Mandy Tulloch
Primary Education, PGDE
Introduction
Accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland, this professional qualifying programme provides Initial Teacher Education to meet the latest demands of contemporary primary and nursery schools.
PGDE Primary Education is also available for part-time online study.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- PGDE
- Duration
- 10 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- August
If you are interested in embarking on a rewarding and fulfilling career, where you can really make a difference, our PGDE programmes give you the opportunity to get a teaching qualification in just 36 weeks.
The aim of the programme is to produce adaptable, flexible teachers who are able to collaborate and cooperate with other professionals, ready to the face challenges of teaching in the 21st century and to commit to the notion of life-long learning. The University of Aberdeen offers an innovative PGDE programme that brings together primary and secondary specialists, in order to learn together, to share common experiences, and to debate current educational issues.
The development of the programme aims to produce inclusive practitioners who will be able to face the challenges of the 21st century classroom, by adopting innovative pedagogies that support all learners and foster collaborative working. The PGDE programme is offered on a full-time basis over 36 weeks with 18 weeks spent on placement in schools in our partner Local Authorities, and the other 18 weeks spent on campus. It is also offered on a part-time basis, over 18 months, in conjunction with specific local authorities.
Applying
The method of applying for the PGDE programme within the School of Education is different from the standard postgraduate application process.
All applications should be made through the main Undergraduate UCAS scheme and not through Teacher Training. This applies to all institutions in Scotland delivering the PGDE, not just Aberdeen.
What You'll Study
- Semester 1
-
Compulsory Courses
Learning and Teaching in Schools (ED 40XZ)
- Education in Context (ED402J)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides a range of learning contexts, delivered both through on-campus and online learning, to acquire knowledge and understanding of current issues in Scottish Education. Students will engage with current policy and pedagogical theory in order to support the development of professional values and skills in preparation for School Experience 1.
- Exploring the Curriculum (ED402K)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides a range of learning opportunities, delivered both through on-campus and online learning, where students will engage with contexts for learning across the curriculum in the Upper Stages of Primary School.
Students will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the nature of curriculum, including subject specific content and skills. Approaches to planning for learning, teaching and assessment will be explored through core curricular areas, highlighting the importance of Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing.
- School Experience 1: Beginning to Teach (ED402L)
-
30 Credit Points
As part of the PGDE (Primary) programme, students will gradually build responsibility for teaching, learning and assessing though initially observing in the classroom context. With support students will then begin to gradually plan, implement and reflect on learning and teaching across the curriculum. The development of professional practice will be supported by engagement with policy, professional dialogue and enquiry.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Semester 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- ED40XZ: Learning and Teaching in Schools (Primary) [ED40XZ is a course that runs across semesters 1 and 2.]
- Informing Professional Practice (ED452M)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides a range of learning contexts, delivered both through on-campus and online learning, to acquire knowledge and understanding of current issues in Scottish Education relevant to Early/First level.
Students will engage with educational theory, policy and literature in order to further underpin the development of professional practice.
This course will support students to develop the skills required to engage with practitioner research and enquiry.
- Connecting the Curriculum (ED452N)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides a range of learning opportunities, delivered both through on-campus and online learning, where students will engage with inter-disciplinary contexts for learning across the curriculum, including opportunities to explore diversity, global citizenship and sustainability.
Students will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the nature of the curriculum in the early years, including subject specific content and skills, including the importance of play and active learning. Approaches to planning for learning, teaching and assessment will be explored through core curricular areas.
- School Experience 2: Transition to Becoming an Inclusive Teacher (ED4704)
-
30 Credit Points
As part of the PGDE (Primary) programme, this professional placement provides further opportunity for students to apply and develop their knowledge of issues in Scottish Education and pedagogical theory. Students will develop the skills to support them as a critically responsive practitioner as they transition into their induction year.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £20,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
| Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
There are four 3000-word written assignments within the programme. The first assignment focuses on the contextual factors that impact on schools; assessment two is a child study focused on literacy and maths; the third and fourth assignments focus on a reflective, professional enquiry into an aspect of the student's professional practice.
Students are assessed on School Experience courses through a combination of Tutor (after observation visits) and School Reports on their progress.
What Our Students Say
Emma Fowlie
Entry Requirements
Please ensure that you read in full the PGDE Information Leaflet available at the top of the page. In addition to the following entry requirements, a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Group) check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted by the University prior to final acceptance.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
A degree from a higher education institution in the United Kingdom (including Open University), or a degree of an equivalent standard from an institution outside the United Kingdom.
In addition formal qualifications are required in English and Mathematics, please see the information leaflet (linked on this page).
The University of Aberdeen Online Access Courses are suitable to meet the English and Mathematics requirements for this programme.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipCareers
Please see attached PGDE information leaflet for further career information.
Career Opportunities
- Teacher
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX