Introduction
The MA Education (Hons) degree in Primary teaching at Aberdeen produces creative, confident, motivated and reflective primary teachers. You will benefit from opportunities to engage with placement learning from year one whilst on-campus learning develops your understanding of theory and research. Your academic studies will be supported by exceptional staff within the School and the wider University so that, with experience in school each year, you can become equipped to inspire and guide young minds in the 21st century.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MA
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- X120
The School of Education has a long and distinguished record in the education of teachers with a culturally stimulating creative environment within the School, the University and across our wide networks.
Our MA Primary Education programme is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), so on graduation you can apply for provisional registration as a primary teacher. You will be embarking on both an academic degree and a professional qualification from the start and consequently, part of the application process will be an opportunity to attend an interview. There are also many exciting professional learning and development opportunities with us beyond graduation.
Teaching is an exciting and demanding job that requires a range of personal and professional qualities. You will gain an in-depth understanding of what motivates younger students. You will explore teaching methods and issues not only within the core curriculum areas of literacy, numeracy and health and well-being but in terms of contemporary and global issues such as inclusion, social justice, diversity, sustainability and creativity.
Our highly qualified, experienced staff bring a wide range of expertise in learning and teaching. Many are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for research and development work in their particular specialist fields and you will benefit from the partnerships built over many years with communities, education authorities and other professionals.
View information about School Experience for the MA Primary programme
Graduates wishing to apply for primary teaching training, apply for the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education
(PGDE). PGDE courses in both primary and secondary education are available and are professionally accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).
More information on the PGDE, can be found at abdn.ac.uk/pgt/secondary and abdn.ac.uk/pgt/primary.
What You'll Study
The programme leads to a qualification to teach children in the 3–12 age range and you will gain registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). In each of the four years, our courses combine academic study with practical application. Following graduation, you can benefit from ongoing support through opportunities to continue your academic and professional development. Our programme is subject to constant review both internally, externally and through the GTCS, the professional body that accredits all Initial Teacher Education and with whom you will register after graduation, therefore some details are subject to change.
Please note, the course modules listed below have been reviewed and accredited with GTCS. They are still always subject to change.
- Year 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Introduction to Inclusive Teaching 1 (ED101A)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to develop students’ appreciation of the qualities, dispositions and skills required of an inclusive teacher as well as an understanding of the roles and responsibilities, and an awareness of the socio-cultural contexts in which they are learning and will be teaching. Students will also develop an awareness of themselves as learners and beginner teachers.
- Global Perspectives on Education (ED101B)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will give students an opportunity to reflect on their understanding of education through an examination of the origins, purpose and nature of education, both as it currently exists in Scotland and elsewhere. This course will allow students, through the study of comparative education, to consider the historical and political context of Scottish Education and gain insight into current issues, policy drivers and practices.
- Introduction to Inclusive Teaching 2 (ED151A)
-
30 Credit Points
This course aims to develop students understanding of the role of an inclusive teacher. It will enable students to learn about children, the communities in which they live and the school and classroom as part of that community. It will provide opportunities to explore learning in a variety of spaces inside and outside the classroom setting. Students will gain experience of working with children in a 2nd level placement over 5 weeks. During this time students will have opportunities to explore teaching and learning in the core curricular areas of literacy, numeracy and HWB.
- Understanding Early Childhood (ED151D)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to challenge the idea of ‘normative’ child development to provide students with a strong foundation from which to inform thinking in terms of inclusion of all learners and from which to build subsequent knowledge and understanding of learning and teaching. Students will explore the emotional world of the child through broad study of child development and detailed study of emotional and social development. The course will explore the students’ understanding of the concept of childhood.
- Languages, Literacy and Learning (ED151C)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to explore research informed approaches to teaching and learning in and through languages. This will provide opportunities to explore mother tongue language acquisition, second language learning and bi or pluri-lingualism. The course will also explore other forms of literacy.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
-
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Optional Courses
Plus select 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Understanding Literacy Development (ED201B)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to consider the importance of literacy to all learning, the many barriers to literacy and the teacher’s role in over-coming these as well as further developing their own literacy skills. Students will explore research informed approaches to the teaching of reading and writing and begin to consider the implications of these approaches for classroom practice. They will begin to explore pedagogical approaches to literacy teaching and learning in a 2nd level classroom.
- Exploring Mathematical Conceptual Understanding - Aberdeen (ED201C)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to consider the importance of numeracy and mathematical conceptual understanding to lifelong learning as the rationale for numeracy and maths being a core curriculum area and the responsibility of all teachers 3 – 18. It will provide essential knowledge of cognitive development and key related theories and will explore research informed approaches to the teaching of maths, as a basis to consider the implications of these approaches for classroom practice. Students will begin to explore pedagogical approaches to maths teaching and learning in a 2nd level classroom.
- Developing Curriculum Knowledge - Hwb (ED251D)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of the value of Health and Well-being to children's lives and learning. Students will explore a range of ways that health and well-being can be integrated into the primary school curriculum with a specific focus on current issues for Primary teaching and learning in Scotland.
- Belief Matters: Belief in Schools (ED251C)
-
15 Credit Points
This course offers students the chance to consider the role of belief in education. Students will study the role of mythologies (personal and societal), the impact of social change on belief and how belief manifests in the primary school curriculum. In particular students will critically consider the role, purposes, status of Religious and Moral Education (RME) in schools, and approaches to effective teaching of this area of the curriculum.
- Into Practice – Exploring the Role of the Teacher (ED251B)
-
30 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with practical opportunities to explore the classroom environment from a teacher’s perspective and to critically reflect on this experience. Students will have the opportunity to build on experience from year one and further develop their understanding of the role of the teacher and the professional commitment necessary to be successful in their professional qualification. At the same time, students will further develop their knowledge and understanding of diversity, children and the communities in which they live. Students will have opportunities to critically engage with contemporary issues in education and to consider implications for schools. Students will develop sensitivity to diversity, ethical practices, and rights and responsibilities whilst beginning to plan and teach the core curricular areas of literacy, numeracy and HWB.
Optional Courses
Plus select 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 3
-
Compulsory Courses
- Developing Professional Practice 1 (ED301L)
-
30 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to explore, in practice, the theories and understanding of different approaches to learning, including the play-based approach, in Nursery and P1.
- Understanding the Individual Needs of Children (ED301M)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the individual and additional needs of children. Students will explore factors that give rise to the many different needs of children and different approaches to meeting them in a Primary classroom.
- Teaching Science in the Primary Classroom (ED301P)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with creative and innovative opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of science concepts through modelling of approaches which can be used in the Primary classroom. Students will also develop an understanding of the challenges of learning science and the pedagogical approaches which will support learners.
- Understanding Learning and Teaching in the Early Years 1 (ED301O)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of a range of theories relevant to early child development and explore approaches to the education and care of young children. Students will also engage critically with factors that affect children’s learning and development such as the physical environment and socio-cultural context. They will explore the importance of play in early learning.
- Understanding Learning and Teaching in the Early Years 2 (ED351E)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to extend students’ experiences and opportunities for learning in semester one with further opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of a range of theories relevant to early child development and continue to explore approaches to education and care of young children. Students will also engage critically with the many factors that affect children’s learning and development looking beyond the physical environment and socio-cultural context to formal and informal services available to children and families, ASN and ACE.
- Exploring the Expressive Arts in the Primary Curriculum (ED351F)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of the expressive arts as a pathway to creative teaching across the curriculum. Students will consider the value of expressive arts as a medium for teaching and learning in relation to the whole curriculum including what has been called the ‘hidden curriculum’.
- Developing Curriculum Knowledge – Social Studies (ED351G)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of Social Studies in the primary school curriculum. Students will explore research informed approaches to teaching and learning Social Studies in the primary school, and consider the implications of these approaches for classroom practice. Students will also develop a critical understanding of how the local environment and community can support children’s learning.
- Year 4
-
Compulsory Courses
- Contexts for Learning Without Limits (ED401A)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of inter-disciplinary learning within the Primary School curriculum. Students will explore research informed approaches to inter disciplinary learning in the primary school, and consider the implications of these approaches for classroom practice and for addressing learner differences. Students will have opportunities to explore some ways of teaching and learning across the primary curriculum that are innovative, inter-disciplinary and inclusive. The focus will be on how to integrate areas to plan meaningful, real world, relevant learning experiences.
- Professional Enquiry in the Primary Classroom (ED401B)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake a small scale professional enquiry. Students will explore the purpose of professional enquiry in Scottish education, consider related ethical issues, and be able to design a professional enquiry of their choice.
- Developing Professional Practice 2 (ED401C)
-
30 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with an opportunity to develop experience of working with children in the second level of primary school. Students will critically reflect on their own practice, observe experienced teachers, document their own learning and the learning and progress of children and engage in the whole life of a Primary school to meet SPR. Students will gather data for a small-scale professional enquiry.
- Developing Professional Practice 3 (ED451A)
-
30 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with an opportunity to further develop their knowledge, understanding and practical skills through experience of working with children in the Early/First Level of primary school.
- Professional Project (ED451B)
-
30 Credit Points
This course aims to enable students to follow a personal interest in depth through professional enquiry spanning across placements in 2nd and early/1st level classrooms. Students will bring to this focused in-depth study, learning from courses across all four years.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
Our learner-centred approach is characterised by workshops, tutorials, seminars, self-study and lectures, supported by an online learning environment. Courses are assessed through a variety of approaches, including written, oral, coursework and school-based assessments. School experience is assessed in partnership with primary school teachers, Head Teachers and University tutors. As the programme develops, students will be expected to take increasing responsibility for determining and organising their own learning as part of their continuing professional development.
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by a combination of assessment methods including:
- Coursework such as essays, reports, group presentations and portfolios completed throughout the course.
- Practical assessments of skills, competencies and professional knowledge and understanding during placement.
- Individual presentations, poster presentations, essays and examinations at the end of a course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Why Study Primary Education?
- The School of Education at Aberdeen is recognised as a national and international centre of excellence for creative and innovative thinking and practice
- We warmly welcome students of all ages and circumstances
- Opportunities to add special interests which give further career options, including music
- Opportunities to get involved in the latest research on new developments and thinking in education, such as technology assisting learning, outdoor learning, and bilingual learning
- Strong links with European teacher education institutions and schools, with the opportunity to spend periods studying abroad
- Leadership in research on education and autism, including developing social skills through imitation and drama
- Programmes closely guided by national policies and priorities and leading in the pioneering use of technology in learning
- The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, state-of-the-art technology, and wonderful resources for teachers in training
- A packed campus programme of student and public events, exhibitions, education seminars, invited speakers and the annual May Festival, which welcomes world-famous authors, broadcasters, public figures and a variety of experts onto campus every spring to discuss and debate big issues in our society and world today
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEntry Requirements
Interviews
An interview forms part of the selection process at Aberdeen as candidates are beginning their professional qualification from year one with placement in every year of the course. The information presented in the UCAS Application will be used to determine whether or not an applicant is invited for interview. Performance at interview will determine whether or not any offer will be made.
PVG Check
A Protection of Vulnerable Group (PVG) check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted by the University. This is required of all applicants who firmly accept an unconditional offer of admission (so their status is UF), even those who have been checked previously. For non UK applicants, or UK applicants who have lived outside the UK for any period of time, an Enhanced criminal record check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted at the point they become UF and in addition, it will be necessary for the applicant to obtain a criminal record check from the country they are from/lived in. Applicants who firmly accept conditional offers of admission will not undergo PVG unless they move to UF on receipt of exam results. Applicants who make Aberdeen their insurance choice will not undergo PVG unless their status at Aberdeen shows UF. The PVG check is required because the first placement takes place in the January following the start of term in the September.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2024 Entry
-
SQA:
Higher English and N5 Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics required as part of the entry requirements. See detailed entry requirements for more information.
Standard: ABBB from S4 and S5. Those seeking to qualify over S5 and S6 will be expected to exceed this minimum.
Adjusted: BBBC by the end of S6 those who meet one or more Widening Access criteria.
- HNC/HND: Qualifications such as an HNC or HND (eg Education and Childcare) will be accepted as one subject alongside 3 additional subjects at Higher. You must still meet the English and Maths requirements.
- Foundation Apprenticeship: this will count as one SCQF Level 6 (Higher) subject at grade A. You must still meet the English and Maths requirements.
NOTE: We require a minimum of 4 separate SCQF Level 6 subjects.
A Levels:
A Levels: BBB English and Mathematics as below.
International Baccalaureate:
Minimum of 32 points including at least 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in Maths/Maths Studies at 4 or above.
HL in English at 5 or above.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Four subjects at Higher, with 1 at H2 and 3 at H3. O4 in Maths minimum required. H3 in English minimum required. English and Mathematics as below.
English and Mathematics Entry Requirements
All applicants are required to meet the English and Mathematics entry requirements for our MA Primary Education degree, in addition to those mentioned above. These can be found in our detailed entry requirements..
UNIVERSITY GRADUATES:
Graduates wishing to apply for primary teaching training must apply for the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). PGDE Courses in both primary and secondary education are available and are professionally accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GCTS). More information on the PGDE can be found here.
- HNC/HND: Qualifications such as an HNC or HND (eg Education and Childcare) will be accepted as one subject alongside 3 additional subjects at Higher. You must still meet the English and Maths requirements.
- 2025 Entry
-
SQA:
Higher English and N5 Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics required as part of the entry requirements. See detailed entry requirements for more information.
Standard: BBBB from S4 and S5. Those seeking to qualify over S5 and S6 will be expected to exceed this minimum.
Adjusted: BBBC by the end of S6 those who meet one or more Widening Access criteria.
- HNC/HND: Qualifications such as an HNC or HND (eg Education and Childcare) will be accepted as one subject alongside 3 additional subjects at Higher. You must still meet the English and Maths requirements.
- Foundation Apprenticeship: this will count as one SCQF Level 6 (Higher) subject at grade A. You must still meet the English and Maths requirements.
NOTE: We require a minimum of 4 separate SCQF Level 6 subjects.
A Levels:
A Levels: BBC English and Mathematics as below.
International Baccalaureate:
Minimum of 32 points including at least 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in Maths/Maths Studies at 4 or above.
HL in English at 5 or above.IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE/ARDTEISTIMEIREACHT
Four subjects at Higher, with one at H2 and three at H3. Must have English at H3 minimum and Maths at O4 minimum.
English and Mathematics Entry Requirements
All students are required to fulfil the English and Mathematics entry requirements for entry to our MA Primary Education degree, in addition to those mentioned above. These can be accessed here.
UNIVERSITY GRADUATES:
Graduates wishing to apply for primary teaching training must apply for the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). PGDE Courses in both primary and secondary education are available and are professionally accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GCTS). More information on the PGDE can be found here.
- HNC/HND: Qualifications such as an HNC or HND (eg Education and Childcare) will be accepted as one subject alongside 3 additional subjects at Higher. You must still meet the English and Maths requirements.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Education degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate 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 - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Fitness to Practice Guidelines
Students undertaking Education, Medicine or Dentistry programmes must comply with the University's fitness to practise guidelines.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £20,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year |
Additional Fees
- 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 and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
After graduating from the programme, you will be eligible for a one-year induction training post* in a primary school in Scotland. Graduates from Aberdeen are highly valued by employers in the city, throughout Scotland and across the world.
*Please note: International Fees students, upon successful completion of the Education Programme are not entitled to an Induction Year Post and will not be permitted to join the Teacher Induction Scheme.
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.
Facilities
The School of Education is located in the MacRobert Building of the University's historic King's College Campus. Our programme makes use of innovative technology to support learning on and out with the University campus. The University's distance learning partnership in teaching and research enables students to undertake distance learning nationally and internationally.
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX