Professional Education, MEd, PgCert or PgDip

Professional Education, MEd, PgCert or PgDip

Introduction

This is a flexible route to a Master’s qualification which is designed in a way which allows all professionals to construct a programme of study aligned to their own specific interests and responsibilities. For participants in schools the courses are aligned with the Standard for Career Long Professional Learning (SCLPL).

Study Information

Study Options

Learning Mode
Blended Learning
Degree Qualification
MEd, PgCert or PgDip
Duration
12 months, 24 months or 48 months
Study Mode
Part Time
Start Month
January or September

Participants will be able to choose from a portfolio of 30 credit Masters courses at SCQF Level 11 (PG5) to construct a pathway of study following their own interests and professional engagement. A comprehensive list of available courses is published on an annual basis.

Participants who successfully complete 60 credits may leave with a Certificate. Those who successfully complete 120 credits may leave with a Diploma and the MEd degree is awarded on the successful completion of 180 credits.

The only compulsory element of the Programme is the Masters Project / Dissertation (60 credits) after completion of 120 credits.

Applicants with prior Masters level credits may be able to transfer these to this Programme. Decisions on the transfer of credits will be taken on a case-by-case basis by Programme Directors. Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may also be offered in recognition of previous professional work.

Available Programmes of Study

The portfolio of course options will change on a yearly basis, depending on availability. Please contact education@abdn.ac.uk for more information.

MEd

Professional Education

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month  
MEd 48 months Blended Learning Part Time January or September More

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category Cost
EU / International students £2,300
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
UK £790
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
PgDip

Professional Education

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month  
PgDip 24 months Blended Learning Part Time January or September More

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category Cost
UK £790
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
EU / International students £2,300
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
PgCert

Professional Education

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month  
PgCert 12 months Blended Learning Part Time January or September More

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category Cost
EU / International students £2,300
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
UK £790
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.

Degree Content

In consultation with the Programme Director, participants will make a choice from the entire portfolio of Masters courses across associated programmes in the School of Education. A comprehensive list of courses is made available on an annual basis so that participants can plan an appropriate pathway congruent with their interests and develop professional engagement.


The portfolio of course options will change on a yearly basis, depending on availability. Please contact education@abdn.ac.uk for more information.

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category Cost
EU / International students £2,300
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
UK £790
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • 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

The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.

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

Assessment Methods

Assessment arrangements are designed to support the principle that assessment is an integral part of the continuing professional development processes that programmes seek to support. Each course has requirements for participation in on-line (or face-to-face) activities, and formative and summative assessment elements. Assessment activities arise naturally from the course-related study and workplace experience of participants.

Why Study Professional Education?

 The programme aims to enhance and extend the capability, knowledge and understanding of the participants in the following ways by: 

  • developing a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts of the topics studied together with a knowledge of major policy issues.
  • increasing the capability to analyse critically, evidence and make arguments to support professional judgements in complex and ambiguous situations. 
  • enabling informed contributions to current professional debates and discussions, and communicating findings to a range of stakeholders. 
  • applying advanced knowledge and understanding to enhance personal professional practice. 
  • enhancing the capability to shape and lead change in a variety of policy and practice situations. 
  • exploiting opportunities to use the results of research to generate professional knowledge and enhance policy and practice.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 or above from a recognised university or body. In exceptional circumstances applicants without this qualification may be admitted at the discretion of the Programme Director subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of experience, appropriate to the field of study.

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 - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; 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.

CV
an up-to-date CV/Resumé
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)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Reference x 2
two reference letters, one of which should be from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employers, or other professional individuals

Careers

The programmes are offered flexibly to enable professionals to achieve further qualifications whilst continuing in employment. For participants in schools the courses are aligned with the Standard for Career Long Professional Development (CLPD).

Career Opportunities

  • Specialist Teacher
  • Teacher

Our Experts

Programme Coordinator
Murat Oztok

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