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: 36 weeks full-time, including 18 weeks of placement experience
• UCAS code: 6X90
• Gaelic Medium UCAS code: 6X75
• Funding: £15,000 Teaching Bursary available

Why This Course?

The PGDE Secondary Education: Technological Education course allows pupils to undertake projects that are engaging, active, and challenging. The University of Strathclyde has dedicated facilities for students on this course, including a state-of-the-art wood workshop and a design and digital manufacturing facility. The course tutors are dedicated to the subject and can offer advice and help in all areas of craftwork, graphics, computer design, and microprocessor programming.

What You'll Learn

This course 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 The course encourages an active and participative style of learning to meet professional needs and promote a commitment to continuing professional development.

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. Placement is an opportunity to put what is learned into practice, explore teaching styles, learn new techniques, and develop relationships with pupils.

Future Employment

Most PGDE graduates go on to work as teachers in secondary schools across the country. The PGDE is a well-recognised teaching qualification worldwide, and graduates may also be eligible to teach in other countries, subject to the relevant education authority's approval.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements include:

• 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
• A suitable minimum level of competency in the English language, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent

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 may include course materials, placements, and field trips
• Available funding includes scholarships and the £15,000 Teaching Bursary

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, but there are also many options for those who decide not to go into the classroom, such as charity adviser, youth worker, museum educator, and education liaison roles. The skills required for these careers include excellent communication, a good imagination and creativity, organisational and time-management skills, patience, and the ability to work as part of a team. The current main salary scales for secondary school teachers range from £31,584 to £47,565.