Program Overview

MSc Secondary Education

The MSc Secondary Education is designed for those wishing to follow a career in secondary teaching in one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing Science. This course will provide the theoretical and practical starting point to your teaching career. You will acquire the skills, attitudes, and competencies to communicate in the classroom.

Key Facts

• Start date: August 2025
• Accreditation: General Teaching Council, Scotland
• Application deadline: End of July 2025
• Study mode and duration: On campus, 36 weeks including 18 weeks of placement experience plus dissertation

Course Structure

The course is modular in structure, and students will study three modules across the year:

• Education Studies; Professional Values
• Professional Learning Through Enquiry
• Professional Skills
  • Professional Skills - Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • Professional Skills - Professional Practice

Dissertation & Research Methods

The course offers a coherent experience for students. It aims to enhance students’ standing in the professional educational community by introducing them to the practice of research in education. Students will first undertake training in education research design and methods, including preparing a proposal for a small-scale research project.

Placement

You'll spend 18 weeks of the course on placement in a school within Scotland. You'll be continually assessed while there to show you meet the requirements for the Standards for Provisional Registration.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements are based on the requirements set by The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). All applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements before the course starts. The minimum entry requirements that we ask for are a degree validated by a higher education institution in the United Kingdom or a degree of an equivalent standard from an institution outside the United Kingdom.

Fees & Funding

• International: Full time, 16 months: £25,000 with the potential to be awarded a scholarship of £5,000
• Additional costs:
  • Public or private transport to and from placements
  • Personal items for study such as lab coat, electronic device
  • Cost of joining the PVG Scheme

Careers

A degree in education will equip you for a range of careers working with children and young people. Opportunities to become registered teachers with GTC Scotland. Achieving the MSc Secondary Education and registering with the GTC Scotland will open potential opportunities to teach in a variety of locations around the world (check with your local teaching authority for suitability).

Typical Jobs

• Secondary Teacher
• Head Teacher
• Further Education Lecturer
• Special Educational Needs Teacher

Skills You'll Need

• Excellent communication
• A good imagination and creativity
• Organisational and time-management skills
• Patience
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Enthusiasm, energy, and excitement for what you do

Salary

Secondary school teacher current main salary scales range from £31,584 to £47,565. Information intended only as a guide. Source: The Educational Institute of Scotland.