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The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is the graduate entry route for those who want to become a primary (or secondary) teacher in Scotland. The PGDE is an internationally recognised qualification, newly qualified teachers will be able to apply for qualified teacher status (QTS) or equivalent in their home country.

Why this course?

Teaching is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding careers you can pursue – you'll shape the minds of tomorrow!

This course will provide the theoretical and practical starting point to your teaching career. You'll acquire the skills, attitudes and competencies to communicate in the classroom.

Worldwide qualification

This course is a professional training course which qualifies you to teach primary education. The qualification is recognised throughout the world and is regulated by the:

General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS)
Scottish Government

Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) FAQs

Requirements

Entry Requirements

2024/25

Degree requirements	An ordinary degree, or international equivalent.
Maths & English	Higher (SCQF Level 6) English Grade C or above National 5 (SCQF Level 5) Mathematics Grade C or above Maths and English qualifications can be in progress at the time of application. Acceptable alternative Maths and English qualifications are listed on our PGDE FAQs page.
Experience & References	evidence that you have experience of working with children in a primary school or related setting an understanding of modern primary education an ability to relate to people Relevant experience should be noted in your personal statement. At present, it's difficult for all potential student teachers to access schools to gain experience in support of their application for programmes of Initial Teacher Education. Where possible, opportunities should be sought to gain experience in contexts which involve working with children and/or young people. References Applications made via UCAS require one reference and those made via the University direct system require two. This should be an academic reference if you are a current student or recent graduate (ie within the last 5 years). A professional reference (current/recent employer who can testify to your suitability to teach) is acceptable if you graduated more than 5 years ago. This can also relate to any voluntary experience you have working with children/young people. A reference must be included with your UCAS application; only in very exceptional circumstances will we consider an application without one and you must explain in your personal statement why this has been omitted. The reference should be provided as soon as possible as no offer can be made until the reference has been received. References from family or friends are not acceptable.
English language requirements	Please check our English requirements before making your application.
PVG and overseas police check requirements	All applicants who have been offered a place on the PGDE course will be required to complete an application to Join PVG Scheme or an application for Existing PVG Scheme Member through Strathclyde University prior to starting the course. Students will be required to pay between £18 to £59 depending on the related work they apply to. If applicable, applicants who have been given an offer will also be required to obtain the relevant oversea(s) certificate(s) of good conduct.

Undergraduate

Students who have studied the Tawjihiyya/Thanawiya General School Certificate are eligible for entry via a foundation programme from the ISC. Students that have studied an International Qualification such as A Levels, IB Diploma, French Bac or the American High School system should check the relevant country.

Postgraduate

A good degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution is acceptable for postgraduate study at Strathclyde. Our applications are judged on a case-by-case basis and can vary depending on the course. As a guide, we normally consider a GPA of 2.8 out of 4 and 3.8 out of 5.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5

English Program Requirements

We accept a number of English language tests as proof of proficiency in English. IELTS is the most widely available. Information on this can be found on the British Council Website.

Our current standard requirements are:

IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
Faculty of Science: IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
Faculty of Engineering (Undergraduate only): IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)

Some degree programmes have different English language requirements to the above so please check each individual course page for details.

Other English language tests may be acceptable and you can find these here:

Recognised English language qualifications for pre-sessional and degree entry

If you have a qualification not listed, you should contact our Recruitment & International Office for advice.

Career

Careers

The PGDE qualification is required for employment as a teacher in a primary school. It qualifies you to teach in locations world-wide. Following the probationary period, it can provide a starting point for a clearly defined career structure within primary education. The promoted posts in primary schools are principal teacher, depute head teacher and head teacher.

With experience, teachers in Scotland can apply for posts as Principal Teacher, Deputy Head or Head Teacher. A number of graduates will become lecturers on initial teacher education courses, HM Inspectors or take on other development roles at Education Scotland or with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. While the course is directed mainly to the Scottish education system, the qualification is widely recognised in the rest of the UK, Ireland and in schools across the globe.

Students from Scotland, other parts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, who are studying at a Scottish Higher Education Institution are eligible to join the Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS). This provides a guaranteed 1-year training post in a local authority to every eligible student graduating with a teaching qualification from one of Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions. Find out more about the Teacher Induction Scheme.

Learn more about what happens after your PDGE.

Work anywhere in Scotland

The Preference Waiver Scheme is a scheme whereby a student teacher on TIS agrees to be allocated to their one year post anywhere in Scotland. The additional financial incentive is in the region of £8,000.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow

Fee Information

Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

Tuition Fee

26,694 / year

Primary Education