Why this course?
PGDE Modern Languages at Strathclyde is held in high esteem by students, tutors and placement schools alike. You will benefit from an interactive learning experience comprising practical based learning and the exchange of wide-ranging ideas within the multi-lingual group. We welcome applications from talented linguists and enthusiastic individuals who are interested in teaching young people their specialism in French, German, Spanish, Italian or Mandarin.
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 :
- the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS)
- the Scottish Government
What you'll learn
As the course is equally split between University-based and school-based placements, you are exposed to a wide range of ideas, contexts and challenges. Students are encouraged to make connections between this theory and practice and to reflect critically on what kind of teacher they aspire to be. The course enables students to draw on a wide range of resources and undertake extensive professional learning in order to lay the foundations for a successful teaching career.
All students will undertake a subject-specific module called Creative Contexts for Learning (CCL) Within the Modern Languages subject area, these classes are led by tutors who are inspirational language teachers and who facilitate weekly interactive sessions for the multilingual group. Tasks include micro-teaching, demonstration lessons and carousel lessons. You will work with a wide range of teaching materials and methods to help you to engage and inspire the young people in your care. Modern Languages CCL time allows you to familiarise yourself with the curriculum and collaborate with fellow students as you begin to plan lessons, develop materials and to learn innovative and motivating ways to deliver the curriculum effectively.
Upon successful completion of school placements and observation lessons during the first three School Placements, Modern Languages students may be given the opportunity to apply to complete Placement 4 abroad; in France or Spain; for a period of four weeks to three months. This is suitable for students who wish to experience life in a foreign school and further upskill their linguistic competency in order to bring this to their teaching career in Scotland.
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 the continuation of professional development during your professional teaching career.
Guaranteed employment for Scottish & EU students
If you're a Scottish or EU student, you're guaranteed a job for one year in a Scottish school after you graduate. This is part of the GTCS Teacher Induction Scheme.
Following graduation you should contact the GTCS for provisional registration. Once you complete your probationary year, you'll be awarded full registration.
Work anywhere in Scotland
As a newly qualified teacher, you can receive an additional £8,000 under the Preference Waiver Scheme if you agree to work anywhere in Scotland for your induction scheme.
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
Placement Learning
This class is taught both on campus and in schools. It'll help you become an effective teacher through learning about pedagogical theory, observing experienced teachers and applying your knowledge through teaching experience during the course.
Creative Contexts for Learning
This class will support you as you develop your approaches to curriculum, planning, learning, teaching and assessment, and includes cross-curricular approaches.
Educational Perspectives & Policies
This class develops your understanding of key educational issues in a broader intellectual context. It 's taught in a cross- sector way, so that primary and secondary students can share opinions and learn from each other.
Principles & Policy in Practice
This is the companion class to Educational Perspective and Policies. It shares a focus on critical professional engagement informed by educational research and theory.
Professional Specialisation
This class gives you the opportunity to gain experience and further study in something you're particularly interested in. You can attend classes on campus, or undertake alternative methods of learning/development based on your area of interest.
It gives you the opportunity to gain experience
Optional classes
Creative Contexts for Learning in a second Secondary subject
Professional Learning Record
You must keep a personal portfolio of progress throughout the course. This prepares you for the continuation of professional development during your professional teaching career. This isn't a credit-rated class but it's crucial to your development on the course.
Masters Credits
You have the opportunity to achieve up to 80 credits at Masters level which can be used towards further study following the course. This is fully supported by additional input during the programme.
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.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for PGDE courses are based on the requirements set by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). All applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements before the course starts.
The minimum entry requirements that we ask for, are as follows:
- 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**
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.
*Acceptable alternative qualifications in English
- 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
**Acceptable alternative qualifications in Mathematics
- 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
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 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 Vis and Immigration (UKVI), please 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.
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 will be able to progress to this degree course at the
University of Strathclyde.
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 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.
Fees & funding
Fees
2019/20
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Scotland/EU
Rest of UK
International
Funding
Scottish & EU students
Scottish and EU students can apply to have the cost of their tuition fees paid for by the Scottish Government. Applications should be made online through the Students Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) website, the PGDE course falls under undergraduate study.
If you've already had funding for a postgraduate course from SAAS you'll only receive funding if you're applying for one of the following shortage subjects:
- English
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Technological Education
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 students
The Dean's International Excellence Award recognises 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.
Scholarship search
Check our Scholarship Search for more help with fees and funding.
Please note
The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
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.
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:
- Secondary Teacher
- Head Teacher
- Further Education Lecturer
- Special Educational Needs Teacher
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:
- Charity Adviser
- Youth Worker
- Museum Educator
- Education Liason roles
- Private Tutor
Skills you'll need
- excellent communication
- a good imagination and creativity
- organisational and time-management skills
- patience
- ability to work as part of a team
- enthusiasm, energy and excitement for what you do
Salary
As a secondary school teacher in Scotland, salaries range from £21,867 to £34,887.*
*information intended only as a guide. Source: The Educational Institute of Scotland.
Apply
Full-time application
Scotland/EU/Rest of UK students
Apply via UCAS
Applications from Scottish, EU and rest of UK students must be made through the UCAS Undergraduate website.
Please ensure that all parts of the application are completed including details of qualifications which meet the minimum entry requirements. We may be unable to consider incomplete applications. In order for your application to be fully considered, you will be required to send the following supporting documents within 21 days of submitting your application. Please email these documents to hass-pgde-docsupport@strath.ac.uk.
- Your degree certificate
- Your academic transcript listing all the modules you have completed
- Evidence of Higher English (or equivalent) with a grade between A-C
- Evidence of National 5 Maths (or equivalent) with a grade between A-C
Interview selection
We select those candidates who best meet the following criteria:
Does the candidate have:
- evidence that they are suitably qualified?
- evidence of a suitable breadth of knowledge in their degree to cover the Secondary Curriculum?
- sufficient interest in teaching?
- experience of working with young people?
- evidence of good written communication skills?
- a good statement by their referee?
Interview process
If selected you’ll be asked to an interview with a number of other candidates who have applied for places either in your own subject or that are taught in the same division as your chosen subject.
Interview result
After the interview a panel will collate the grades from your presentation and the individual interview.
They will then make a decision as to your suitability for the course.
The possible results of the interview are:
- Unconditional offer
- Conditional offer (you still need to satisfy the entry qualifications in some way)
- A rejection of your application
The subject coordinator will send the results to Registry who will in turn communicate the results to the UCAS.
UCAS will then communicate the result to you.
Should you wish feedback on the selection process please contact the appropriate subject coordinator.
International students
International applicants should apply via the University’s online application system by following the button below. We accept applications from international applicants right up until the course start date in August 2019 but would encourage you to apply in advance of this.
In order for your application to be fully considered, you will be required to upload the following supporting documents within 21 days of submitting your application. Please ensure that you upload all these documents to Pegasus.
- Your degree certificate
- Your academic transcript listing all the modules you have completed
- Evidence of Higher English (or equivalent) with a grade between A-C
- Evidence of National 5 Maths (or equivalent) with a grade between A-C
Secondary Education
Qualification: PGDE, Start date: Aug 2020, Mode of delivery: attendance, full-time
Secondary Education
Qualification: PGDE, Start date: Aug 2020, Mode of delivery: attendance, part-time
