Secondary Education - Taught Programme

Programme Details

PROGRAMME LENGTH
PGDE(S) 36 weeks full-time (August to June)

Aims

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.

The aim of the programme is to produce adaptable, flexible teachers able to collaborate and cooperate with other professionals, ready to face challenges of teaching in the 21st century and commit to the notion of lifelong learning.

The following subjects are available:
Biology with Science; Business Studies; Chemistry with Science; Drama; English; Gaelic; Geography; Home Economics; History; Mathematics; Modern Languages; Modern Studies; Physics with Science; Religious Education; .

Students on the programme normally study one subject only. Certain combinations of subjects may also be available. These are normally restricted to cognate subject combinations for example Geography and Modern Studies.

Contact Information

Cathy Reid
Student Recruitment & Admissions Service

Syllabus

The PGDE programme consists of four compulsory courses of study: two academic campus based courses and two school experience courses split roughly over the two University semesters.

Components of the Learning and Teaching in Schools Courses
The campus-based course, Learning and Teaching in Schools provides opportunity for student teachers to engage with generic issues related to professional development, learning and teaching, and social justice, and placing this in context within different curriculum areas. This course will be split equally into two components; Learning and Teaching in Schools: Beginning to Teach will provide opportunities to focus on learning and learners and beginning as a teacher whilst Learning and Teaching in Schools: The Developing Professional will provide opportunities for students to gain a wider and deeper knowledge and understanding of professional issues and developments relevant to the teaching profession.

Students must meet the requirements of the Standard for Initial Teacher Education (SITE) in order to pass the PGDE and gain entry to the Teacher Induction Scheme in Scotland (subject to meeting SAAS funding criteria).

School Experience Students on the PGDE programme will undertake two nine week school experience placements. The School Experience courses are designed to extend classroom experience and practice and to provide the context for campus based learning.

The range of schools in partnership with the School of Education allows students to benefit from a wide variety of experiences. The School of Education has partnership Local Authorities across the North East of Scotland. Students may be required to carry out some placements in distant schools.

Assessment

There are two 5000-word in-course assignments within the programme. The first focuses on how children/young people develop and learn and the role of the teacher in the planning and provision of suitable learning opportunities for all. The second focuses on the student’s professional development towards becoming an inclusive practitioner. A Further Professional Study element with options relevant to current initiatives in education is included in the course with the principal aim of enhancing students’ development in a particular area.

Students are assessed on School Experience courses through a combination of Tutor (after observation visits) and School Reports on their progress.

Requirements

Please click here for full information on the PGDE Programme, including full details regarding entry requirements.

The degree content must satisfy the Memorandum of Entry Requirements as set by the Scottish Government.

SQA higher grade award in English at Grade C or above; or National Course award (Higher Still) in English and Communication at Grade C or above; or National Units Communication (NC) at higher level and Literature 1 at higher level *; or GCSE/O Level English Language and English Literature. Grade C or above in both; or A Level English at Grade D or above; or Irish Leaving Certificate English at Higher Grade C2 or above. * Previously known as National Certificate Modules Communication 4 & Literature 1.

The University of Aberdeen offers English as part of its Access Course and Summer School to enable applicants to gain the necessary qualifications to meet the entry requirements in this subject. The Access Course delivers English from February to May. Classes are held during the week.

The Summer School offers English commencing middle of June through to the end of August. Classes are spread throughout the week. The pass mark is set at 12 to allow entry to the PGDE Secondary programme. There is a fee to attend the Summer School for each subject, although a fee abatement scheme is in operation.

Further details on the Access Course and the Summer School can be obtained from the Centre of Lifelong Learning. tel: +44 (0)1224 273528 E-mail: lifelonglearning@abdn.ac.uk  

All candidates who are selected for interview are required to attend the School of Education for the interview which is normally conducted jointly by University staff and field specialists. Students will be required to complete a Protection for Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check prior to final acceptance on the course.

Application forms are available from the Graduate Teacher Training Registry: Tel: 0871 468 0469 or you can apply online at www.gttr.ac.uk  

There is no official closing date, however early application is advised. Priority will be given to applications received before 1st February 2013. After this date, applications will still be considered until an individual subject course is full. Please DO NOT use University of Aberdeen or Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) forms.

For the part-time programme please contact Student Recruitment & Admissions Service.

Fees

Full details of tuition fees is available here

Funding

Prospective students should visit the University's Postgraduate Funding Database. 

University of Aberdeen Alumni Discount Scheme

The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.  More Information can be found here.