Program Overview

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Education (Primary) PGDE

The Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Primary is the first step on the journey to becoming a teacher. Successful completion of this Masters-level qualification will take students to the General Teaching Council for Scotlands Standard for Provisional Registration.

Why this programme

• The PGDE Primary provides a route to achieve the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) Standard for Provisional Registration, for graduates whose qualifications satisfy the requirements for entry into the teaching profession in Scotland.
• The programme closely integrates 18 weeks of on-campus learning with 18 weeks of school experience.
• Each element of the PGDE, whether University-based or school-based, encourages a research-informed approach, aligning with the criteria articulated in the GTCS Standard for Provisional Registration and the University of Glasgows graduate attributes.
• Students will have the opportunity to develop as engaged, reflective, and empowered teachers, sensitive to the needs of children and young people, responsive to a changing education system, and committed to research-informed professional learning throughout their career.
• The programme promotes and upholds values and dispositions consonant with the broad, social purposes of education. It is research-led with a focus on social justice, challenging students to examine their values and beliefs about what it means to be a socially-just and inclusive teacher.
• If students are from Scotland, other parts of the UK, or the Republic of Ireland, or are in some categories of EU status, they are eligible to enter the Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS) upon completion of the degree. The TIS guarantees a one-year teaching post through which students can achieve GTCS Standard for Full Registration. The GTCS Flexible Route is also open to them.
• Education at Glasgow is ranked 3rd in the UK by the Good University Guide 2026, and 7th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2026.

Programme structure

The programme will prepare students as beginning teachers through the following areas of study:

• Becoming a Teacher: Connecting, Challenging, and Changing
• Curriculum, Pedagogies, and Practice in The Primary
• Research and Enquiry-Led Learning and Teaching
• SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Catholic Teachers Certificate

In agreement with the Scottish Government, the School of Education, through the St Andrews Foundation, provides for the preparation of students to teach in Catholic Schools in Scotland. The PGDE Primary Programme offers a route that incorporates the Catholic Teachers Certificate.

Career prospects

GTCS Standards for Registration

Upon successful completion of the PGDE, students will have met the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) Standard for Provisional Registration, allowing them to begin working within a school(s) to achieve the Standard for Full Registration. Many graduates are teaching not only in Scotlands primary and secondary schools but throughout the UK and further abroad.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for PGDE

• International & EU: ｣26,460 (full-time)
• Scotland: ｣1,820 (full-time)
• Rest of UK: ｣9,790 (full-time)

Additional fees

• Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): ｣370
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: ｣350
• Registration/exam only fee: ｣170

Funding opportunities

• The Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
• CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement
• ANID (la Agencia Nacional de Investigaci y Desarrollo)
• Chevening Scholarship
• Commonwealth Scholarship Schemes
• Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia
• Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)
• Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students
• Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)
• Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans
• India Excellence Award
• Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)
• DAAD-University of Glasgow 1-year Masters grant
• Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship

Entry requirements

Academic Entry

• Degree: An undergraduate degree validated by a higher education institution in the United Kingdom or an undergraduate degree of an equivalent standard from a higher education institution outside the United Kingdom. All degree classifications are considered, however, priority is given to candidates with a 1st or 2:1 honours degree.
• English: National Qualifications in English at SCQF Level 6 (for example, Higher Grade) or an accepted alternative.
• Mathematics: National Qualifications in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5 (for example, National 5, Standard Grade, or Intermediate 2) or an accepted alternative.

Accepted Alternative Qualifications in English and Mathematics

English

• Scottish Higher English at Grade C or above
• Advanced Higher English at Grade C
• A Level English at Grade C
• GCSE/IGCSE English Language AND English Literature at Grade C / 4 (both qualifications must be achieved)
• International Baccalaureate English at HL 4 / SL 6
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher English at Grade C2 / H4
• SQA National Units at Higher Level in both Communication (NC) and Literature 1
• SCQF Level 6 Online English Access Course offered by the University of Aberdeen at Grade C
• University level modules (SCQF level 7 or above) that cover sufficient English Literature content.

Maths

• National 5 Maths (or Lifeskills Maths) at Grade C or above
• Intermediate Level 2 Mathematics at Grade C
• Standard Grade Credit Mathematics at Grade 2
• O Grade Mathematics at Grade A
• Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher Mathematics at Grade C
• A Level Mathematics at Grade C
• GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics at Grade C / 4
• International Baccalaureate Maths at HL 3 / SL 4
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Mathematics at Grade C3 / H5
• Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Mathematics at Grade B3 / O3
• SCQF Level 5 or 6 Online Mathematics Access Course offered by the University of Aberdeen at Grade C
• Open University MU123 Discovering Mathematics credits 30
• SQA National Units in BOTH Core Mathematics 4 (D11V) and Mathematics: Analysis/Algebra 1 (D11W)
• University level modules (SCQF level 7 or above) that cover sufficient Maths content

Personal Statement, Experience, and Reference

Applicants who meet or have the potential to meet the academic entry requirements will be considered for a place on the programme, and their personal statement and reference will be reviewed.

Interview

Interviews will be held from December, and invitations will be updated on UCAS track where applicants can accept, decline, or request a reschedule.

English language requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training): 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
• TOEFL (ibt, mybest, or at home): 90 overall with no subtest less than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
• Pearsons PTE Academic: 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
• Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
• Oxford English Test: 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
• LanguageCert Academic/Academic Online: 70 overall with no subtest less than 65
• Password Skills Plus: 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
• Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II: Two subtests at 96 or higher, and two subtests at 80 or higher
• Kaplan Test of English: Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher

How to apply

Applications are accepted from September with a closing date of 14 January 2026. Late applications will not be considered. The University of Glasgow UCAS codes (required for online UCAS application) are:

• PGDE Primary Education: X100
• PGDE Primary Education including Catholic Teachers Certificate: X102