Course summary
Spark a passion for STEM in the next generation of learners to help them discover a world of possibilities and develop essential skills to unlock their future careers. Our programme offers a flexible pathway to transition from college to university and build solid grounding in your specialist subject to become a secondary teacher in computing science. We aim to enhance your knowledge and skills to face the challenges of 21st-century teaching to inspire young students to engage in STEM education, using a variety of teaching approaches and practical applications. Our degree offers a flexible route for HND graduates in computer science to transition from college to complete our MA (Hons) in Secondary Education, allowing you to earn a qualification teaching STEM within secondary schools. In the first year (Year 3) of university learning, you will undertake 60 credits in Education alongside 60 credits in computer Science courses that would build on your prior learning and give you a strong grounding to take your knowledge into schools in the final year of the MA programme. The education courses studied in Year 3 give firm foundations about policy, and STEM education that can be built on in Year 4. You can tailor your educational journey to your interests and exit at the end of Year 3 if desired. Regulations are in place so that progression into Year 4 and teacher education is through satisfactory interview checks on relevant entry criteria (credits, English and Maths etc.) set out by the memorandum of entry. Year 4 follows the accredited PGDE Secondary programme which includes one Education course (60 credits) and one placement-based 60-credit course (18 weeks total in two different schools) teaching Computer science in secondary schools. After completing the MA (Honours) Secondary Education with Computer Science, you will be provisionally registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and able to move into your probationary year teaching your specialism in secondary schools across Scotland.
Modules
You will study 120 credits in Year 3 and Year 4 of the programme. Semester 1: STEM and Computing Science in Society and Education (30 credits) and relevant subject courses from Science/Computing Science (30 credits). Semester 2: Conceptual Learning in STEM and Computing Science (30 credits) and relevant subject courses from Science (30 credits).
Assessment method
You are assessed in the following ways: Written assessments including essays and reflective discussions; Presentations demonstrating subject knowledge and using evidence from professional practice; Professional practice assessments in secondary schools.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- General Teaching Council for Scotland
How to apply
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:
- X1G4
- Institution code:
- A20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 3
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
This Degree is only for eligible students who have undertaken a relevant Next Gen Higher National Certificate (HNC) AND Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing Science, which allows entry direct into Year 3. Certain modules MUST have been undertaken to be considered for entry so please see further details on our Online Prospectus at www.abdn.ac.uk.
International applicants
In addition to tuition fees, students will require money to cover their living costs including accommodation, food, books, entertainment, clothing, phone bills, local travel, and laundry. These expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. In keeping with UKVI rules, we recommend that student’s budget £1,136 per month to cover their living costs and you have to evidence 9 months’ worth of maintenance (£10,224) when applying for your visa. You also have to pay the NHS health surcharge of £776 per each year of study, when applying for a visa. When you apply for your Student Visa, you will be required to evidence these funds in your personal bank account (or a parent’s personal bank account (NOT a Business Account). Therefore, you will have to evidence your 1st years tuition fees (minus the International Scholarship for self-paying students) and the maintenance amount of £10,224. These funds have to have been in your account for a minimum of 28-consecutive days immediately prior to applying for your visa. If the amount in your account drops below the required amount, the 28-day period starts over. International students who will be studying for more than 6 months are permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term-time, though this may be increased during the holiday periods. Please note this must not be relied upon as a means to fund your studies, as you have to evidence your funding when applying for your Student Visa.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - Not accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher - Not accepted
Scottish HND - Pass
English Minimum • SCE Higher grade award in English* at Grade B or above; or • A Level English, Grade C or above; or • GCSE English Language AND English Literature, at Level 6 (previously Grade B) or above IN BOTH; or • O Level English Language AND English Literature, Grade B or above or pass IN BOTH; or • International Baccalaureate English at HL Grade 5; or • Irish Leaving Certificate English at Higher Grade 3 or above; or • National Course award (Higher Still) in English and Communication at Grade B or above; or • National Units – Communication (NC) at Higher level and Literature 1 at Higher level **; or • University of Aberdeen Online English (see below) or • English of an equivalent academic standard from outside the UK. *Higher ESOL acceptable for entry to PGDE Secondary only, NOT PGDE Primary or undergraduate Primary. ** Previously known as National Certificate Modules Communication 4 & Literature 1 Mathematics Minimum • National 5 Mathematics at Grade C or above; or • National 5 Applications of Mathematics (previously known as Lifeskills Maths) at Grade C or above; or • Core Maths 4 Pass; or • GCSE Mathematics at Level 4, or Grade C or above or Pass; or • O Level Mathematics at Grade C or above or Pass; or • International Baccalaureate Maths at SL Grade 4; or • Irish Leaving Certificate Mathematics at Ordinary Grade 4; or • National Course Award Intermediate Level 2 Mathematics at Grade C or above; or • SCE Standard grade (credit level) award in Mathematics at Grade 2 or above; or • SCE Ordinary grade award in Mathematics at Grade C or above or Pass; or • Open University Course – MU123 Discovering Mathematics#, Pass; or • University of Aberdeen Online Maths (see below) or • Mathematics of an equivalent academic standard from outside the UK. The following are not accepted as a Mathematics qualification at the University of Aberdeen: Standard Grade 3 or below, GCSE Grade D or below, CSE Grade 1, O Level Grade 3. University of Aberdeen Online English and Mathematics The University of Aberdeen has launched online access courses, in English and in Mathematics. English is at SCQF Level 6 - the equivalent to Higher English and there are three Maths courses - SCQF Level 5, Level 6 and Level 7. All are accepted by the University of Aberdeen for entry to teacher training. For MA Secondary we would require Aberdeen Online Access English (SCQF6) at Grade B3 or above and Aberdeen Online Access Maths (SCQF5) at Grade C3 or above. Full information on the Online provision, including costs, can be found at www.abdn.ac.uk/study/online/access-courses.php.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
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 January following the start of term in the September.
Interview
An interview forms part of the selection process at Aberdeen as candidates are beginning their professional qualification from year one with placement in every year of the course. The information presented in the UCAS Application will be used to determine whether or not an applicant is invited for interview. Performance at interview will determine whether or not any offer will be made.
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Overall - 6.0 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) | 78 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. |
PTE Academic | 59 | Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted. |
Trinity ISE | Pass | Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills. |
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) | |
Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
Cambridge English Proficiency | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
To study for an undergraduate 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, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, 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/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
EU | £20800 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
England | £9535 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9535 | 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
Sponsorship information
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen. International Students: The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. This scholarship is in the form of a tuition fee waiver. To be eligible students must be registering for a full-time, on-campus programme and cannot be in receipt of external scholarships or other University of Aberdeen scholarships, except for awards granted by the University of Aberdeen Development Trust. Please note that the scholarship does not apply to the DPLP or Medicine. View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be eligible to apply for.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX