Program Overview
The PGDE Secondary Education: Physics with Science program equips aspiring teachers with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively teach physics and general science. Through inquiry-based learning, reflective practice, and hands-on classroom experience, students develop the skills, attitudes, and competencies necessary to inspire future generations. Graduates are qualified to pursue careers as secondary school teachers and in various other education-related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The PGDE Secondary Education: Physics with Science is a professional graduate diploma in education designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to become qualified physics teachers. The program aims to provide students with the skills, attitudes, and competencies to effectively communicate in the classroom and inspire learners with knowledge of the fundamental laws governing the natural world.
Objectives:
- To develop the theoretical and practical skills required for a successful teaching career.
- To acquire the necessary skills, attitudes, and competencies to communicate effectively in the classroom.
- To provide a foundation for a rewarding career in teaching, shaping the minds of future generations.
- To offer a globally recognized teaching qualification.
Outline:
The PGDE program is modular in structure and consists of three modules:
- Education Studies: Professional Values: This module explores the theoretical underpinnings of education, encouraging students to engage with issues related to the nature and purpose of education, social justice and equality, and practice and policy in relation to ethical and political ideas. It aims to disrupt and expand students' thinking about education, prompting them to reflect on their values and beliefs in relation to educational questions and issues.
- Professional Learning Through Enquiry: This module focuses on developing students as enquiring, self-reflective practitioners who can work collaboratively to develop skills, knowledge, and expertise in an area of professional practice. It aims to support students in becoming autonomous, transformative leaders of change, equipped to respond to the dynamic and complex nature of society.
- Professional Skills: This module is divided into two sub-modules:
- Curriculum and Pedagogy: This sub-module focuses on pedagogical theory, observation of experienced teachers, and application of knowledge and understanding in a practical context.
- Professional Practice: This sub-module provides practical experience in the classroom, allowing students to apply their learning and develop their teaching style.
Course Schedule:
- Full-time: 36 weeks, including 18 weeks of placement experience.
- Part-time: Two years, including 18 weeks of full-time placement experience.
Assessment:
- Coursework: Each class includes coursework involving group or independent study on specified tasks, which may involve presentations and written reports. While not formally assessed, these are essential learning experiences and course requirements.
- Placement: Students spend 18 weeks on placement in a school within Scotland, where they are continually assessed to ensure they meet the requirements for the Standards for Provisional Registration.
- Portfolio: Students must maintain a portfolio of progress during their placement, which forms part of the evidence of their meeting the Standards for Provisional Registration and prepares them for career-long professional learning.
Teaching:
- Active and Participative Learning: The course encourages an active and participative style of learning to meet students' professional needs and promote a commitment to continuing professional development.
- Timetable: The course hours are 9am to 5pm, with students expected to be engaged in course-related activity during those hours.
- Faculty: The program is taught by experienced teacher educators and seconded teachers, including expertise from the Glasgow Science Centre.
Careers:
- Secondary School Teacher: Most PGDE graduates go on to work as teachers in secondary schools across the country, using the Curriculum for Excellence framework to develop students' skills, abilities, and knowledge.
- Other Career Paths: Graduates may also pursue careers in:
- Head Teacher
- Further Education Lecturer
- Special Educational Needs Teacher
- Charity Adviser
- Youth Worker
- Museum Educator
- Education Liaison Roles
- Private Tutor
Other:
- SUSS: One of the highlights of the course is attending the residential Scottish Universities’ Science School (SUSS), where students meet other science student teachers from Scottish Universities.
- General Science Component: All science teachers in Scotland have a specialist science teacher qualification in physics, chemistry, or biology. They are also qualified to teach general science in first, second, and third year in schools.
- Masters Credits: Students have the opportunity to achieve up to 120 credits at Masters level, which can be used towards further study following the course.
- Preference Waiver Scheme: 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. The Preference Waiver Scheme offers an additional financial incentive for students who agree to be allocated to their one-year post anywhere in Scotland.
| Fees Type | Amount | | - | - | | Scotland | TBC | | England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £9,250 | | International | £18,050 |
Overview:
- Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
- Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
- Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
- Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
- Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)
Student Life:
- Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
- 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
- Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
- Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union
Academics:
- Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
- Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
- Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
- Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
- Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world
Top Reasons to Study Here:
- Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
- Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
- Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
- Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
- Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city
Services:
- Counseling and mental health support
- Health center with a range of medical services
- Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
- Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
- Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
- Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation
Entry Requirements:
- Degree Requirements: An honours degree, or international equivalent, is required. The degree must include 80 SCQF credits from a broad spread of the following subjects:
- Electricity and magnetism
- Electronics
- Optics
- Mechanics
- Dynamics
- Nuclear and atomic physics
- Physics
- Astrophysics
- Geophysics
- Space physics
- **Degrees in engineering will be considered providing they include 80 SCQF credits from the list of subjects above.
- Maths & English:
- Higher (SCQF Level 6) English Grade C or above.
- National 5 (SCQF Level 5) Mathematics Grade C or above.
- Maths and English qualifications can be in progress at the time of application.
- Acceptable alternative Maths and English qualifications are listed on the PGDE FAQs page.
- Experience & References:
- Evidence that you have experience of working with children in a secondary school or related setting.
- Relevant experience should be noted in your personal statement. Where possible, opportunities should be sought to gain experience in contexts which involve working with children and/or young people.
- Applications made via UCAS require one reference and those made via the University direct system require two. This should be an academic reference if you are a current student or recent graduate (ie within the last 5 years). A professional reference (current/recent employer who can testify to your suitability to teach) is acceptable if you graduated more than 5 years ago. This can also relate to any voluntary experience you have working with children/young people.
- A reference must be included with your UCAS application; only in very exceptional circumstances will we consider an application without one and you must explain in your personal statement why this has been omitted. The reference should be provided as soon as possible as no offer can be made until the reference has been received. References from family or friends are not acceptable.
- English Language Requirements:
- You're required to have a suitable minimum level of competency in the English language if your first language is not English or if you haven't been educated wholly or mainly in the medium of English.
- For postgraduate studies, the University of Strathclyde requires a minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 (no individual test score below 5.5) or equivalent. Tests are valid for two years.
- Pre-sessional courses in English are available.
- Please note that IELTS is not equivalent to a Higher (SCQF Level 6) English qualification. These are two separate requirements. In order to meet the PGDE entry requirements you'll be required to have both or equivalent.
- PVG and Overseas Police Check Requirements: All applicants who have been offered a place on the PGDE course will be required to complete an application to Join PVG Scheme or an application for Existing PVG Scheme Member through Strathclyde University prior to starting the course. Students will be required to pay between £18 to £59 depending on the related work they apply to.
- If applicable, applicants who have been given an offer will also be required to obtain the relevant oversea(s) certificate(s) of good conduct.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- **IELTS 6.5 (no individual test score below 5.5) or equivalent.