The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) is a one year (36 weeks) full-time course of professional training accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland. If you are interested in embarking on a rewarding and fulfilling career, where you can really make a difference, our PGDE programmes give you the opportunity to get a teaching qualification in just 36 weeks.The aim of the programme is to produce adaptable, flexible teachers who are able to collaborate and cooperate with other professionals, ready to the face challenges of teaching in the 21st century and to commit to the notion of life-long learning. The University of Aberdeen offers an innovative PGDE programme that brings together primary and secondary specialists, in order to learn together, to share common experiences, and to debate current educational issues.The development of the programme aims to produce inclusive practitioners who will be able to face the challenges of the 21st century classroom, by adopting innovative pedagogies that support all learners and foster collaborative working. The PGDE programme is offered on a full-time basis over 36 weeks with 18 weeks spent on placement in schools in our partner Local Authorities, and the other 18 weeks spent on campus. The Programme is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland.The PGDE Secondary is a full-time programme offering students a blended model of learning. During campus-based learning, students will be on campus for two consecutive days (Tuesday & Wednesday). Beyond this, students will engage with online learning at a time and place of their choice. This structure is designed to offer individuals flexibility, whilst being committed to the requirements of a full time PGDE programme. During school experience placements, students are required to be in school every day, on a full-time basis.The programme is aimed at Graduates with relevant subject content in their academic study, who have demonstrated an interest in teaching children through a range of experiences in both formal and informal settings.

The method of applying for the PGDE programme within the School of Education is different from the standard postgraduate application process. All applications should be made through the main Undergraduate UCAS scheme and not through Teacher Training. This applies to all institutions in Scotland delivering the PGDE, not just Aberdeen.

A Protection of Vulnerable Group (PVG) check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted by the University prior to final acceptance. The PVG check will also evidence residency in Scotland. This is required of all applicants who accept an offer of admission for PGDE Online Primary, even those who have been checked previously. For UK applicants, resident in Scotland, who have lived outside the UK for any period of time, in accepting an offer of admission, an Enhanced criminal record check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted and in addition, it will be necessary for the applicant to obtain a criminal record check from the country they are from/lived in.