Kieran Smyth, PGDE Secondary - History
Secondary Education, PGDE
Introduction
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.
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 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 Secondary programme that brings together students across a wide range of curricular areas, in order to learn together, share common experiences, and debate current issues in secondary education.
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.
What You'll Study
- Year 1
-
Compulsory Courses
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.
- School Experience 1 and 2 (ED402Q)
-
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.
- Learning and Teaching in Schools: Developing Professional Practice 1&2 (ED402R)
-
60 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.
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 | |
| 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.
Funding Opportunities
Teaching Bursary Scheme
The scheme gives students (who meet the criteria) £20,000 for their training fees. The Teaching Bursary Scheme aims to encourage more people to retrain as secondary school teachers in selected STEM subjects, modern languages, and Gaelic in both primary and secondary education. Modern languages are a new addition to academic year 24/25.
Find out more: https://teachingbursaryinscotland.co.uk/
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students 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 two assessments within the programme, each in two parts, and combining both essays and presentations. The first focuses on the key educational issues of achievement, attainment and inclusion, exploring how these issues can be addressed nationally, at school level and through the student's own practice; the second is a reflective enquiry into an aspect of the student's professional practice.
What Our Students Say
Babalola Adioke, PGDE Secondary - Physics
Georgina Pinson, PGDE Secondary - Mathematics
David Steedman, PGDE Secondary - Modern Languages
Entry Requirements
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.
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. 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.
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.
Document Requirements
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.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
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