Course summary
The MA Education (Hons) degree in Primary teaching at Aberdeen produces creative, confident, motivated and reflective primary teachers. You will benefit from opportunities to engage with placement learning from year one whilst on-campus learning develops your understanding of theory and research. Your academic studies will be supported by exceptional staff within the School and the wider University so that, with experience in school each year, you can become equipped to inspire and guide young minds in the 21st century. The School of Education has a long and distinguished record in the education of teachers with a culturally stimulating creative environment within the School, the University and across our wide networks. Our MA Primary Education programme is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), so on graduation you can apply for provisional registration as a primary teacher. You will be embarking on both an academic degree and a professional qualification from the start and consequently, part of the application process will be an opportunity to attend an interview. There are also many exciting professional learning and development opportunities with us beyond graduation. Teaching is an exciting and demanding job that requires a range of personal and professional qualities. You will gain an in-depth understanding of what motivates younger students. You will explore teaching methods and issues not only within the core curriculum areas of literacy, numeracy and health and well-being but in terms of contemporary and global issues such as inclusion, social justice, diversity, sustainability and creativity. Our highly qualified, experienced staff bring a wide range of expertise in learning and teaching. Many are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for research and development work in their particular specialist fields and you will benefit from the partnerships built over many years with communities, education authorities and other professionals. Graduates wishing to apply for primary teaching training, apply for the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). PGDE courses in both primary and secondary education are available and are professionally accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). More information on the PGDE, can be found at abdn.ac.uk/pgt/secondary and abdn.ac.uk/pgt/primary.
Modules
View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Assessment method
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; Written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses. Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
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
You can no longer submit a new application for courses starting in 2023.
If you already have a 2023 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.
25Jan
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:
- X120
- 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.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Scottish Higher - ABBB
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - Not accepted
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H3, H3, H3
Scottish HNC
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
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 Higher Grade B3 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 3 or above or Ordinary Grade B or above; 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. # Please note that with regard to OU MU123 – the course generally starts in January each year with exam results issued in the December of the same year. 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. The University will consult UK ENIC (The UK National Information Centre for global qualifications and skills), to determine whether or not qualifications achieved outside the UK meet the entry requirements detailed above. 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 Primary 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
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/find-a-degree.php#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. 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 | Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | TOEFL DI code is 0818: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. |
| 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) |
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
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on 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 | £20800 | 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