Primary (English medium)

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a degree at undergraduate level. An honours degree at 2:2 or above is preferred, as the teaching on the course sits at honours and masters level

Applications will be considered from those not holding honours who are able to evidence sufficient academic capacity to undertake the course, by providing a transcript of their undergraduate degree.

In addition to the above, applicants must hold the following qualifications prior to application to the course:

English:

• Scottish Higher (C or above), OR
• A level (D or above), OR
• GCSE English Language (C/4 or above) and English Literature (C/4 or above) or equivalent, PLUS

Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics:

• National 5 (C or above), OR
• SQA Intermediate 2 (C or above) or Standard grade Credit OR
• GCSE Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent

We recognise the current difficulties in gaining direct work or voluntary experience with primary-aged children. We expect your personal statement and supporting reference to clearly demonstrate what has informed your sense of readiness to apply now to become a primary teacher.

Months of entry

August

Course content

The PGDE consists of 18 weeks study at the university, plus 19 weeks in professional practice in schools. The placements in schools are arranged nationally and you will be placed in schools within travelling distance of your home or term-time address.

This course is offered at nine of our partner colleges who work in partnership with their local authority. It is also offered in partnership with the Scottish Borders council for applicants based in the Borders and registered through Moray College UHI. You will be required to have a home or term-time address in the local authority area of your chosen campus. Graduates of the course will hold provisional registration as a Primary Teacher with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

You will benefit from studying in small, locally based groups while collaborating remotely with other student teachers and tutors across the university’s network of colleges. The programme overlaps significantly with the PGDE Secondary to offer a cross-sector perspective.

Induction is mandatory and may return to being a three-day residential event in August 2022. Induction arrangements will be subject to national Covid-19 guidelines and confirmed in the Welcome Information sent to incoming students in June. There is a further residential in March each year which focuses on STEM and developing teacher leadership.

Special features

• The course will prepare you for life as a reflective professional, supporting high quality learning for the children you teach
• The course also offers the option of gaining up to 40 masters level credits by submission of assignments at SCQF level 11