PGDE Secondary Education: Modern Languages

• A degree (preferably Honours) with at least 80 SCQF credit points in the language you wish to teach (if you wish to teach your native language, see 'Native Speakers' section below)
• Higher (SCQF Level 6) English Grade C or above*
• National 5 (SCQF Level 5) Mathematics Grade C or above**

Modern language residency – amended criteria for 2021 entry only

The General Teaching Council for Scotland have reduced the requirement for the first language from six months’ residency to three months’ residency before the course starts and for a second language from three-month residency to six-weeks residency. Please note, there is no plan to reduce this further. We are of the view that applicants require the language and cultural elements provided by immersion in the relevant country to help them share their love of languages.

The applicant’s academic study must include an element which will allow them to contribute to the wider aspects of programmes of study in schools, such as literature, cultural studies, area studies or languages in work.

While living abroad the applicant must have fully taken part in the language and culture of the relevant country. Applicants must normally live in the relevant country in blocks of at least three months.

First language

• 80 credits in the first language
• must have six months' residency before course starts
• evidence of residency must be provided; transcript from year abroad; a statement from a University authority; British Council; Course Organiser; Employer or a Senior Family Member with whom they have lived, confirming dates of residency. The statement should normally be in the past tense specifying clearly the dates completed.

Second language

• 80 credits in the second language
• must have three months' residency before course starts
• evidence of residency must be provided; transcript from year abroad; a statement from a University authority; British Council; Course Organiser; Employer or a Senior Family Member with whom they have lived, confirming dates of residency. The statement should normally be in the past tense specifying clearly the dates completed

Native Speakers

• degree in own language
• native speakers of a modern language who have finished a degree in their own language which meets the requirements for the first language offered outlined above may train to teach their native language. For example; a Chinese student with a degree in Chinese can train to teach Mandarin in Scotland.
• students who are native speakers of a modern foreign language and have a degree in a language other than their native tongue may train to teach that language plus their native tongue. For example; a French student with a degree in Spanish can train to teach French and Spanish in Scotland, presuming that the candidate meets the residency requirements for both languages.

As well as academic qualifications, you will need to demonstrate:

• evidence that you have experience of working with children in a secondary school setting or related context
• an understanding of modern secondary education
• an ability to relate to people

Please note: due to the limited number of places and the high volume of applications received for certain subjects it may be necessary to have the Mathematics and English qualifications in place at the time of application.

Admission to Initial Teacher Education programmes 2021/22

At present, it is 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. Where this is not possible, we will take particular care to explore potential student teachers' suitability to working with children and/or young people as a part of the admission process.

• Communications 4 and Literature 1
• GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature at Grade C or above
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher English at Grade C3 or above
• (SCQF Level 6) English Access Course offered by the University of Aberdeen
• A Level English Literature or English Language Grade C or above

• Standard Grade 1 or 2 Credit Mathematics
• Intermediate Level 2 Mathematics at Grade C or above
• GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above
• Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Mathematics at Grade B3 or above
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Mathematics at Grade C3 or above
• National 5 Lifeskills/Applications Mathematics at Grade C or above
• (SCQF Level 5) Mathematics Access Course offered by the University of Aberdeen
• A Level Mathematics Grade C or above
• Discovering Mathematics MU123 Open University

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 have not 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 do not need to present any additional evidence.

If you are 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 will 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 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.