PGDE Modern Languages

Program Overview

The PGDE Modern Languages program at the University of Strathclyde equips students to become effective teachers in French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Mandarin. It provides a comprehensive understanding of educational theory and practice, pedagogical skills, and the ability to engage with changing learning communities. The program includes on-campus classes, a 18-week teaching placement, and a supportive learning environment, preparing graduates for careers in secondary education and beyond.

Program Outline

The program aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to become effective teachers. It is recognized worldwide and regulated by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and the Scottish Government.

Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of educational theory and practice.
• To develop students' pedagogical skills and knowledge in their chosen language.
• To equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage with the changing circumstances of the learning communities they encounter.
• To prepare students for a career in teaching in locations worldwide.
• To provide students with the opportunity to achieve 120 Masters-level credits.

Outline:

The PGDE Modern Languages program is modular in structure and delivered over 36 weeks (full-time) or two years (part-time), including 18 weeks of placement experience. The program consists of three core modules:

• Education Studies: Professional Values: This module explores the theoretical underpinnings of education, focusing on issues of the nature and purpose of education, social justice and equality, and practice and policy in relation to ethical and political ideas.
Students are encouraged to reflect on their values and beliefs in relation to a range of educational questions and issues.
• 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 are supported to develop as autonomous, transformative leaders of change.
• Professional Skills: This module is taught both on campus and in schools and enables students to become effective teachers through learning pedagogical theory, observing experienced teachers, and applying their knowledge and understanding in a practical context.
It is further divided into two sub-modules:
• Curriculum and Pedagogy:
This sub-module focuses on the theoretical aspects of teaching and learning.
• Professional Practice: This sub-module focuses on the practical aspects of teaching and learning.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Coursework: Each class includes coursework that involves group or independent study on specified tasks.
This may involve presentations and written reports.
• Placement: Students spend 18 weeks on placement in a school within Scotland, where they are continually assessed to show they meet the requirements for the Standards for Provisional Registration.
• Portfolio: Students must keep a portfolio of progress while on placement.
This placement file forms part of the evidence of their meeting the Standards for Provisional Registration and prepares them for career-long professional learning.

Teaching:

The program encourages an active and participative style of learning to meet students' professional needs and promote a commitment to continuing professional development. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• On-campus classes: Students attend classes on campus to familiarize themselves with the curriculum, collaborate with other students, and begin to plan lessons and develop materials.
• Placement: Students spend 18 weeks on placement in a school within Scotland, where they have the opportunity to put what they are learning into practice, explore their own teaching style, learn new techniques, and develop relationships with their pupils.
• Mentorship: Students are assigned a mentor who provides guidance and support throughout the program.

Careers:

The PGDE Modern Languages program prepares students for a variety of careers working with children and young people. Most graduates go on to work as teachers in secondary schools across the country. Other potential career paths include:

• Head Teacher
• Further Education Lecturer
• Special Educational Needs Teacher
• Charity Adviser
• Youth Worker
• Museum Educator
• Education Liaison Roles
• Private Tutor

Other:

• The program offers students the opportunity to achieve up to 120 credits at Masters level, which can be used towards further study following the course.
• The program is fully supported by additional input during the program.
• The program is designed to meet the needs of students from Scotland, other parts of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland.
• Students who are eligible can join the Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS), which provides a guaranteed 1-year training post in a local authority.
• The Preference Waiver Scheme offers a financial incentive to students who agree to be allocated to their one-year post anywhere in Scotland.
• The program is taught in English.
• International students are welcome to apply.
• The program is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Fees & Funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter. All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

2024/25

Scotland: TBC

International: £18,050

Additional costs:

Placements & field trips Travel to schools PVG Scheme (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) £59 membership fee, £18 for existing members Visa & immigration International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Applications should be made online through the Students Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) website, the PGDE course falls under undergraduate study. Full-time students who usually live in Scotland may also be eligible to apply to SAAS for a loan, bursary and living-cost grants. Living-cost grants include the Lone Parents’ Grants and the Disabled Students’ Allowance. The exact amount you can get depends on your household income. Check the SAAS website for more details.

International:

The Dean's International Excellence Award recognizes academic achievement. It offers international students a merit-based scholarship of up to £4,000 for entry onto a full-time Masters programme in the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences.