Program Overview

---

Program Overview

The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Secondary Education: Psychology is a well-recognised teaching qualification worldwide, regulated by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and the Scottish Government. This course is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to become effective teachers of psychology.

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: 8X89
• Gaelic Medium UCAS code: 8X88

Why this Course?

As a teacher of psychology, you will teach young people about the science of the mind and behaviour, and show pupils how they can analyse actions and interaction using evidence and theories. Studying on the PGDE (Secondary) Psychology course is a rewarding and absorbing experience where you will be contributing to a growing subject at a key time in its development.

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.

Compulsory Classes

• Education Studies: Professional Values
• Professional Learning Through Enquiry
• Professional Skills

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 are:

• An ordinary degree, or international equivalent, with 80 SCQF credits in psychology, to include psychology research methods
• Higher (SCQF Level 6) English Grade C or above
• National 5 (SCQF Level 5) Mathematics Grade C or above
• Evidence that you have experience of 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.

• 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

Careers

A degree in education will equip you for a range of careers working with children and young people. Most of our PGDE graduates go on to work as teachers in secondary schools across the country. Learn more about what happens after your PGDE.

Typical Jobs

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

Working Hours

During term time, you will officially work a 35-hour week but you may have to work more. You will be in school before the school day starts and stay after the pupils leave. Most teachers take their marking and preparations home to do in the evening.

Holidays

A teacher's total working year is 195 days including five days for in-service training. Every year you will get 40 days holiday at full pay.

Other Jobs

There are also many options for those who decide not to go into the classroom. Some alternative job roles are:

• 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.