About

Study with us

learn from on-campus classes and 18 weeks of placements in schools

become qualified to teach in locations worldwide

opportunity to achieve 80 Masters-level credits

funded places available (Scottish/Home students only)

Why this course?

The biology component of the PGDE course builds on your existing knowledge of biology to transform it into a form which school pupils can understand. You'll work in groups with other student teachers to explore the practicalities of teaching a biology class before, during and after the lesson. What prior knowledge do the pupils have about the topic? What misconceptions are they likely to have and how can you address them?

What about behaviour management? How can you plan practical work so it engages pupils’ thinking? How can you help pupils to learn to love biology? Once you have the taught the lesson, how you will reflect on what you could do better in future.

Worldwide qualification

The PGDE is a well-recognised teaching qualification worldwide and is regulated by:

the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS)
the Scottish Government

If you wish to teach in another country you should contact the relevant education authority to check your eligibility.

Visit our Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) FAQs.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

2024/25

Degree requirements	A second class Honours degree or international equivalent. Degree must include: at least 80 SCQF credits in biology. Credits should cover one subject from list A and list B below: List A Animal biology Biochemistry Human biology Biomolecular science List B Botany Plant biology Medical-related degrees are not appropriate due to their clinical nature.
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 secondary school or related setting an understanding of modern secondary 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	You're required to have a suitable minimum level of competency in the English language if your first language is not English or if you haven't been educated wholly or mainly in the medium of English. For postgraduate studies, the University of Strathclyde requires a minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 (no individual test score below 5.5) or equivalent. Tests are valid for two years. Pre-sessional courses in English are available. If you’re a national of an English speaking country recognised by UK Visa and Immigrations (please check most up-to-date list on the Home Office website) or you've successfully completed an academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree) in any of these countries, then you don't need to present any additional evidence. If you're from a country not recognised as an English speaking country by the United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI), please get in touch before making your application. Please note that IELTS is not equivalent to a Higher (SCQF Level 6) English qualification. These are two separate requirements. In order to meet the PGDE entry requirements you'll be required to have both or equivalent.
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

You're required to have a suitable minimum level of competency in the English language if your first language is not English or if you haven't been educated wholly or mainly in the medium of English.

For postgraduate studies, the University of Strathclyde requires a minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 (no individual test score below 5.5) or equivalent. Tests are valid for two years.

Pre-sessional courses in English are available.

If you’re a national of an English speaking country recognised by UK Visa and Immigrations (please check most up-to-date list on the Home Office website) or you've successfully completed an academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree) in any of these countries, then you don't need to present any additional evidence.

If you're from a country not recognised as an English speaking country by the United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI), please get in touch before making your application.

Please note that IELTS is not equivalent to a Higher (SCQF Level 6) English qualification. These are two separate requirements. In order to meet the PGDE entry requirements you'll be required to have both or equivalent.

Career

Careers

A degree in education will equip you for a range of careers working with children and young people.

Most of our PGDE graduates go on to work as teachers in secondary schools across the country. Learn more about what happens after your PGDE.

Secondary School Teachers in Scotland use the Curriculum for Excellence framework. They work with their class to develop skills and abilities, and encourage the pupils to expand their knowledge and understanding further.

Typical jobs

Jobs related to this degree include:

Secondary Teacher
Head Teacher
Further Education Lecturer
Special Educational Needs Teacher

Working hours

During term time, you'll officially work a 35-hour week but you may have to work more. You'll be in school before the school day starts and stay after the pupils leave. Most teachers take their marking and preparations home to do in the evening.

You'll also participate in parents evening, after school clubs and activities and school trips.

Holidays

A teacher's total working year is 195 days including five days for in-service training. Every year you'll get 40 days holiday at full pay*.

*Source: Teach in Scotland.

Other jobs

There are also many options for those who decide not to go into the classroom. Some alternative job roles are:

Charity Adviser
Youth Worker
Museum Educator
Education Liason roles
Private Tutor

Skills you'll need

excellent communication
a good imagination and creativity
organisational and time-management skills
patience
ability to work as part of a team
enthusiasm, energy and excitement for what you do

Salary

Secondary school teacher current main salary scales range from £31,584 to £47,565**

**information intended only as a guide. Source: The Educational Institute of Scotland.

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

28,174 / year

Secondary Education: Biology with Science