Alumni Profiles

Véronique Kong Lin Chong

This course empowers you to make a real impact in the classroom - it sets you up not just to teach, but to teach well. The content is thoughtfully structured, with a strong focus on international teaching and learning, making it relevant across diverse educational contexts. One of its greatest strengths is its flexibility.

 

Home country: Singapore (born in Mauritius)
PGCEi cohort: Online

A good friend highly recommended the University of Nottingham’s PGCEi to Véronique, she had completed the course herself and spoke of how enriching the modules were. Her positive experience encouraged Veronique to explore the programme further. What truly sealed the decision for her was the flexibility it offered. As a full-time teacher, and a parent raising four young children with her husband, being able to study at her own pace was absolutely essential.

Véronique says the course has contributed significantly to her personal and professional development and said the final module, in which she conducted research on French phonology with three of her students, was particularly transformative. She added "Listening to their feedback gave me valuable insights into their learning processes and highlighted areas I had not considered before. As a result, I plan to incorporate targeted phonological sessions into my teaching to better support their language development. In addition, completing the PGCEi has strengthened my credentials and opened up more opportunities to apply for positions at competitive international schools."

Asked what she considered the best part of the course, Véronique said "What I loved most was the opportunity to learn, reflect, and exchange ideas with classmates from all around the world. It was both enriching and inspiring to engage with such a diverse range of perspectives through the forums. In fact, I even made a close friend during the process, which was an unexpected bonus. Another highlight was the academic growth I experienced. I began with no background in academic writing, and the journey to where I am now has been incredible. The course structure guided me step by step, gradually removing support as my skills developed. It pushed me to think more critically and helped me gain confidence in expressing myself in a more scholarly and reflective way." 

Commenting on the the support throughout the course, Véronique said it was was excellent. "The tutors worked closely together and were always quick to respond to emails. Personally, I never felt alone - my tutor, Gordon, was consistently available and guided me towards the right resources whenever I had questions. In addition to academic support, one of our classmates created a WhatsApp group, which became a practical and encouraging space for us to help each other, especially during more challenging times. The webinars were also very clear and focused, which made the content easier to grasp. I really appreciated using Nusearch, the university’s digital library. It gave me access to a wide range of academic resources, which was incredibly helpful for my research and assignments."

Véronique acknowledged that teaching, parenting, and studying, was certainly a challenge - but that it became manageable with the right strategies and support. She stayed back daily after work to study, and on some weekends, when needed, her husband took care of the children so she could focus.  She said "At the start of the course, I made good use of the July holidays to get ahead with reading and preparation. I also set personal deadlines a week before the real ones - just in case anything went wrong with technology. I knew that waking up early or reading late at night would not work for me, so I built a routine that fit my rhythm and stuck to it. Having strong support from my family made a big difference, too."

Véronique believes this course empowers you to make a real impact in the classroom - it sets you up not just to teach, but to teach well. She said "The content is thoughtfully structured, with a strong focus on international teaching and learning, making it relevant across diverse educational contexts. One of its greatest strengths is its flexibility. You can progress at your own pace, which is ideal if you are balancing work or family responsibilities. The tutors are incredibly supportive and responsive, so you are never left feeling alone on the journey. Whether you are looking to strengthen your current teaching practice, move up the career ladder, or use it as a stepping stone towards a master’s degree, the PGCEi gives you the knowledge and credentials to take that step with confidence."

To anyone considering the course Véronique's said "Go for it - you won’t regret it. The learning curve is steep at the start but the experience is truly rewarding, both personally and professionally. You will gain new perspectives, deepen your understanding of teaching, and feel more confident in your practice. If you are committed and open to growing as an educator, this course will be a valuable step forward. 

Selina Hogan

Holding the PGCEi significantly boosted my professional profile. It opened doors to opportunities across Asia. I received interview invitations and contract offers from leading international schools in China, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand.

The certificate is widely recognised and respected in the international education community, and it gave me a strong advantage in a competitive job market.

 

Home country: Ireland
PGCEi cohort: Spain

As an educator working in an international context, Selina was looking for a qualification that would enhance her teaching practice while allowing her to continue working full-time. The PGCEi at the University of Nottingham stood out to her because of its academic reputation, flexibility, and strong emphasis on reflective practice. Selina said "I wanted a course that went beyond classroom tips and techniques, one that would help me understand the educational theories behind effective teaching and give me the tools to adapt those principles to diverse learning environments. The PGCEi offered exactly that, with a curriculum grounded in educational research, yet highly relevant to day-to-day teaching. Another key reason I chose this course was its global perspective. I knew I would be learning alongside educators from around the world, and that diversity of experience would challenge and broaden my own understanding of teaching and learning. Most importantly, the PGCEi aligned with my long-term professional goals. It is a globally recognised course and I knew it would stand to me whether I chose to remain in the classroom, move into leadership, or pursue further study. I knew this internationally respected qualification would open doors… and it did!"

Selina believes the PGCEi has had a transformative impact her career as shortly after completing the course, she was offered her first teaching position at a well-established IB school in China, where she received in-depth training in the IB curriculum from some of the most experienced and respected members of the IB board. This experience not only strengthened her practical skills but also deepened her understanding of inquiry-based learning and international education standards. Selina said "Holding the PGCEi significantly boosted my professional profile. It opened doors to opportunities across Asia. The certificate is widely recognised and respected in the international education community, and it gave me a strong advantage in a competitive job market. Beyond the career opportunities, the PGCEi changed the way I think about teaching and learning. It gave me a solid foundation in educational theory, improved my ability to reflect critically on my practice, and most importantly, deepened my understanding of how children learn. This has directly influenced my day-to-day teaching,  from lesson planning to classroom management and made me a more thoughtful, student-centred educator." 

The module Selina enjoyed most during the PGCEi was Understanding Learning and Teaching commenting "This module offered an in-depth look at educational theory and psychology, which completely transformed the way I approach teaching. I was particularly fascinated by the work of Howard Gardner and his theory of multiple intelligences, as well as Lev Vygotsky’s ideas on social learning and the Zone of Proximal Development. Learning about the psychology behind how children learn helped me take a more thoughtful, individualised, and research-informed approach to lesson planning and classroom interactions. This module encouraged me to think beyond surface-level strategies and really consider how learning happens - cognitively, socially, and emotionally. It made me far more reflective and intentional in my teaching practice.Another highlight was learning about the different curricula used in schools around the world. This comparative perspective was incredibly useful in helping me decide which curriculum best aligned with my teaching philosophy and career goals. It ultimately guided me toward the IB curriculum, which I now teach and deeply enjoy. 

Selina found the research module to be equally rewarding "as it gives the opportunity to select a topic we were passionate about and conduct a small-scale classroom inquiry. Being able to apply theory to real students and gather meaningful insights was both empowering and practical. It helped me develop a stronger understanding of evidence-based teaching and gave me tools to continually improve my practice."

The best part of the PGCEi course for Selina  was the way the content was both academically rigorous and immediately applicable to real-world teaching and she said that everything they learnt, from theories of learning to curriculum analysis and classroom research was grounded in practice, which meant she could apply new insights directly to her classroom and see the impact almost immediately. She commented that beyond the content, the exceptional support from the PGCEi lecturers stood out and said "The academic team is genuinely invested in your success. They go above and beyond to be supportive, approachable, and understanding, especially knowing that many of us are balancing full-time work and personal responsibilities while studying. Their flexibility and compassion made a world of difference." She also felt the sense of community within the PGCEi programme is also something special saying the staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the cohort becomes like a family. Everyone supports each other, shares ideas, and lifts one another up, which creates a truly collaborative and inspiring learning environment.

Balancing full-time work with the PGCEi course, and personal life was definitely a challenge at times for Selina, but she found it manageable thanks to the structure of the programme and how engaging the content was. She usually dedicated time early in the morning before school and would sometimes continue in the evenings after work and also set aside some time on the weekends to stay on top of readings and assignments. She said "The flexibility of the course and the understanding from the tutors also made it much easier to manage everything. They knew we were juggling multiple responsibilities and were always supportive if we needed guidance or a bit of extra time. Overall, with some planning and a lot of passion, I was able to make it all work  and it was absolutely worth it."

Selina says "I highly recommend the PGCEi because it is a globally recognised qualification backed by the strong academic reputation of the University of Nottingham. The course carries real weight in the international education community — many schools instantly recognise and respect it, which can make a big difference when applying for jobs around the world. Another key advantage is that the PGCEi is a master’s level qualification, meaning you've already completed one-third of a full master's degree. This not only enhances your professional credibility but also gives you the option to continue your academic journey in the future, should you choose to pursue a full MA Education. It’s a course that opens doors, builds deep understanding of how students learn, and prepares you to teach in diverse international settings. Whether you're new to teaching or looking to develop your skills further, the PGCEi offers a powerful combination of flexibility, academic depth, and global opportunity.

Offering advice to anyone thinking of studying the PGCEi, Selina said "I recommend setting a regular study routine early on, even if it’s just an hour a day. Stay organised, pace yourself, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support the tutors are genuinely there to help you succeed. Also, make the most of the cohort community; connecting with fellow educators around the world is one of the most enriching parts of the experience. Come into the course with an open mind and a willingness to reflect. The PGCEi will change the way you think about teaching and learning and if you fully engage with it, it can be a life-changing experience."

Shaazia Shaad

The flexibility of the online format was instrumental in balancing my professional and personal responsibilities while pursuing the course. It allowed me to integrate theoretical knowledge and practical applications seamlessly into my teaching practice. This flexibility also meant that I could immediately implement new strategies and reflect on their effectiveness in real-time, enhancing the relevance and immediacy of my learning experience.

 

Home country: India
PGCEi cohort: UAE

Shaazia chose the University of Nottingham for the PGCEi because of its strong academic reputation, particularly in the field of education, and its global recognition. The flexibility of the online format allowed her to balance her professional and personal commitments and the course's international focus aligned with her goal of working in diverse educational settings. 

Asked how the course has helped Shaazia in her career, she said "The PGCEi played a pivotal role in helping me secure a job in London by equipping me with the essential skills and qualifications highly sought after by schools in the city. The course's strong emphasis on contemporary educational practices and international perspectives gave me a unique edge in a competitive job market. The university's prestigious reputation also added significant weight to my application, signaling to potential employers that I had received high-quality training from a respected institution, reassuring hiring committees of my competence and readiness to contribute effectively to their educational community. Furthermore, the global network and diverse cohort of peers I engaged with during the PGCEi provided valuable insights into different educational systems and practices. This experience allows me to bring a rich, international perspective to my teaching."

Throughout the course, Shaazia says her tutor, Alan Dewar, provided exceptional support that significantly enhanced her learning experience and professional development. She continued "Alan’s guidance was a cornerstone of my journey, offering a blend of academic expertise, practical advice, and personalised feedback that profoundly impacted my progress on the course. Alan’s encouragement and motivational support were also essential in maintaining my confidence and enthusiasm throughout the course. His belief in my potential was evident in his interactions, and his supportive approach helped me to approach the course with a sense of purpose and resilience."

Shaazia's advice for anyone considering the PGCEi course is:

• clearly define your professional goals and ensure the course aligns with them
• prepare for the demands of online learning by establishing a disciplined study routine that accommodates your work and personal life
• make the most of the flexible format by integrating your new knowledge into your current teaching practice in real-time
• actively engage with the course material and participate in discussions with a diverse cohort of peers, as this can provide valuable insights and support
• utilise the resources and feedback offered by tutors, who are there to help you navigate challenges and apply theoretical concepts practically
• embrace the reflective practice components of the course to continually assess and refine your teaching strategies

Edmundo Rosa

The PGCEi course has been a transformative experience for me. It has not only expanded my understanding of key educational concepts but also provided me with practical skills in research. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to enhance their teaching practice and advance their careers.

 

Home country: Portugal
PGCEi cohort: China

Edmundo chose to study at the University of Nottingham because he wanted to get a strong British academic certificate from a trusted university that would add value to my teaching career. Although he already held an MA Second Language Studies from the University College Dublin, he felt he needed a more theoretical background and a robust understanding of pedagogy and teaching and learning. As he was keen to work for a leading international school, Edmundo knew that having a PGCEi qualification would provide him with the right academic pathway to pursue this goal.

Commenting on how the course has helped with his career, Edmundo said "The PGCEi has had great impact in my career as an educator. It has helped me to enhance my teaching practice and become a more confident and effective teacher. Through the course, I gained new knowledge and skills that I was able to apply in my day-to-day work. Moreover, the PGCEi has opened up new opportunities for professional development and career advancement. I was able to secure a position at St. Julian's School, a leading international school in Europe, where I have been able to further develop my teaching practice and gain back the investment I made in the programme within a year of completing it. Overall, the PGCEi has been an asset to my career and has helped me to advance in the field of education."

Asked which module he enjoyed the most, Edmundo chose Inquiring into Educational Practice in International Contexts and said "I got to plan and undertake a small-scale investigation in my own educational context, focusing on an aspect of my students' learning. I conducted a study to explore how my Grade three students demonstrated understanding performances when challenged with two-digit numbers in Portuguese. The project was very engaging as it supported me in developing an understanding of the principles, methodological, and ethical considerations of educational research. I submitted a research proposal early in the module and received valuable feedback from the course tutor, which helped refine my investigation. Carrying out a literature review to support my inquiry was both challenging and rewarding. The completed assignment, which related investigation findings to preparatory reading material, enhanced my understanding of educational research." 

The best part of the course for Edmundo was the blended nature, which included both self-paced components and face-to-face online sessions. He said "The online components were well-structured and user-friendly, allowing me to easily navigate and complete the coursework. The face-to-face sessions provided a wonderful opportunity to engage with my fellow students and tutors. Additionally, the support from my tutor, Ruth Graham, was invaluable."

Edmundo felt balancing work, the course, and personal life was challenging but manageable due to the flexible nature of the PGCEi programme. The course is designed to be completed online, which allowed him to fit his studies around his full-time work schedule. Setting clear priorities, staying organised, and respecting deadlines were key strategies that helped him manage his responsibilities effectively.

Giving advice to those considering this course, Edmundo said "Don’t be discouraged if English is not your first language or if you come from a different professional background than teaching. There will be others like you. This course does require dedication and efficient time management, but the rewards and career advancements are well worth the money and the effort.

Lucy Clarke

Home country: UK
PGCEi cohort: China

Lucy says the PGCEi course has been fantastic for her professional development and she has been appointed Head of Academics at her school which allows her to work directly with the teachers and to serve as their line manager. She said "I feel like I have been able to use what I have learned in the PGCEi to help me with this new position and it has given me the confidence to make decisions within my role that can truly help the students and faculty."

Lucy really enjoyed Understanding Learning and Teaching in International Contexts, especially the section in which students can choose their own units. Her favourite unit was questioning which she felt made her consider the different ways that she could use questioning in my own teaching. She added "I refer to it almost every day and I feel like it definitely opened up my understanding to the theories behind questioning and evaluating student understanding."

Combining work and study, Lucy said "I made an effort to separate both as much as possible and dedicated time in my evenings and weekend to studying. I also needed to keep time for my own passions so I treated my studying like a second job with allotted hours. I think this was very helpful for me." Her advice for anyone considering the course is "break down your time carefully and stay organised. It’s very easy to put off university work but it will only give you headaches down the line. Work diligently and ask for help from your course mates and lecturers when you need it."

Lucy thinks this course ifs good for anyone who is committed to education and teaching, adding "It really broke down a lot of the theories in education and gave a good overview of teaching in international settings. I think this is a great course if you are a teacher working outside of your home country."