Overview of the PGDE Secondary Education: Chemistry with Science Program

The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Secondary Education: Chemistry with Science is a well-recognised teaching qualification worldwide, regulated by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and the Scottish Government. This program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to teach chemistry and general science in secondary schools.

Key Facts

• Start date: August
• Study mode and duration: Full-time: 36 weeks including 18 weeks of placement experience, Part-time: two years including 18 weeks of full-time placement experience
• UCAS code: 8X93
• Gaelic Medium UCAS code: 8X45
• Funding: £15,000 Teaching Bursary available

Program Structure

The 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 are cumulative. On-campus time is used to familiarize students with the curriculum, allow them to collaborate with peers, and begin to plan lessons and develop materials.

Modules

• Education Studies: Professional Values - Explores the theoretical underpinnings of education, encouraging engagement with issues of the nature and purpose of education, social justice, and equality.
• Professional Learning Through Enquiry - Develops students as enquiring, self-reflective practitioners who can work collaboratively to develop skills, knowledge, and expertise in an area of professional practice.
• Professional Skills - Includes Curriculum and Pedagogy, and Professional Practice, taught both on campus and in schools, enabling students to become effective teachers.

Placement

Students spend 18 weeks of the course on placement in a school within Scotland, where they are continually assessed to show they meet the requirements for the Standards for Provisional Registration. Placement is an opportunity to put learning into practice, explore teaching styles, learn new techniques, and develop relationships with pupils.

Entry Requirements

• Degree requirements: An ordinary degree or international equivalent, with at least 80 SCQF credits in chemistry covering organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry.
• Maths & English: Higher (SCQF Level 6) English Grade C or above, and National 5 (SCQF Level 5) Mathematics Grade C or above.
• Experience & References: Evidence of experience working with children in a secondary school or related setting, and an understanding of modern secondary education.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (no individual test score below 5.5) or equivalent for non-native English speakers.

Fees & Funding

• Scotland/England/Wales/Northern Ireland: Fees to be confirmed.
• International: £19,850.
• Additional costs: Course materials, placements, and field trips.
• Available funding: Scottish students can apply to have tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government. International students may be eligible for scholarships.

Careers

Most PGDE graduates go on to work as teachers in secondary schools. The program also opens up opportunities for careers in education liaison roles, charity work, youth work, and museum education. Teachers in Scotland use the Curriculum for Excellence framework, working with their class to develop skills and abilities, and encouraging pupils to expand their knowledge and understanding further.

Application Process

Applications are made through UCAS for UK and EU applicants, and through the University's direct application system for international and part-time applicants. The selection process includes an interview, where candidates are assessed on their qualifications, breadth of knowledge, interest in teaching, experience working with young people, written communication skills, and referee statement. ```python

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

Optional classes

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

Monthly drop-in sessions

Excellence in professional learning award logo

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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.

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Timetable

The hours for this course are 9am to 5pm. You’re expected to be working on course-related activity during those hours.

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Assessment

To be awarded the PGDE you must pass all course modules.

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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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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.

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Typical jobs

Jobs related to this degree include:

Secondary Teacher

Head Teacher

Further Education Lecturer

Special Educational Needs Teacher

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Salary

As a secondary school teacher in Scotland, salaries range from £27,498 to £41,412**

**information intended only as a guide. Source:

The Educational Institute of Scotland

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Aishah Ali

Teaching is not for everyone, I would try and get as much experience as you possibly can. But if you are passionate about young people and inspiring young minds - this may be the job for you.

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Dr Claire Dunn

The strength of relationships developed with both staff and pupils across both placements surprised me with regard to how quickly bonds can be made within departments. I was genuinely sad to leave each placement which I hadn’t anticipated in advance.

Find out more about Claire

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Irene Cascallana Matias

I was inspired to become a teacher by my own primary school teacher. He was a very nice teacher with a great sense of humour. He used to often make good use of games to facilitate learning, which is something that I found extremely effective

Find out more

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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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Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

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Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation