PGDE Secondary (Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies)

Program Overview

The PGDE Secondary (Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies) program at Queen Margaret University prepares graduates to teach RMPS in Scottish secondary schools. It combines theoretical learning with practical experience in schools, focusing on critical thinking, student collaboration, and independent learning. Graduates are guaranteed a one-year teaching position in a Scottish school after graduation and can expect a starting salary of £32,217.

Program Outline

Extracted Information about the PGDE Secondary (Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies) program at Queen Margaret University:

Degree Overview:

• Overview: This one-year program prepares graduates to teach Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS) in Scottish secondary schools.
• Objectives: Graduates will be able to:
• Teach RMPS effectively in a classroom context.
• Engage critically with contemporary issues using religious and philosophical perspectives.
• Promote social justice, sustainability, and health and wellbeing through RMPS education.
• Be an advocate for social justice within their schools and communities.
• Contribute to the development of RMPS as a school subject in the 21st century.
• Description: This program combines theoretical learning with practical experience in schools.
Students will learn about key aspects of religious and philosophical questions, research methods, and effective teaching strategies. They will complete two 18-week placements in different secondary schools, gaining practical experience in teaching RMPS.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers a broad range of topics related to RMPS, including:
• Religious and philosophical studies in the 21st century
• Critical pedagogy and social justice
• Sustainability and health and wellbeing
• Teaching and learning methods for RMPS
• Research methods in education
• Structure:
• 18 weeks of classes and online learning at QMU
• 18 weeks of placement in two different secondary schools
• Course Schedule:
• Modules:
• Reflective and Critical Practice (Placement modules) (40 credits): Focuses on becoming a teacher in relation to the Standard for Provisional Registration (2021), assessed through observation of teaching practice in schools.
• Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies in the 21st Century (40 credits): Equips students to teach RMPS and engage critically with research, assessed through research-based assignments.
• Education: Theory, Practice & Research (1) (20 credits): Develops critical and reflective skills in classroom-based research, assessed through a literature review.
• Education: Theory, Practice & Research (2) (20 credits): Develops skills in classroom research, assessed through a research proposal presentation.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods:
• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Observation of teaching practice
• Research proposal
• Assessment criteria:

Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
• Independent and collaborative learning in workshops
• Research and presentations
• Online and blended learning
• Practical experience in school placements
• Teaching Staff:
Click here for more information: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/postgraduate-study/pgde-secondary-religious-moral-and-philosophical-studies#teaching-staff
• Unique approaches:
• Focuses on critical thinking, student collaboration, independent learning, and practical experience.
• Incorporates interprofessional and interdisciplinary learning.
• Promotes the use of outdoor learning activities.
• Emphasizes debate and contention.

Careers:

• Guaranteed employment: Scottish graduates are guaranteed a one-year teaching position in a Scottish school after graduation through the GTCS Teacher Induction Scheme.
• Salary:
• Starting salary: £32,217 with an additional £8,000 for completing the probationary year in Scotland.
• Salary after full registration: Incrementally increases to £48,516 over six years.
• Professional Development:
• Teacher Induction Scheme provides support and training during the first year of teaching.
• Opportunities for further professional development and career advancement.

Other:

• Placements:
• Generated through the GTCS Student Placement System (SPS).
• Based on student's term-time address.
• Students may need to travel within a 90-minute radius.
• Students are responsible for funding travel costs.
• Learning Resources:
• The program uses the QMU Learning Resource Centre, which provides access to books, journals, and online databases.
• The program also uses the university's Outdoor Learning Hub, which offers opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration.
• International Students:
Information may be subject to change.