Education

The School of Education has a long and distinguished record in the training of teachers. Staff are recognised nationally and internationally for their research and development work in particular fields.

Why Aberdeen?

Teaching is an exciting and demanding job, requiring a variety of personal and professional qualities and characteristics. Teachers must be able to relate well to others, conveying empathy and understanding in their interactions with learners. They must enjoy learning and share this enthusiasm by providing an exciting and stimulating environment for young learners.

Our programmes aim to produce creative, motivated primary teachers who are confident to work with children aged between 3 and 12 in any educational setting.

• The School of Education has a long and distinguished record in the education of teachers. It is a large school with over 50 academic staff, all of whom are highly qualified, experienced professionals with a wide range of expertise in learning and teaching. Many are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for their research and development work in their particular specialist fields
• High quality student learning and achievement supported by strongly committed professional staff
• Strong, well established partnerships with schools and communities, education authorities and other professionals jointly developing innovative courses and programmes
• Students choose to study at Aberdeen to benefit from the opportunity of periods of placement in city, small town, suburban, rural and island settings. This provides the widest possible preparation for future employment

Programmes

Study Abroad

The School maintains and extends strong links with European teacher education institutions and schools, resulting in exciting opportunities to undertake periods of study abroad.

Further Study Abroad Information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

The programme leads to a qualification to teach children in the 3–12 age range with registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. Over four years, it combines academic study with practical inquiry in a variety of school settings and their communities. Following graduation, the new teacher network provides continued opportunity for academic and professional development.

This programme will prepare teachers for the challenges and changes facing the profession in the twenty-first Century. Students will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and values required in primary teaching.

Proposed Changes to Degrees in Education

In light of proposed changes to Education degrees following the recent Donaldson review, it is likely that significant changes will be made to Education degrees offered by the University of Aberdeen. These changes are as yet unconfirmed at the time of print. Students should ensure that they visit the Education website for up-to-date programme information.

Selection

An interview forms part of the selection process and a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check will be conducted prior to final acceptance.

Teaching and Assessment

The Primary Education degree comprises credit rated courses. Our learner-centred approach is characterised by workshops, tutorials, seminars, self study and lectures, supported by an online learning environment.

Courses are assessed through a variety of approaches, including presentation, written assignment, portfolio and examinations.

School experience is assessed in partnership with primary school teachers, Head Teachers and University tutors. As the programme develops, students will be expected to take increasing responsibility for determining and organising their own learning as part of their continuing professional development.

Careers

Graduates of the programmes are eligible for a one year induction training post after graduation.  Eligibility for the Teacher Induction Scheme is determined by Scottish Government and full details can be found on http://www.gtcs.org.uk/home/students/teacher-induction-scheme-faq.aspx

Aberdeen graduates are highly valued by employers throughout Scotland and across the world.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Education.

Entrance Requirements

PRIMARY EDUCATION

SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS (SQA)

4H at BBBB

English and Mathematics as below.

GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (GCE)

A Levels  BBB

English and Mathematics as below.

IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE/ARDTEISTIMEIREACHT

Minimum 4 at Higher Level BBBB including English, and 2 at Ordinary Level, including Maths which must be at Grade B or above. At Higher level, the grading within band B must be B2 or above.

ENGLISH

SQA Higher Grade award in English/ESOL at Grade B or above; or National Course award (Higher Still) in English and Communication at Grade B or above;  or GCSE/O Level English Language AND English Literature at Grade B or above in both; or A Level English Grade C or above; or ILC English at Higher Grade B or above.

MATHEMATICS

SQA Standard Grade (credit level) award in Mathematics at Grade 1 or 2; or SCE ordinary grade award in Mathematics at Grade A or B or C or pass; or National Course award Intermediate Level 2 Mathematics at Grade C or above; or GCSE/O Level Mathematics at Grade B or above; or Irish Leaving Certificate Mathematics at Ordinary Grade B or above; or Open University Course - MU123 Discovering Mathematics pass.

For more details on entrance requirements please click here

PGDE for Graduates

Please note application to the Undergraduate Primary Education programme can only be made by applicants who do not already have a first degree. Graduates should apply to the one year PGDE programme details of which can be found at www.abdn.ac.uk/education/programmes/graduate

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide