the PGCE Primary at the UoB Dubai has been truly life changing. I have really valued the opportunity to be able retrain in Dubai and embark on a new career as an educator, making a difference to young people’s lives.   

Tell us why you wanted to become a teacher?

I consider myself very fortunate to have been taught by very passionate teachers throughout my K-12 and undergraduate years of education. Their patience, perseverance and devotion towards students have greatly inspired me to choose this beautiful profession of teaching. The satisfaction that I gain when my students reciprocate to my teaching is something I treasure immensely.

Why you chose to study your PGCE at UoB Dubai?

University of Birmingham belongs to the Russell Group and is one of the top universities in the world. UoB Dubai is the only university that provides a face-to-face PGCE programme in the middle east. It also has partnered with multiple outstanding schools in Dubai which allows its PGCE student teachers to get beneficial teaching experience.

What has your experience been like on your PGCE?

All lecturers are very well-qualified and have teaching experience of many years. UoB has provided me wide range of support from personal wellbeing to career development including preparation for interviews, CV checks etc.

What has your student experience been like at UoB Dubai?

My PGCE cohort is very diverse and it was amazing to meet and share experiences with students from different parts of the world in the university. The campus is very well decorated both from inside and outside as well.

Have you recently moved to UAE? How have you settled in?  

Yes, I have moved from Mumbai, India. I have settled in very easily because I grew up in a middle eastern country (Saudi Arabia) and also because UAE provides a strong sense of belongingness to everyone in it.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

If you have decided to get a teaching qualification, then UoB Dubai is the right place to get it from. You will learn a lot from the teachers and mentors and enjoy your time here at the same time.

How will your time at UoB Dubai help you reach your career goals?

UoB Dubai graduates are highly sought by employers. The career support that UoB Dubai has provided me makes me positively hopeful about finding my first teaching job as a qualified maths teacher with ease.

Tell us about your favourite aspect of UoB Dubai?

My favourite aspect of Uob Dubai will be experiencing the diverse demographics of my PGCE cohort and the inclusion that we share amongst us.

Tell us why you wanted to become a teacher?

I love interacting with young people and I love my subject! So, there’s nothing better for me to do than become a science teacher! I hope to inspire people and have a positive impact on their lives.

Why you chose to study your PGCE at UoB Dubai?

I heard lots of great things about both the programme and the university.

What has your experience been like on your PGCE?

It has been excellent, the teaching has been great, and the tutors are very supportive, understanding and amazing overall.

What has your student experience been like at UoB Dubai?

The community, campus and my classmates are great.

How will your time at UoB Dubai help you reach your career goals?

Hopefully, it will help me become a successful, confident and amazing teacher, because it has provided me with so much information on teaching as well as great experience with a lot of support.

Tell us about your favourite aspect of UoB Dubai?

My favorite aspect is my tutor. She is great, supportive and understanding. She’s also fun to talk to as well. The campus is also great, it feels like “home”.