Course summary
Obtain an accredited teaching qualification in 18 months with our PGDE Primary Education programme to shape young minds and instil a notion of life-long learning. Our flexible course includes 18 weeks (full-time) of practical experience in schools to acquire diverse insights into teaching and advance your confidence as a practitioner in education. Embark on the path to a fulfilling career in primary education with our online GTCS accredited programme that aims to transform our students into adaptable, inclusive teachers who can inspire participation and face the challenges of teaching to support all pupils in their learning. Our comprehensive programme brings a multi-focus perspective to build upon varied experiences shared among peers and discuss current educational issues to strengthen your teaching skills. You will learn with highly-qualified academics and study a selection of innovative topics to challenge your thinking and enrich your specialist knowledge. We have strong partnerships with a range of local authorities across Scotland, allowing you to obtain 18 weeks of invaluable practical training to enhance your professional practice in the classroom. Once you have completed the programme, you will meet the standards for full registration as a teacher, guaranteeing you a probationary classroom teaching period if you opt into the GTCS induction scheme. For Academic Year 2024-25, term commences January 2025, part time, online, with full time attendance for placements. The PGDE Online Primary programme offers students a blended model of learning. Students will engage with online learning one or two evenings a week with additional asynchronous learning in addition to these taught sessions. During school experience placements, students are required to be in school on a full-time basis. There are two placement periods – each lasting 9 weeks usually in April-June The second placement will commence February 2026 to May 2026, with exact dates confirmed in the 2025/2026 calendar. Eligibility criteria is in place. Students undertaking this online programme must be resident in Scotland and this will be verified through the PVG check.
Modules
The PGDE online programme is 18 months in duration, commencing January 2023 and ends in June 2024. Study is online on a part time basis and in addition, School Experience placements during the 18 month programme – are full time within a primary school setting in a local authority school in Scotland. School Experience placement dates are fixed each year, and each block must be undertaken on a full-time basis.
Assessment method
To complete the programme, you will undertake four academic assessments enabling you to learn about educational theory and policy linked to school experience. Your teaching practice will also be assessed during school experience placements.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- General Teaching Council for Scotland
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Primary
How to apply
This course is not accepting applications at this time. Please contact the provider to find out more.
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- X110
- Institution code:
- A20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
Scottish Higher
GCSE/National 4/National 5
For entry to the University of Aberdeen, all PGDE Primary applicants must have, by the time term commences, the following: 1. Degree; 2. English and 3. Maths (further details shown below). Preference may be given to those who have, by the date of entry, an honours degree. In addition, preference is most likely to be given to those holding the English and Mathematics qualifications at the time of application. 1. DEGREE: An undergraduate degree validated by a University in the United Kingdom or an undergraduate degree of an equivalent standard from a higher education system outside the United Kingdom. 2. ENGLISH - SCE Higher grade award in English at Grade C or above. 3. MATHS - National 5 Mathematics at Grade C or above - equivalencies for English and Maths are accepted and are detailed in the PGDE Primary Information Leaflet. Universities are required to ensure that an applicant’s educational background (including the content of the undergraduate degree), provides a good basis for becoming a primary teacher. The University of Aberdeen will therefore look for evidence that an applicant has studied at least two of the following areas (as well as English and Mathematics) – science, social studies, expressive arts, religious and moral education, technology and modern foreign languages. Therefore you should be prepared to provide a copy of the full TRANSCRIPT of your Undergraduate Degree once you have submitted your application through UCAS. In addressing the Scottish Government Languages Working Group report; Language Learning in Scotland A 1+2 Approach (2012) and the STEM Education and Training Strategy, the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) encourage universities to expect at least one SCQF Level 5 (e.g. National 5) qualification in either a modern language and / or a science subject. In all cases, applicants are required to read our PGDE Information Leaflet before submitting an application.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/education/documents/PDGE%20Primary%20Information%20Leaflet%202021.pdf
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
A Protection of Vulnerable Group (PVG) check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted by the University. This is required of all applicants who firmly accept an unconditional offer of admission (so their status is UF), even those who have been checked previously. For non UK applicants, or UK applicants who have lived outside the UK for any period of time, an Enhanced criminal record check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted at the point they become UF and in addition, it will be necessary for the applicant to obtain a criminal record check from the country they are from/lived in. Applicants who firmly accept conditional offers of admission will not undergo PVG unless they move to UF on receipt of exam results. Applicants who make Aberdeen their insurance choice will not undergo PVG unless their status at Aberdeen shows UF. The PVG check is required because the first placement takes place in the April following the start of term in the January.
Interview
Not all who apply will be invited for interview. Selected applicants are invited to attend an interview to gauge suitability for entry to initial teacher education. Interviews, face to face, take place in Aberdeen - the normal location is within the School of Education, based in the MacRobert building. Interviews by Skype will be arranged in exceptional cases and only for those who are overseas or who are living outside the EU. All other applicants invited for interview will be expected to travel to Aberdeen. Following the interviews, and based on the number of places available, offers are made via UCAS. Offers will either be unconditional or conditional. All entrants to the PGDE programme must hold the relevant entry requirements prior to commencement of studies. Places available are set by the Scottish Government, through the Scottish Funding Council and Universities are advised of their allocated places, usually in the February of each year. Under the UCAS protocols, those who apply by 15 January 2020 should receive a decision by 31 March 2020.
Other
Applicants for the PGDE programme must first demonstrate that they will be able to meet the minimum entry requirements. The University of Aberdeen expects to see in the Personal Statement reference to significant mainstream Primary classroom experience and that applicants reflect upon this as appropriate when they are applying for the Primary programme. Duration and length of each experience should be detailed in the Personal Statement. Consideration is then given to the content of the application and the skills and experience relevant to teaching. References for applications to the PGDE should be Academic or Professional in nature (for example a University Tutor or Employer). Where applicants have gained recent experience in a mainstream school setting, it is recommended that a reference is given from School Staff. The referee should have had contact with the applicant within the past 5 years. References will not be accepted from family, friends or acquaintances. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not entitle an applicant to an interview or an offer of admission. The Personal Statement plays a critical role in determining suitability to be invited for interview. Selected applicants are invited to attend an interview to gauge suitability for entry to initial teacher education.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year). |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £20800 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £20800 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.
Sponsorship information
View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be able to apply for.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX