Case Study

Although I’d received offers from other universities, I ultimately chose to study at the University of Sunderland because of the amazing reputation of its teacher training courses, which have been running for over 100 years. The support I received as an international student was also important to me – the admissions team were always quick to help me with any queries I had, and I received a scholarship which made studying here more affordable compared to other universities. All of this gave me confidence that studying at the University of Sunderland was the right choice for me.

The training provided on the PGCE Science with Physics Education course and by the University’s partner schools was world class. The support from my mentors and the entire PGCE team was exceptional; I can’t thank the University enough for understanding my personal situation and resolving any issues I had during my studying. I also made fantastic use of the library at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s, not just for its wide collection of resources but as a place I could spend time building my knowledge around my own subject.

Studying here has completely changed me as a person and everything I’ve learned on the PGCE course has helped me to become a good teacher. Having come from India where I taught physics in Mumbai, I had to go back to basics and relearn everything about what it means to be a teacher. The fact that I can now teach students in the UK despite being brought up in a small town in India is such an accomplishment for me.

The University of Sunderland and its partner schools have transformed me as a professional, and after graduating, I was offered a job as a physics teacher in Essex. My future career aim is to become part of the executive team of a respectable multi-academy trust where I can utilise my position to help the community that the school serves.

My advice to any international students thinking of coming to train as a teacher at Sunderland would be to really aim to excel within your field of study. Don’t just assume coming to the UK is an easier route into teaching, as you need to want to succeed and make a difference as a teacher. Having this perspective will help you to utilise the resources offered to you and appreciate how well prepared the University is to support you.

To sum up my experience of studying here, I’d use the University’s own words in that it’s been completely “life changing”. Sunderland truly delivers on its promise of being life changing with full commitment and integrity.”

Published 12 September 2023