Program Overview

Overview

The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Physics) is a two-year, part-time course designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become a qualified teacher in secondary schools. The course is tailored to blend theoretical knowledge, research, and practical experience, enabling students to develop their motivation, confidence, and creativity in the classroom.

Course Details

Mode of Study:

• Part-time (available as Full-time)

Duration:

• 2 years

Start Date:

• August

Modules:

• Learning & Teaching 1
• Learning & Teaching 2
• Contexts of Learning
• Professional Enquiry
• School Experience

Learning & Teaching 1&2

These modules focus on the knowledge of the curriculum and school placements. Students will explore effective methodologies, curriculum design, and current initiatives from the Scottish Government's "A Curriculum for Excellence" and "The Attainment Challenge" policies.

Contexts of Learning

This module introduces students to the theories, policy, legislation, and issues relevant to Secondary education in Scotland. Students will build a critical understanding of the purposes of education, theories of how learning takes place, and the policies and legislation that frame this learning.

Professional Enquiry

This module prepares students to undertake an action research project, focusing on building skills in practitioner-based enquiry in schools. Students will develop an understanding of how practitioner enquiry can be an integral aspect of the day-to-day practice of teachers.

School Experience

Students will undertake 18 weeks of teaching experience in total, split across two years. This comprises 35 days in a secondary school in the first year and 55 days in the second year.

Entry Requirements

What are the entry requirements for Education (Physics)?

• A degree from a UK Higher Education Institution, or degree of an equivalent standard from an institution outside the UK.
• The degree should be in the subject to be taught and contain at least two graduating courses (80 credits) in the relevant subject.
• A minimum of 40 credits should be from Year 2 of study.
• Ordinary Degrees are also acceptable.
• SQA Higher English at Grade C or equivalent.
• SQA National 5 Mathematics or SQA National 5 Applications of Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

Subject-Specific Guidance

• Physics: Candidates must have a degree which contains at least 80 credits in Physics.
• Acceptable degrees include Physics, Astrophysics, Geophysics, Space Physics, Chemical Physics, Physics with Management.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees for 2024/25

• Scotland: £910
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £4,625
• Overseas and EU: £11,435

Tuition Fees for 2025/26

• Scotland: £910
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £4,625
• Overseas and EU: £12,010

Careers

• Secondary Physics and Science Teacher (Upon successful completion of a probationary role before becoming a fully qualified teacher in Scotland.)
• After registration as a qualified teacher by the General Teaching Council Scotland, students can teach in Scotland, (and generally across the UK, or most countries of the world.)