Allie Spittle

Why did you decide to study for a PgCert?

As a Nurse, I have always been passionate about supporting the learning and development of others. Over the years, I found myself increasingly involved in teaching, mentoring and supporting colleagues and students, and I wanted to ensure I was doing this in the most effective way possible.

Like many healthcare professionals, I was also juggling a busy career alongside family life. Investing time and energy into further study was a big decision, but I saw the PgCert as an opportunity to invest in myself and my future. I wanted to build my confidence as an educator, develop a deeper understanding of how people learn, and gain the skills needed to make a greater impact on those I teach and support.

The programme offered the perfect balance of academic challenge and practical relevance, allowing me to develop professionally while continuing to work. For me, it wasn't just about gaining a qualification. It was about growing as an educator and opening doors to new career opportunities.

What was your experience of the Education for Health Professionals PgCert like?

My experience of the Education for Health Professionals PgCert was positive. One of the things I appreciated most was how relevant the learning felt to my everyday practice. The course encouraged me to critically reflect on my teaching, assessment and feedback methods, and I was able to apply new ideas immediately within my professional role.

As someone balancing work, family commitments and study, I found the programme manageable and well designed for busy healthcare professionals. The flexibility of the course structure made it possible to fit learning around the realities of everyday life, while still feeling challenged and supported academically.

The teaching team created an inclusive and encouraging learning environment where students from a wide range of healthcare backgrounds could share experiences and learn from one another. We created a community of practice that was encouraging, supportive and kind. Our discussions were invaluable and often highlighted different perspectives on common educational challenges.

The assessments felt purposeful rather than simply academic exercises. They gave me the opportunity to explore areas of genuine interest and helped me become a more reflective, evidence-informed educator. Throughout the programme, I felt supported by both tutors and fellow students, which made a significant difference to my confidence and enjoyment of the course.

How has the Education for Health Professionals PgCert supported your career goals and aspirations?

The PgCert has had a significant impact on both my confidence and my professional development. It has given me a much stronger understanding of educational theory and helped me apply this knowledge in a practical way to support learners more effectively.

The programme has strengthened my skills in teaching, curriculum development, assessment and feedback, while also encouraging me to become a more reflective practitioner. I now feel much more confident in educational conversations and in contributing to the development of learning experiences for students and colleagues.

Perhaps most importantly, the PgCert reinforced that investing in myself was worthwhile. As healthcare professionals, particularly those with family commitments, it can be easy to place our own development at the bottom of the priority list. Completing the programme showed me that it is possible to continue growing professionally, even when life is busy.

I would particularly encourage nurses and other healthcare professionals who are considering the programme but wondering whether they can manage the commitment alongside work and family life. The skills, knowledge and confidence I gained have been invaluable, and the qualification has opened up opportunities to further develop my role as an educator. It has helped me move closer to my goal of combining clinical expertise with educational leadership and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.