About Us
University of Winchester
Why choose the University of Winchester?
- The University of Winchester has its roots in teacher training; it started in the 1830s to train teachers who would teach in poor communities. It has grown to incorporate different faculties and today has close to 8,000 students.
- The course is run by the Faculty of Education and the Arts – home to the Institution of Education, and Department of Education and Childhood Studies, among others.
- Both undergraduate and postgraduate degree-level qualifications are tailored to meet the profession’s needs and are consistently rated highly in internal and national student satisfaction surveys.
- The staff that will teach you have practical know-how and academic expertise, with years of experience. They are inspirational, creative and impactful.
- The University is involved with research for education, helping shape the future of pedagogy.
- We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the University and other providers of school-based ITT to design the course that we’ll be delivering.
- And finally, the University of Winchester is an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding ’ University for its Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provision.
What qualifications will you gain?
All student teachers are initially registered for the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This is a course of 120 credits at Level 6. In December, student teachers may apply to be registered on the Postgraduate Certificate In Education (PGCE-M) where up to 60 M-level credits can be gained from subsequent work. Therefore the PGCE-M will result in 60 credits at Level 6 and 60 at Level M.
All students completing the school-based course will also gain ECT (Early Career Teacher) status.
You can read more about the course here: University of Winchester | PGCE Secondary School Led 2024
What does the University offer students?
The University of Winchester’s approach to education is shaped by its history and a progressive-thinking ethos. It is dedicated to fostering a supportive and communal student environment. They will support you in your journey towards a successful career and empower you to make positive change.
Offering a friendly and compact campus, the University has first-class, sustainable facilities for learning and student life.
University of Winchester | Campus map
Student life is centred around the King Alfred Quarter. It has been added to and renovated so its enhanced facilities have the latest industry-standard equipment, digital networks and AV technology. King Alfred Quarter is also home to the Student Union. It organises club nights, comedy, quizzes and live music. There is also a cinema with a dedicated programme of films. A variety of clubs, societies and associations are run in the Student Union, offering the chance to get involved in a wide range of activities.
The University of Winchester offers excellent sports facilities for students, staff and the community. It has a sports stadium, an all-weather pitch and a range of gyms and sports halls.
The University is part of a thriving network of performing arts activities involving national and international artists and professional performance companies. Students and staff regularly perform at national events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the University is involved every year in the Winchester Hat Fair – a famous street theatre festival. There are excellent performance and rehearsal spaces at the University that offer the latest technology for student productions. There are also first-rate choreography and dance studio facilities.
The Link Gallery is an arts space at the University that is open to the general public. There is an exhibition programme throughout the year featuring established and emerging artists of a host of visual arts such as photography, painting and sculpture. There is also a fascinating array of visual arts displayed on campus – all are the creative works of students, staff, alumni and local professional artists.
Quick facts
Accommodation
The Rural Schools Alliance does not provide accommodation for its trainee teachers but advice regarding housing is available from Student Housing Services at The University of Winchester.
Childcare facilities
The partnership schools do not have dedicated childcare facilities on site and neither does the University.
The University recommends using local childcare providers.
Disability access
Schools within the alliance have varying degrees of disability access. Applicants who would like to find out more details about disabled access provision across the alliance can contact the Rural Schools Alliance Administrator. The University of Winchester provides a range of student support services including advice and guidance, and tutorials for those with a specific learning difficulty.
University of Winchester | Student support | Wellbeing | Disability and learning diversity
Public transport
Information about regional bus and train services that provide links to our partner schools can be found by contacting the Rural Schools Alliance Administrator. The University of Winchester is within walking distance of the main railway line from London Waterloo to Southampton, Bournemouth and Weymouth. There are also a wide range of regional bus and train services that are easily accessible and more information can be found at:
University of Winchester | Green campus | Travel and transport
Student Union and study facilities
All school-led trainee teachers with the Rural Schools Alliance become members of The University of Winchester’s Student Union and are, therefore, able to take advantage of the study facilities on the campus.
As a member of the Student Union you have access to the representation and support of the Union, as well as activities, events and facilities, including shops, bars, and laundrettes. You can also apply for a NUS card giving you access to student discounts.
Student support services include money (loans, bursaries and scholarships), wellbeing (mental health, life advice, disability and learning diversity, and health and medical advice), and academic skills.
You’ll have access to the library (including 24/7 during term time) and online resources, PCs, workstations and the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, Canvas.