PGDE Secondary Education: English
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-08-01 | - |
| 2027-08-01 | - |
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is a well-recognised teaching qualification worldwide, regulated by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and the Scottish Government. This program is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to become effective teachers.
Key Facts
- Start date: August
- Study mode and duration: Full-time: 36 weeks including 18 weeks of placement experience, Part-time: two years including 18 weeks of full-time placement experience
- UCAS code: 8X82
- Gaelic Medium UCAS code: 8X83
Why This Course?
Training to become an English teacher gives students the opportunity to share their passion for the subject, inspiring and shaping the lives of their students. Teaching English at Secondary level allows students to develop their key literacy skills, such as reading, writing, talking, and listening, which play an integral role in learning across the curriculum.
Course Content
The PGDE is modular in structure, and students will study three modules across the year:
- Education Studies: Professional Values
- Professional Learning Through Enquiry
- Professional Skills, which includes Curriculum and Pedagogy, and Professional Practice
Placement
Students will spend 18 weeks of the course on placement in a school within Scotland, where they will be continually assessed to show they meet the requirements for the Standards for Provisional Registration.
Future Employment
The PGDE is a well-recognised teaching qualification worldwide. Students from Scotland, other parts of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland who are studying at a Scottish Higher Education Institution are eligible to join the Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS), which provides a guaranteed 1-year training post in a local authority.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements include:
- An ordinary degree or international equivalent, with at least 80 SCQF credits in English, including 40 credits in Literature
- Higher (SCQF Level 6) English Grade C or above
- National 5 (SCQF Level 5) Mathematics Grade C or above
- Evidence of experience working with children in a secondary school or related setting
- An understanding of modern secondary education
- An ability to relate to people
Fees and Funding
- Scotland: To be confirmed
- England, Wales & Northern Ireland: To be confirmed
- Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status
- International: £19,850
- Additional costs include travel to schools, PVG Scheme membership, and visa and immigration costs for international students
Careers
A degree in education will equip students for a range of careers working with children and young people, including:
- Secondary Teacher
- Head Teacher
- Further Education Lecturer
- Special Educational Needs Teacher
- Charity Adviser
- Youth Worker
- Museum Educator
- Education Liaison roles
- Private Tutor
Skills You'll Need
- Excellent communication
- A good imagination and creativity
- Organisational and time-management skills
- Patience
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Enthusiasm, energy, and excitement for what you do
Salary
Secondary school teacher current main salary scales range from £31,584 to £47,565.
How to Apply
Applications can be made through UCAS for UK and EU applicants or through the University's Direct Applications service for international and part-time applicants. The application process includes submitting qualifications, references, and a personal statement, followed by an interview selection process.
Interview Selection
The interview process assesses the candidate's suitability for the course, considering factors such as evidence of suitable qualifications, breadth of knowledge, interest in teaching, experience working with young people, and good written communication skills.
Interview Result
After the interview, a panel will decide on the candidate's suitability for the course, resulting in either an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or a rejection of the application.
Start Date
The course starts in August, with applications open for both full-time and part-time study.
Additional Information
The University of Strathclyde offers a range of support services, including the Access, Equality & Inclusion Service, Alumni & Development, Careers Service, and more. The University is committed to providing a high-quality education and supporting students throughout their academic journey.
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