Secondary Education: Geography

An ordinary degree, or international equivalent.

Degree must include:

• at least 80 SCQF credits in geography.
• degrees in geology, geosciences, earth science, or environmental science can qualify if there are 80 SCQF credits in human geography.

• 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.

• 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.

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 Immigrations (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.

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.