Kieran Smyth, PGDE Secondary - History
![Kieran Smyth, PGDE Secondary - History](/img/600xauto/study/images/prospectus/assets/41c/600/xSVW8uEtV7EMhfaywhABpVP5CoI1.png)
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 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.
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.
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 |
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/
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.
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.
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.
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 ScholarshipPlease see attached PGDE information leaflet for further career information.
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.