Program Overview

Primary Education, MA

Overview

The MA Education (Hons) degree in Primary teaching at Aberdeen produces creative, confident, motivated and reflective primary teachers. You will benefit from opportunities to engage with placement learning from year one whilst on-campus learning develops your understanding of theory and research.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: X120

Programme Structure

The programme leads to a qualification to teach children in the 3–12 age range and you will gain registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). In each of the four years, our courses combine academic study with practical application.

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Introduction to Inclusive Teaching 1 (ED101A)
  • Global Perspectives on Education (ED101B)
  • Introduction to Inclusive Teaching 2 (ED151A)
  • Understanding Early Childhood (ED151D)
  • Languages, Literacy and Learning (ED151C)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
• Optional Courses: Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Understanding Literacy Development (ED201B)
  • Exploring Mathematical Conceptual Understanding - Aberdeen (ED201C)
  • Developing Curriculum Knowledge - Hwb (ED251D)
  • Belief Matters: Belief in Schools (ED251C)
  • Into Practice – Exploring the Role of the Teacher (ED251B)
• Optional Courses: Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Developing Professional Practice 1 (ED301L)
  • Understanding the Individual Needs of Children (ED301M)
  • Teaching Science in the Primary Classroom (ED301P)
  • Understanding Learning and Teaching in the Early Years 1 (ED301O)
  • Understanding Learning and Teaching in the Early Years 2 (ED351E)
  • Exploring the Expressive Arts in the Primary Curriculum (ED351F)
  • Developing Curriculum Knowledge – Social Studies (ED351G)

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Contexts for Learning Without Limits (ED401A)
  • Professional Enquiry in the Primary Classroom (ED401B)
  • Developing Professional Practice 2 (ED401C)
  • Developing Professional Practice 3 (ED451A)
  • Professional Project (ED451B)

How You'll Study

Our learner-centred approach is characterised by workshops, tutorials, seminars, self-study and lectures, supported by an online learning environment. Courses are assessed through a variety of approaches, including written, oral, coursework and school-based assessments.

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by a combination of assessment methods including:

• Coursework such as essays, reports, group presentations and portfolios completed throughout the course.
• Practical assessments of skills, competencies and professional knowledge and understanding during placement.
• Individual presentations, poster presentations, essays and examinations at the end of a course.

Why Study Primary Education?

• The School of Education at Aberdeen is recognised as a national and international centre of excellence for creative and innovative thinking and practice.
• We warmly welcome students of all ages and circumstances.
• Opportunities to add special interests which give further career options, including music.
• Opportunities to get involved in the latest research on new developments and thinking in education, such as technology assisting learning, outdoor learning, and bilingual learning.
• Strong links with European teacher education institutions and schools, with the opportunity to spend periods studying abroad.
• Leadership in research on education and autism, including developing social skills through imitation and drama.
• Programmes closely guided by national policies and priorities and leading in the pioneering use of technology in learning.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, state-of-the-art technology, and wonderful resources for teachers in training.
• A packed campus programme of student and public events, exhibitions, education seminars, invited speakers and the annual May Festival, which welcomes world-famous authors, broadcasters, public figures and a variety of experts onto campus every spring to discuss and debate big issues in our society and world today.

Entry Requirements

• Interviews: An interview forms part of the selection process at Aberdeen as candidates are beginning their professional qualification from year one with placement in every year of the course.
• PVG Check: A Protection of Vulnerable Group (PVG) check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted by the University.
• Qualifications:
  • SQA: Higher English and N5 Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics required as part of the entry requirements.
  • A Levels: A Levels: BBB. English and Mathematics as below.
  • International Baccalaureate: Minimum of 32 points including at least 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in Maths/Maths Studies at 4 or above. HL in English at 5 or above.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: Four subjects at Higher, with 1 at H2 and 3 at H3. O4 in Maths minimum required. H3 in English minimum required.

English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

• Fee information: Fee category | Cost
  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland | £9,535
  • EU / International students | £20,800
  • Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme.
  • Home Students | £1,820

Careers

After graduating from the programme, you will be eligible for a one-year induction training post* in a primary school in Scotland. Graduates from Aberdeen are highly valued by employers in the city, throughout Scotland and across the world.

*Please note: International Fees students, upon successful completion of the Education Programme are not entitled to an Induction Year Post and will not be permitted to join the Teacher Induction Scheme.