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.
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.
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.
Depending on the subject the candidate is wishing to teach, there will be an additional 0 credit course that runs across the year. Talk to your programme coordinator for more details.
60 Credit Points
As part of the PGDE (Secondary) programme, this professional placement provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of issues in Scottish Education and pedagogical theory in a practical context.
View detailed information about this course60 Credit Points
As part of the PGDE programme this campus-based course provides a variety of learning experiences which develops, students’ knowledge and understanding of current issues in Scottish Education. Students will engage with pedagogical theory to support the development of professional values and skills in preparation for School Experience.
View detailed information about this courseWe will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
There are two 5000-word in-course assignments within the programme. The first focuses around the student's professional development towards becoming an inclusive practitioner, and the second a reflective enquiry into an aspect of a 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.
Please refer to the PGDE Secondary Key Information Leaflet in the Related Information section of this page for full details.
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.
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. The degree should minimally contain 80 SCQF credit points relevant to the teaching qualification or qualifications being studied. 40 of the credit points must have been studied at SCQF level 8 or above.
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 to view country-specific entry 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.
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £18,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year | |
| Do not use | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year |
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
The Aberdeen Global Scholarship is open to European Union (EU) students.
This is a £2,000 tuition fee discount available to eligible self-funded Postgraduate Masters students who are classed as International fee status and are domiciled in the EU, plus another £3,000 discount for eligible Postgraduate Masters students who would have previously been eligible for Home fees (Scottish/EU) fee status.
View Aberdeen Global ScholarshipPlease see attached PGDE information leaflet for further career information.
General Teaching Council of Scotland
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
