Why this course?

Technological education allows pupils to undertake projects which are engaging, active and challenging. The University of Strathclyde has dedicated facilities for students on this course to be able to experience an environment similar to a teaching classroom. This includes a state-of-the-art wood workshop and a design and digital manufacturing facility. The result is students equipped to teach all subjects from wood craft to 3D printing.

Our technological education tutors are dedicated to the subject and can offer advice and help in all areas of craftwork, graphics, computer design and microprocessor programming. The facilities within the digital manufacturing lab are used by students from all over the University, allowing PGDE students to experience the latest in a whole range of different fields.

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.

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)

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.

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.