Primary Education, PGDE

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

Compulsory Courses

Learning and Teaching in Schools (ED 40XZ)

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
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

Mandy Tulloch

Mandy Tulloch

Mandy Tulloch

The lectures and tutorials give you a grounding in the ideas behind education. They are highly relevant to classroom life whilst placements give you the fantastic experience of daily life in school.

Find out more

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 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.

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 Scholarship

Careers

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