Secondary Education

Entry requirements

A university degree validated by a higher education institution in the UK or a degree of an equivalent standard from an institution outside the UK (a degree should have at least 360 credit points).

For the Secondary route, we require passes in at least two years progressive study in the subject(s) you want to teach.

National Qualifications in English at SCQF Level 6 (for example, Higher Grade) or an accepted alternative; National Qualifications in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5 (e.g. National 5, or Intermediate 2) or an accepted alternative.

We also require the following information, which is considered when selecting candidates for interview.

• evidence that you have experience of working with children in a school setting or related context
• an up to date understanding of education
• an ability to relate to people

For a full breakdown of entry requirements for individual Secondary Education subjects, please visit our website.

Months of entry

August

Course content

Training to become a teacher at the University of Strathclyde, you'll be learning at an award-winning academic institution - the only one to have won Times Higher Education University of the Year twice.

Our teaching degrees have a strong track record and are highly valued by our students. Our graduates are sought after by schools around the world. We trace our history back to 1837, when David Stow founded one of the first teacher education institutions in the UK.

For postgraduate students, the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is the entry route to those who want to become a Secondary teacher in Scotland. The PGDE is an internationally recognised qualification. Newly qualified teachers will be able to apply for qualified teacher status (QTS) or equivalent in their home country.

If you're a Scottish student, you're guaranteed a job for one year in a Scottish school after you graduate.

Course overview

The full-time PGDE at Strathclyde is 36 weeks in duration, split between 18 weeks on campus and 18 weeks on placement. There are three terms:

• Term 1: mid-August - Christmas
• Term 2: Beginning of January - Easter
• Term 3: Easter - early June

The course comprises separate modules that add up to 80 credits. Strathclyde recognises each 10 credits as being the equivalent of 90 hours of student effort. Of these, normally 24 hours will be contact with a tutor/lecturer.

School placements will also account for some of these contact hours. In addition, students will be required to undertake independent and supported study tasks.

The PGDE can also be studied part-time over two years for all secondary subjects except for Physical Education and Technological Education. See our Frequently Asked Questions for further details.

Course content

• Professional Skills; Professional Practice - taught both on campus and in schools, this module will enable you to become an effective teacher through learning pedagogical theory, observing experienced teachers and applying your knowledge and understanding in the practical context.
• Professional Skills; Curriculum and Pedagogy - examines what is taught; how it is taught and how teachers use assessment to promote learning.
• Education Studies; Professional Values - develops your understanding of educational issues in a broader intellectual context.
• Professional Learning through Enquiry - learn how to plan practitioner enquiry

You are expected to keep an electronic portfolio of progress throughout the course. This prepares you for the continuation of professional development during your teaching career.

School placements are also an integral part of the learning experience when completing the PGDE. It gives you the opportunity to make connections between on-campus learning, academic reading and practical experience in schools. Placement mainly involves observing, assisting and teaching in classes.

Our subjects

At Strathclyde, we offer a wide range of subject specialisms as part of the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). In some cases, it's possible to specialise in two subject areas. Our subjects include:

• Art & Design
• Biology with Science
• Business Education
• Chemistry with Science
• Computing Science
• English
• Gaelic
• Geography
• History
• Home Economics
• Languages
• Mathematics
• Modern Studies
• Physical Education
• Physics with Science
• Psychology
• Religious Education
• Technological Education

All of the above subjects can be taught in the medium of Gaelic, except for Psychology.

Information for international students

Please check our English requirements before making your application.

Fees and funding

The funding you are eligible for as a PGDE student can be broken into two categories:

Scottish students - can apply to have the cost of their tuition fees paid for by the Scottish Government. Applications should be made online through the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) website, the PGDE course falls under undergraduate study.

Full-time students who usually live in Scotland may also be eligible to apply to SAAS for a loan, bursary and living-cost grants. Living-cost grants include the Lone Parents' Grants and the Disabled Students' Allowance. The exact amount you can get depends on your household income.

International students - please see our Scholarship Search for further information.