PGDE Secondary Education: Chemistry with Science
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | - |
Program Overview
Why this course?
As a teacher of chemistry, you’ll transform your existing knowledge of how matter works into a format which can be understood by, and spark the interest of secondary school pupils. You’ll also train to teach general science, comprising of physics, biology and chemistry, to lower school pupils.
One of the highlights of the PGDE course for many student teachers is attending the residential Scottish Universities’ Science School (SUSS) where you will meet the student teachers of science from the other Scottish Universities. SUSS offers an excellent opportunity to begin networking with other future science teachers.
Worldwide qualification
This course is a professional training course which qualifies you to teach secondary education. The qualification is recognised throughout the world and is regulated by:
Why study for a PGDE?
Hear from students about why they love studying for a PGDE in Secondary Education.
Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) FAQs
What you'll learn
This course will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you require. The PGDE is modular in structure and students will study three modules across the year:
PGDE operates a model whereby students attend classes on campus followed by blocks of continued learning on placement. The modules run in parallel and learning and practice is cumulative.
On-campus time is used to familiarise you with the curriculum, allow you to collaborate with students and begin to plan lessons and develop materials. Students will have the opportunity to teach mini-lessons and explore innovative and motivating ways of engaging children and young people.
Placement
You'll spend 18 weeks of the course on placement in a school within Scotland. You'll be continually assessed while there to show you meet the requirements for the Standards for Provisional Registration.
You must attend your placement school throughout the full working day. You must also attend school on staff in-service days unless told otherwise by your school.
Placement is your chance to put what you're learning into practice. You'll explore your own teaching style, learn new techniques and develop relationships with your pupils.
You must keep a portfolio of progress while on placement. This placement file will form part of the evidence of your meeting the Standards for Provisional Registration and prepares you for career-long professional learning.
Future employment
The Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS) is a scheme whereby eligible applicants are offered a post for a year in a Scottish school. Only students paying Home fees are eligible for the scheme and eligibility is ascertained on a case-by-case basis. Students who successfully complete registration are eligible for full registration status. More information on the TIS can be found on the GTCS website.
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.
"I've worked with hundreds of successful student chemistry teachers and thousands of school pupils before that. Most of them have taught ME a great deal! My sustained impact in chemistry education led to my award of a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry."
Jane Essex
Course Leader
Subject-specific classes
All science teachers in Scotland have a specialist science teacher qualification in physics, chemistry or biology. They're also qualified to teach general science in first, second and third year in schools. In addition to learning about the pedagogy of teaching physics, chemistry or biology, student teachers of science also have an additional twenty hours of study to learn how to teach general science. This component is taught in mixed groups of physics, chemistry and biology student teachers to allow students to learn from one another and to simulate working in a school science department or faculty. The general science component is taught by a combination of experienced science teacher educators and seconded teachers.
In addition, the general science component draws on the expertise of science educators from the Glasgow Science Centre and includes a visit to the Centre or other suitable sites to consider out-of-classroom learning in science. The general science component of the specialist PGDE science courses makes it easy for qualified teachers to find employment as teachers outside Scotland.
Program Outline
Course content
As part of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to submit two of your assignments at Masters level. If you do this, you’ll be almost halfway towards a Masters in Education qualification. If you go on to do the Masters in Education, all you’ll have to do is complete two masters level classes, a research class, and a dissertation. You can do this on campus or by distance learning.
Compulsory classes
Optional classes
Education Studies; Professional Values
In this module, you'll explore the theoretical underpinnings of education. You'll be encouraged to engage with issues of the nature and the purpose of education, social justice and equality, and practice and policy in relation to ethical and political ideas. Throughout this module, we aim to disrupt and expand your thinking about education. You'll be asked to reflect on your values and beliefs in relation to a range of educational questions and issues and you will be presented with questions designed to challenge and refine your current thinking.
The module will give you opportunities to consider how theoretical underpinnings relate to the classroom; how your developing understanding translates into the education context; and how your own values and beliefs interact with your developing professional identity. Human Rights and Learning for Sustainability together form the basic architecture of this module.
Professional Learning Through Enquiry
This module aims to develop students as enquiring self-reflective practitioners who are able to work collaboratively to develop skills, knowledge and expertise in an area of professional practice. Students will be supported to develop as autonomous, transformative leaders of change. Across the globe there is a growing call for education systems to be responsive to the increasingly dynamic, complex and fast-changing nature of society. Through this module, students will develop the skills and expertise necessary to respond to the changing circumstances of the learning communities they encounter.
Professional Skills
Taught both on campus and in schools, this module will enable you to become an effective teacher through learning pedagogical theory, observing experienced teachers and applying your knowledge and understanding in the practical context.
Masters Credits
You have the opportunity to achieve up to 120 credits at Masters level which can be used towards further study following the course. This is fully supported by additional input during the programme.
Interested in postgraduate study?
At the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be available to provide you with all the information you need to kick-start your postgraduate journey at the University of Strathclyde. Register for upcoming events below:
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Learning & teaching
The course encourages an active and participative style of learning in order to meet your professional needs, and to promote a commitment to continuing professional development.
Timetable
The hours for this course are 9am to 5pm. You’re expected to be working on course-related activity during those hours.
Assessment
To be awarded the PGDE you must pass all course modules.
Course work
Each class includes course work that involves group or independent study on specified tasks. This may involve presentations and written reports.
Although these are not assessed formally they're essential learning experiences and are course requirements.
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:
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:
Skills you'll need
Salary
As a secondary school teacher in Scotland, salaries range from £27,498 to £41,412**
**information intended only as a guide. Source:
The Educational Institute of Scotland
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Aishah Ali
Teaching is not for everyone, I would try and get as much experience as you possibly can. But if you are passionate about young people and inspiring young minds - this may be the job for you.
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Dr Claire Dunn
The strength of relationships developed with both staff and pupils across both placements surprised me with regard to how quickly bonds can be made within departments. I was genuinely sad to leave each placement which I hadn’t anticipated in advance.
Find out more about Claire
Irene Cascallana Matias
I was inspired to become a teacher by my own primary school teacher. He was a very nice teacher with a great sense of humour. He used to often make good use of games to facilitate learning, which is something that I found extremely effective
Find out more
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
Overview:
- Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
- Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
- Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
- Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
- Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)
Student Life:
- Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
- 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
- Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
- Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union
Academics:
- Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
- Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
- Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
- Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
- Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world
Top Reasons to Study Here:
- Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
- Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
- Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
- Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
- Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city
Services:
- Counseling and mental health support
- Health center with a range of medical services
- Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
- Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
- Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
- Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for PGDE courses are based on the requirements set by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The minimum entry requirements we ask for, are as follows:
| Degree requirements |
An ordinary degree, or international equivalent. Degree must include:
|
|---|---|
| Maths & English |
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 |
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 have 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. |
| 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. |
Pre-Masters preparation course
The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde. The Pre-Masters programme provides progression to a number of degree options.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Chat to a student ambassador
If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a Humanities & Social Sciences student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Chat to a student ambassador
