Professional Graduate Diploma Education (PGDE) Secondary
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-08-19 | - |
Program Overview
The program combines practical professional studies with theoretical knowledge, focusing on curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and assessment strategies. Graduates are equipped with the skills and understanding to effectively teach secondary school students and meet the requirements of the Scottish curriculum and assessment methodologies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Secondary program equips individuals with the required qualifications for provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTC Scotland), paving the way for a fulfilling career in secondary school teaching. The program combines practical aspects of professional studies in education with theoretical knowledge, focusing on curriculum development, teaching and learning methodologies, and assessment strategies.
Course Objectives:
- Prepare graduates for provisional registration and entry into the Scottish Teacher Induction Scheme.
- Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach secondary school students.
- Develop graduates' understanding of the Scottish curriculum and assessment methodologies.
- Cultivate graduates' professional values and commitment to teaching.
Outline:
The PGDE Secondary program comprises three core modules:
PGDE (Secondary) Subject Studies: This core module (40 credits) delves into the specific subject areas chosen by the student and provides comprehensive knowledge of the curriculum, teaching approaches, and assessment methods applicable to those subjects.
PGDE School & Professional Studies:
- (L10): Offered at SCQF Level 10 (40 credits), this module focuses on professional studies in education, exploring areas such as professional values, personal commitment, professional knowledge and understanding, and professional skills and abilities.
- (L11): Offered at SCQF Level 11 (40 credits), this module covers the same aspects as the L10 module but delves deeper into specific topics and offers a more advanced level of study.
PGDE (Secondary) School Experience: This core module (40 credits) provides invaluable practical teaching experience in schools, offering students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and develop essential teaching skills.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the modules selected. These include:
- Coursework: Assessing students' ongoing progress and engagement throughout the program.
- Practical assessments: Evaluating students' performance in real-world teaching scenarios in schools.
- School experience assessment: Evaluating students' teaching performance and professional development by school mentors and UWS tutors.
Teaching:
The program adopts a diverse range of teaching methodologies to cater to various learning styles and preferences. These include:
- Lectures: Providing students with foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks.
- Workshops: Facilitating active learning through group-based activities and problem-solving exercises.
- Blended learning: Combining the use of Aula – the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – with face-to-face sessions, providing access to online resources and asynchronous discussions.
- Fieldwork: Engaging students in real-world settings through school observations and teaching practice.
Careers:
Graduates of the PGDE (Secondary) program are equipped with the necessary qualifications to pursue a career in secondary school teaching. The program opens doors to various teaching positions across diverse subjects in both the public and private sectors.
Other:
- The program duration is 9 months, commencing in August each year.
- UWS offers dedicated support services to assist students with academic, personal, and professional development.
Scottish £1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS ) All other UK & Republic of Ireland £9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750 Channel Islands & Isle of Man £9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750 International (all other EU plus Non-EU) £15,500 per year of study
The University of the West of Scotland
Overview:
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a public university with campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire, London, and Paisley. It is known for its commitment to widening participation and providing accessible education to all. UWS offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various academic disciplines.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWS offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student clubs, societies, and sports teams. Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, including social events, cultural programs, and volunteering opportunities. The university also provides support services such as career guidance, academic advising, and mental health resources.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Widening Participation:
UWS is committed to making education accessible to all, regardless of background or prior experience.Career-Focused Programs:
The university offers programs designed to prepare students for specific careers and industries.Global Outlook:
UWS has a strong international focus, with students and staff from around the world.Research Excellence:
UWS is recognized for its high-quality research, particularly in areas such as health, social sciences, and engineering.Supportive Environment:
The university provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students to thrive.Academic Programs:
UWS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across six academic schools:
- School of Business and Enterprise
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
- School of Creative Industries
- School of Education
- School of Health and Life Sciences
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care
Other:
UWS is a registered Scottish charity and is recognized by the UK authorities as a "recognised body" with degree awarding powers. The university is committed to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and has been ranked 16th in the world for its impact on reducing inequalities.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- Minimum of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent (depending on specific applications each year, this may be changed to a Bachelor (Hons) degree, containing 80 credits relevant to the subject area being applied for - see below for fuller explanation)
- All applicants must also have achieved qualifications in both English and Mathematics prior to their application being considered:
- English: a minimum of SQA Higher (Grade C), or equivalent, eg. GCSE English Literature and English Language (Grade C/5, or above)
- Mathematics: a minimum of SQA National 5 (Grade C), or equivalent, eg. GCSE Maths (Grade C/5, or above) or Irish Leaving Certificate Maths (Grade O3, or above)
- Applicants who are working towards these qualifications will also be considered on the condition that the applicant, if successful at interview, has attained these qualifications prior to the start of the course in August 2024.
International Overseas Students (outside the EU):
- Follow the same requirements as EU Home Students.
- Subjects with additional specific entry requirements:
- Art & Design
- English
- Languages
- PE
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International students whose first language is not English must meet the University's English Language requirements.
- General requirement: IELTS Academic module with an overall score of 6.0 and no sub-test less than 5.5.
