PGDE Secondary Education: Modern Languages

An ordinary degree, or international equivalent.

Degree must include:

• 80 SCQF credits in the language you wish to teach (if you wish to teach your native language, see 'Native Speakers' section below)

Modern language residency

The General Teaching Council for Scotland has 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 a six-week residency. We're waiting for confirmation of the required period of residency for session 2022/23 and will update this page as soon as it's known. 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 that 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
• six months' residency before course starts
• evidence of residency must be provided

Second language:

• 80 credits in the second language
• three months' residency before course starts
• evidence of residency must be provided

Residency can be evidenced by:

• transcript from year abroad
• a statement from a University authority
• British Council
• Course organiser
• Employer
• 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:

• a 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.

• Higher (SCQF Level 6) English Grade C or above.
• National 5 (SCQF Level 5) Mathematics Grade C or above.

Maths and English qualifications can be in progress at the time of application.

Acceptable alternative Maths and English qualifications are listed on our PGDE FAQs page.

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

Relevant experience should be noted in your personal statement.

At present, it's 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.

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 haven't 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 don't need to present any additional evidence.

If you're 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'll 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 through Strathclyde University 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.