| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-08-01 | - |
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Secondary Education: Modern Studies is a well-recognised teaching qualification worldwide, regulated by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and the Scottish Government.
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: 6X71
- Gaelic Medium UCAS code: 6X13
Why This Course?
Studying on the PGDE (Secondary) Modern Studies course is a rewarding and absorbing experience, and graduates go on to enjoy busy careers where their skills are in great demand due to the University of Strathclyde's reputation within the teaching profession.
Course Content
The course will equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to become an effective teacher. 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
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. Graduates 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 entry requirements for PGDE courses are based on the requirements set by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), including:
- An ordinary degree or international equivalent, with specific subject requirements
- 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
Application Process
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:
- Submission of qualifications and transcripts
- Evidence of Higher English and National 5 Maths
- Reference from an academic or professional source
- Interview selection, which assesses the candidate's qualifications, knowledge, experience, and communication skills.
