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: 4X46
• Gaelic Medium UCAS code: 4X21

Why This Course?

Studying on the PGDE (Secondary) Religious Moral Education course is a rewarding and absorbing experience. By training to teach religious moral education at Strathclyde, students will benefit from:

• Purposeful, inclusive, and multicultural education
• An emphasis on philosophical and critical thinking skills
• The exploration of a variety of religious beliefs and those beliefs independent of religion
• Innovative teaching strategies informed by current research
• A strong emphasis on the development of resourcing and course writing skills
• Opportunities for peer micro-teaching
• Expert-led workshops from teacher practitioners
• The exploration of the purposeful use of various technologies in teaching
• Opportunities for sharing resources with other RME students
• An input by experts from faith communities
• An insight into the content of other curricular areas in relation to RME
• Strong links with school practitioners

What You'll Learn

This course will equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they 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

Students will spend 18 weeks of the course on placement in a school within Scotland. Placement is an opportunity to put what is being learned into practice, explore teaching styles, learn new techniques, and develop relationships with pupils.

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 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 in two or more of the areas listed below:
  • Religious studies
  • Philosophy
  • Theology
  • Divinity
  • Sociology of religion
  • Anthropology of religion
  • Psychology of religion
• 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 the offer letter.

Careers

A degree in education will equip students 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

Apply

Applications should be made online through the Students Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) website for Scottish students, or through UCAS for UK and EU applicants. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University, or through the University's Direct Applications service.