PGDE Secondary Education: Physical Education

Key facts

Study with us

  • learn from on-campus classes and 18 weeks of placements in schools
  • become qualified to teach in locations worldwide
  • opportunity to achieve 80 Masters-level credits
  • funded places available (Scottish/Home students only) 

The interview dates for PGDE Physical Education will take place on the following dates:

  • Friday, 7 February 2025
  • Friday, 21 February 2025
  • Friday, 28 February 2025

Applicants who are successfully shortlisted for interview will be contacted with the relevant details ahead of time and should be prepared to be available for the full day.

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Why this course?

You’ll also play a key role in building self-esteem and confidence in your pupils. Studying on the PGDE (Secondary) Physical Education course is a rewarding and absorbing experience and our students go on to enjoy busy careers where their skills are in great demand due to the reputation for high quality which the University of Strathclyde enjoys within the teaching profession.

Worldwide qualification 

The PGDE is a well-recognised teaching qualification worldwide and is regulated by:

  • the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS)
  • the Scottish Government

If you wish to teach in another country you should contact the relevant education authority to check your eligibility.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner
Olivia Bell, PGDE student
I selected the University of Strathclyde as I believe that it has one of the best courses for aspiring PE teachers. With the outstanding brand new facilities in the centre of the city, this was another tick in the box for me.
Olivia Bell

What you'll learn

This course will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you require. The PGDE is modular in structure and students will study three modules across the year:

  • Education Studies; Professional Values
  • Professional Learning Through Enquiry
  • Professional Skills
  • Professional Skills - Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • Professional Skills - Professional Practice

PGDE operates a model whereby students attend classes on campus followed by blocks of continued learning on placement. The modules run in parallel and learning and practice is cumulative. 

On-campus time is used to familiarise you with the curriculum, allow you to collaborate with students and begin to plan lessons and develop materials. Students will have the opportunity to teach mini-lessons and explore innovative and motivating ways of engaging children and young people.

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 career-long professional learning.

Future employment

Students from Scotland, other parts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, who are studying at a Scottish Higher Education Institution are eligible to join the Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS). This provides a guaranteed 1-year training post in a local authority to every eligible student graduating with a teaching qualification from one of Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions. Find out more about the Teacher Induction Scheme.

The PGDE is a well-recognised teaching qualification worldwide. If you wish to teach in another country you should contact the relevant education authority to check your eligibility.

Work anywhere in Scotland

The Preference Waiver Scheme is a scheme whereby a student teacher on TIS agrees to be allocated to their one year post anywhere in Scotland. The additional financial incentive is in the region of £8,000.

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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.

Education Studies: Professional Values

In this module, you'll explore the theoretical underpinnings of education. You'll be encouraged to engage with issues of the nature and the purpose of education, social justice and equality, and practice and policy in relation to ethical and political ideas. Throughout this module, we aim to disrupt and expand your thinking about education. You'll be asked to reflect on your values and beliefs in relation to a range of educational questions and issues and you will be presented with questions designed to challenge and refine your current thinking.

The module will give you opportunities to consider how theoretical underpinnings relate to the classroom; how your developing understanding translates into the education context; and how your own values and beliefs interact with your developing professional identity. Human Rights and Learning for Sustainability together form the basic architecture of this module.

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 will be supported to develop as autonomous, transformative leaders of change. Across the globe there is a growing call for education systems to be responsive to the increasingly dynamic, complex and fast-changing nature of society. Through this module, students will develop the skills and expertise necessary to respond to the changing circumstances of the learning communities they encounter.

Professional Skills

  • Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • Professional Practice

Taught both on campus and in schools, this module will enable you to become an effective teacher through learning pedagogical theory, observing experienced teachers and applying your knowledge and understanding in the practical context.

Masters Credits

You have the opportunity to achieve up to 120 credits at Masters level which can be used towards further study following the course. This is fully supported by additional input during the programme.

Interested in postgraduate study?

At the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be available to provide you with all the information you need to kick-start your postgraduate journey at the University of Strathclyde. Register for upcoming events below:

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.

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Entry requirements

The entry requirements for PGDE courses are based on the requirements set by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The minimum entry requirements we ask for, are as follows:

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Degree requirements

A second class Honours degree or international equivalent.

Degree must include:

  • 80 SCQF credits from at least two of the following subjects:
    • sport
    • dance or outdoor pursuits
    • movement analysis
    • choreography
    • sports coaching
    • biomechanics
    • sports science
    • exercise physiology
    • sports psychology
    • health and fitness
    • studies in sports or dance or outdoor education
    • sports development or special needs in movement education
Maths & English
  • Higher (SCQF Level 6) English Grade C or above
  • National 5 (SCQF Level 5) Mathematics Grade C or above

Maths and English qualifications must be in place at the time of application.

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

Experience & References
  • 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.

References

Applications made via UCAS require one reference and those made via the University direct system require two. This should be an academic reference if you are a current student or recent graduate (ie within the last 5 years). A professional reference (current/recent employer who can testify to your suitability to teach) is acceptable if you graduated more than 5 years ago. This can also relate to any voluntary experience you have working with children/young people.

A reference must be included with your UCAS application; only in very exceptional circumstances will we consider an application without one and you must explain in your personal statement why this has been omitted. The reference should be provided as soon as possible as no offer can be made until the reference has been received. References from family or friends are not acceptable.

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 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've 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.

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 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.

Back to course

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for PGDE courses are based on the requirements set by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The minimum entry requirements we ask for, are as follows:

Go back
Degree requirements

A second class Honours degree or international equivalent.

Degree must include:

  • 80 SCQF credits from at least two of the following subjects:
    • sport
    • dance or outdoor pursuits
    • movement analysis
    • choreography
    • sports coaching
    • biomechanics
    • sports science
    • exercise physiology
    • sports psychology
    • health and fitness
    • studies in sports or dance or outdoor education
    • sports development or special needs in movement education

 Applicants need to show that they are competent in practical skills.

 

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

Maths and English qualifications must be in place at the time of application.

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

Experience & References
  • 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.

Applicants aspiring to be a teacher should show that they:

  • are committed to the professional values of social justice, integrity and trust and respect
  • can understand what it means to be a trusted teacher and have a willingness to engage with the Code of Professionalism and Conduct
  • are self-directed and resilient
  • are interested in developing an understanding and awareness of the current context of education in Scotland
  • are capable of meeting the Standard for Provisional Registration which specifies what is expected of a student teacher at the end of the ITE who is seeking provisional registration with GTC Scotland.

Applicants should also provide evidence of their personal involvement in relevant activities through:

  • regularly taking part in appropriate physical activities
  • having experience of coaching, instruction or leadership
  • achieving national governing body awards or the equivalent
  • experience of training and performing at a high level.

References

Applications made via UCAS require one reference and those made via the University direct system require two. This should be an academic reference if you are a current student or recent graduate (ie within the last 5 years). A professional reference (current/recent employer who can testify to your suitability to teach) is acceptable if you graduated more than 5 years ago. This can also relate to any voluntary experience you have working with children/young people.

A reference must be included with your UCAS application; only in very exceptional circumstances will we consider an application without one and you must explain in your personal statement why this has been omitted. The reference should be provided as soon as possible as no offer can be made until the reference has been received. References from family or friends are not acceptable.

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 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've 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.

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 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.

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-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde.

Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.

Please note: Previous Maths & English qualifications and your undergraduate degree must meet GTCS minimum entry requirements as well as the pre-Masters course and an interview will be conducted before an offer can be made.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Scotland

To be confirmed

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

To be confirmed

Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

International

£19,850

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. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Available funding

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my course?

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Scottish students

Scottish 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 apply to a teaching priority subject.

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.

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International

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. 

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Scholarship search

Check our Scholarship Search for more help with fees and funding.

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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. Learn more about what happens after your PGDE.

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

Secondary school teacher current main salary scales range from £31,584 to £47,565**

**information intended only as a guide. Source: The Educational Institute of Scotland.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow
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Apply

Find out everything you need to know before applying on the PGDE information hub.

Full-time application

Scotland/England/Wales/Northern Ireland students

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. On submitting your application please ensure that you have the following documents to hand. When we require these documents, we will request these from you. Please don’t send documents to us without being asked. 

  • Your degree certificate (if completed)
  • Your academic transcript listing all the modules you have completed (this also applies if your degree is in progress)
  • 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

Please note the maximum file size for sending documents is 5.00MB.

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.

If selected for interview, applicants will be notified after the UCAS deadline.

We advise you to check your Junk folder to ensure an e-mail from us regarding your interview has not been missed.

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 the Faculty Admissions Team 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.

Part-time study

The PGDE can be studied part-time over two years for all secondary subjects, except for Physical Education and Technological Studies. See our Frequently Asked Questions for full details.

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you're a UK or EU applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Start date: Aug 2025

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Direct Applications

Our Direct Applications service is for international and part-time applicants who wish to apply to the University of Strathclyde.

Start date: Aug 2025

Secondary Education

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Secondary Education (Gaelic medium)

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Contact us

Prospective student enquiries

Contact a member of our team on LiveChat between 10am and 4pm (GMT)

Telephone: +44 (0) 141 444 8600