Program Overview

Overview of the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Biology)

The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Biology) is a postgraduate, part-time course designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become a qualified teacher of Biology and science in secondary schools. The course is designed to blend theoretical knowledge, research, and practical experience, and is delivered by a team of experienced lecturers with extensive knowledge of both the Higher Education sector and secondary schools.

Course Details

Mode of Study

• Part-time (available as Full-time)

Duration

• 2 years

Start Date

• August

Modules

Contexts of Learning (TED11100)

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

Learning & Teaching 1 (TED11102)

This module explores the professional values, personal commitment, complex pedagogical approaches, and subject knowledge required in curricular specialisms. Students will develop their skills in planning and delivering lessons, and will explore effective methodologies, curriculum design, and current initiatives from the Scottish Government.

Learning & Teaching 2 (TED11103)

This module builds on Learning & Teaching 1, and further develops students' understanding of their subject area within the secondary curriculum. Students will strengthen their confidence with a range of pedagogical approaches and assessment strategies, and will develop an appreciation of how their role as a subject teacher contributes to whole school/system commitments to broader educational policy areas.

Professional Enquiry (TED11101)

This module focuses on building students' skills in practitioner-based enquiry in schools. Students will develop this skill through focusing on an area of their own teaching practice and reflecting on key moments of professional development.

School Experience 1 (P/T) (TED10103)

In this placement module, students will put into practice the professional knowledge and skills gained in Teaching and Learning 1. Students will spend 35 days in a secondary school planning, teaching, and reflecting, and will develop the professional capacities to effectively plan and teach lessons.

School Experience 2 (P/T) (TED10104)

In this module, students will undertake 55 days of school placement to further develop the knowledge, skills, and values set out in the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) Standards for Provisional Registration.

Entry Requirements

Degree Requirements

• A degree from a UK Higher Education Institution, or a 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.

Subject-Specific Guidance

• Biology: 80 credits across two modules are acceptable, including Animal Biology, Biochemistry, Human Biology, or Bio-molecular Sciences.

Additional Requirements

• SQA Higher English at Grade C or equivalent.
• SQA National 5 Mathematics or SQA National 5 Applications of Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees for 2024/25

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

Careers

• Secondary Biology and Science Teacher (Upon successful completion of a probationary role before becoming a fully qualified teacher in Scotland.)
• Registration as a qualified teacher by the General Teaching Council Scotland, allowing students to teach in Scotland, the UK, or most countries of the world.