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: 7X53
• Gaelic Medium UCAS code: 7X33

Why This Course?

As a teacher of history, you will bring the past to life and teach your pupils how historical events can be interpreted in a variety of ways, sparking passionate debate and the development of a range of skills. Full support will be given throughout the course by an experienced history specialist to enhance your classroom practice.

What You'll Learn

This course will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you require. 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
  • Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • Professional Practice

Placement

You will spend 18 weeks of the course on placement in a school within Scotland. You will be continually assessed while there to show you meet the requirements for the Standards for Provisional Registration.

Future Employment

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). This provides a guaranteed 1-year training post in a local authority to every eligible student graduating with a teaching qualification from one of Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions.

Course Content

As part of the course, you will have the opportunity to submit two of your assignments at Masters level. If you do this, you will be almost halfway towards a Masters in Education qualification.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for PGDE courses are based on the requirements set by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The minimum entry requirements include:

• An ordinary degree, or international equivalent, with 80 SCQF credits from degree-level study in History or Ancient History
• 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 & Funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise. Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

Careers

A degree in education will equip you for a range of careers working with children and young people. Most PGDE graduates go on to work as teachers in secondary schools across the country. Jobs related to this degree include:

• Secondary Teacher
• Head Teacher
• Further Education Lecturer
• Special Educational Needs Teacher

Learning & Teaching

The course encourages an active and participative style of learning to meet your professional needs and promote a commitment to continuing professional development. The hours for this course are 9am to 5pm, and you are expected to be working on course-related activity during those hours.

Assessment

To be awarded the PGDE, you must pass all course modules. Each class includes coursework that involves group or independent study on specified tasks, which may involve presentations and written reports. Although these are not assessed formally, they are essential learning experiences and are course requirements.