Course summary
The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) is a one year (36 weeks) full-time course of professional training accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland. If you are interested in embarking on a rewarding and fulfilling career, where you can really make a difference, our PGDE programmes give you the opportunity to get a teaching qualification in just 36 weeks. The aim of the programme is to produce adaptable, flexible teachers who are able to collaborate and cooperate with other professionals, ready to the face challenges of teaching in the 21st century and to commit to the notion of life-long learning. The University of Aberdeen offers an innovative PGDE programme that brings together primary and secondary specialists, in order to learn together, to share common experiences, and to debate current educational issues. The development of the programme aims to produce inclusive practitioners who will be able to face the challenges of the 21st century classroom, by adopting innovative pedagogies that support all learners and foster collaborative working. The PGDE programme is offered on a full-time basis over 36 weeks with 18 weeks spent on placement in schools in our partner Local Authorities, and the other 18 weeks spent on campus. The Programme is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland. The PGDE Secondary is a full-time programme offering students a blended model of learning. During campus-based learning, students will be on campus for two consecutive days (Tuesday & Wednesday). Beyond this, students will engage with online learning at a time and place of their choice. This structure is designed to offer individuals flexibility, whilst being committed to the requirements of a full time PGDE programme. During school experience placements, students are required to be in school every day, on a full-time basis. The programme is aimed at Graduates with relevant subject content in their academic study, who have demonstrated an interest in teaching children through a range of experiences in both formal and informal settings. Applying The method of applying for the PGDE programme within the School of Education is different from the standard postgraduate application process. All applications should be made through the main Undergraduate UCAS scheme and not through Teacher Training. This applies to all institutions in Scotland delivering the PGDE, not just Aberdeen.
Modules
The PGDE Secondary programme at Aberdeen aims to support student teachers as they embark on their professional journey of becoming an inclusive practitioner and facilitating the learning of all young people whilst developing a reflective, reflexive and enquiring disposition.
Assessment method
There are two 5000-word in-course assignments within the programme. The first focuses around the student's professional development towards becoming an inclusive practitioner, and the second a reflective enquiry into an aspect of a student's professional practice. Students are assessed on School Experience courses through a combination of Tutor (after observation visits) and School Reports on their progress.
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:
- Secondary
How to apply
You can no longer submit a new application for courses starting in 2024.
If you already have a 2024 application and are in Clearing, you can add this course as a Clearing choice – contact the university or college first to check they have places.
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:
- R1X1
- Institution code:
- A20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
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 to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. Students who pay overseas or full fees are not in publicly funded places and are therefore not eligible to join the Teacher Induction Scheme. An Induction Year post will therefore not be allocated after successfully completing the PGDE Programme, but students in this position can apply for the flexible probation route.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
For entry to the University of Aberdeen, all PGDE Secondary applicants must have, by the start of term, the following: 1. Degree; 2. English and 3. Maths (further details shown below). 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. The undergraduate degree should normally contain 80 SCQF credit points relevant to the teaching qualification or qualifications being studied; more information is detailed in the Content of your Degree section of the 'PGDE Secondary Information Leaflet' at the URL below. 40 SCQF of the credit points must have been studied at SCQF level 8 or above. Credit from a Master’s degree may be considered, but applicants will need to demonstrate that the qualification held has a direct relevance in terms of credit, to the teaching of the subject for which application is being made. Some credit points are acceptable for entry to more than one teaching subject. If a student wants a teaching qualification in more than one subject, appropriate credit points can be counted for entry to both subjects. Detailed information on Education in Scotland can be found at www.gtcs.org.uk/registration/becoming-a-teacher. 2. ENGLISH - Applicants should also hold SQA or SCE Higher grade award in English at Grade C or above. Equivalencies are accepted and details of the equivalent qualifications can be found within our 'PGDE Secondary Information Leaflet' at the URL below. 3. MATHS - National 5 Maths at Grade C or above. Equivalencies are accepted and details of the equivalent qualifications can be found within our PGDE Information Leaflet at the URL below. The following secondary subjects have specific requirements in addition to those stated above: Business Education; Drama; English; Home Economics; Modern Foreign Languages; Modern Studies; Physics; and Religious Education. More detailed information can be found in our PGDE Secondary Information Leaflet. Applicants must have English and Maths at the required level(s), or the equivalent, before commencing the PGDE Secondary programme. If applicants do not have their Maths and/or English qualification(s) in place prior to/ at the time of application, they may still be considered for a place and, if a place is offered, it will be on a conditional basis. The condition will need to be met before the programme commences. In all cases applicants are required to read our PGDE Secondary Information Leaflet before submitting an application. Previous Initial Teacher Education Study The University of Aberdeen requires that applicants who have failed the PGDE Programme, or any programme of Initial Teacher Education at the University of Aberdeen, or elsewhere, or who have withdrawn from a programme whilst making unsatisfactory progress, must wait 3 years before applying for PGDE study at Aberdeen. If reapplying, candidates must provide evidence prior to interview that they have taken action to address previously unsatisfactory performance.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/992/secondary-education/
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 prior to final acceptance. This is required of all applicants who accept an offer of admission, 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, in accepting an offer of admission, an Enhanced criminal record check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted and in addition, it will be necessary for the applicant to obtain a criminal record check from the country they are from/lived in.
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. Following 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 starting 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 UCAS protocols, those applying by the Equal Consideration Date in January should receive a decision by the end of May. Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams. If you are invited to interview you will receive further information by email about the interview process.
Other
Personal Statement The University of Aberdeen expects to see in the Personal Statement reference to significant mainstream Secondary classroom experience and that applicants reflect upon this as appropriate when they are applying for the Secondary 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. We will be taking into consideration the impact Covid-19 has had on applicants gaining school experience, but would encourage you to reference any school experience you have had in your application. 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. References 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. Transcript of Undergraduate Degree You should be prepared to provide a copy of the full Degree TRANSCRIPT showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you achieved in your degree(s) (original and official English translation) which will be required once you have submitted your application through UCAS.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course |
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 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
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