Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Biology)

Overview

The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Biology) is a postgraduate, full-time course designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become effective teachers of Biology and science in secondary schools.

Mode of Study

• Full-time

Duration

• 1 year

Start Date

• August

UCAS Code

• C1X2

Placement

• Yes

Course Details

This is a one-year, full-time course, split into three trimesters. Starting in August, students will spend a total of 18 weeks in University and 18 weeks in secondary school placements over the duration of the course.

Course Details

Taught Modules

• Learning & Teaching 1
• Learning & Teaching 2
• Contexts of Learning
• Professional Enquiry
• School Experience

These four modules will help develop students' skills as dynamic and effective teachers. All modules are SCQF Level 11.

Learning & Teaching 1&2

These modules are related to knowledge of the curriculum and school placements. Students will explore effective methodologies, curriculum design, and keep up-to-date with current initiatives from the Scottish Government's "A Curriculum for Excellence" and "The Attainment Challenge" policies.

Contexts of Learning

This module will allow students to explore the theory and policy underpinning the educational system. Students will explore key themes such as behavior management, additional support needs, and more, both in theory and practice. Visiting experts will offer professional advice on complex issues.

Professional Enquiry

This module will prepare students to undertake an action research project. The project will be combined with an interdisciplinary project in the later placement, which will give invaluable insights into the complexities of making changes to practice and equip students with research methods.

School Experience 1

In this placement module, students will put into practice the professional knowledge and skills gained in Teaching and Learning 1 (LT1). Students will spend 35 days in a secondary school planning, teaching, and reflecting, thus developing the professional capacities to effectively plan and teach lessons, predominantly in the senior phase (S3-S6).

School Experience 2

In this module, students will undertake 55 days of school placement to further develop the knowledge, skills, and values set out in the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) Standards for Provisional Registration. Students will teach a selection of classes across the senior and broad general education phases of secondary school.

Entry Requirements

What are the entry requirements for Education Biology?

The entry requirements for this course are a degree from a UK Higher Education Institution, or degree of an equivalent standard from an institution outside the UK. The degree should be in the subject to be taught and contain at least two graduating courses (80 credits) in the relevant subject. A minimum of 40 credits should be from Year 2 of study.

Ordinary Degrees are also acceptable.

We also require SQA Higher English at Grade C or equivalent as well SQA National 5 Mathematics or SQA National 5 Applications of Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

Please note you will also be expected to attend an interview.

SUBJECT-SPECIFIC GUIDANCE

Biology

80 credits across two modules are acceptable. These 80 credits should come from subjects such as Animal Biology, Biochemistry, Human Biology, or Bio-molecular Sciences.

The following degrees are NOT acceptable: Nursing, Sports Science, Physiotherapy, Veterinary, Medicine, Nutrition, and Physiology when combined with Sports Science.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees for 2024/25

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,250
• Overseas and EU: £22,870

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next.

Careers

Secondary Biology and Science Teacher (Can be in Scotland, UK, or most countries of the world.)

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Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Biology) - Edinburgh Napier University

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Degree Overview:

This one-year, full-time program is designed for individuals seeking a career as a Biology and science teacher in secondary schools. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in the classroom. It blends knowledge, research, and the experiences of successful teachers to foster motivation, creativity, and confidence in aspiring educators. The program explores various teaching approaches and methodologies, including interdisciplinary learning, classroom research, and the use of technology for assessment and reflection.

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Outline:

The program is structured into three trimesters, with a total of 18 weeks spent at the university and 18 weeks in secondary school placements.

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Modules:

• Learning & Teaching 1: This module focuses on developing professional values, personal commitment, pedagogical approaches, and subject knowledge within the Senior Phase of secondary school.
Students will gain experience in planning and delivering engaging lessons, explore curriculum design, and learn about effective methodologies.
• Understanding Learning & Teaching: This module delves into the theory and policy underpinning the Scottish educational system.
It covers key themes such as behavior management, additional support needs, and more, both in theory and practice. Visiting experts provide professional advice on complex issues.
• Learning & Teaching 2: Building upon Learning & Teaching 1, this module further develops understanding of the subject area within the secondary curriculum, strengthens confidence with pedagogical approaches and assessment strategies, and reinforces professional values and personal commitment.
• Professional Enquiry: This module focuses on developing practitioner-based enquiry skills through the systematic study of practice.
Students learn about teachers' work and research, and develop reflective practice skills to inform their professional development.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary across the four academic modules and include critical reflection, literature reviews, formal classroom observations, classroom-based research culminating in a formal report, and presentations at a practitioner conference.

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Teaching:

Students are taught by experienced lecturers with extensive knowledge of both the Higher Education sector and Secondary schools. University-based work focuses on curricular pedagogy and educational studies, while school placements provide practical experience and skill development.

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Careers:

The program prepares graduates for careers as Secondary Biology and Science Teachers in Scotland, the UK, and other countries.

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Other:

• The program emphasizes the importance of research and engagement in professional enquiry, reflective practice, and critical engagement with professional literature, educational research, and policy.
• Students are expected to model appropriate levels of literacy and numeracy in learning activities and to reflect on the impact of their personal communication on others.
• Placement opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.

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Tuition fees for 2024/25

| Students from | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | |---|---|---| | Scotland | £1,820 | £tba | | England Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | £tba | | Overseas and EU | £22,870 | £tba |

• Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate.
The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.
View Tuition Fees for 2025/26
• Please note:
The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Edinburgh Napier University

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Overview:

Edinburgh Napier University is a modern university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is renowned for its student learning experience and its commitment to innovation and enterprise. The university boasts a diverse student body with over 20,000 students from over 140 countries.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Libraries and Heritage Collections:

Access to extensive library resources and heritage collections.

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options for students.

Student Life:

Opportunities for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.

Funding:

Bursaries and scholarships to support students financially.

Career Services:

Guidance and support for career development and job searching.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students.

Online Study:

Flexible learning options through online courses.

Short Courses:

Opportunities for professional development through short courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edinburgh Napier University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:

Clubs and Societies:

Joining clubs and societies related to their interests.

Events:

Attending university-organized events and social gatherings.

Sports:

Participating in sports teams and activities.

Student Union:

Engaging with the student union for representation and support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings:

Consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland and the UK.

Student Satisfaction:

High student satisfaction rates, reflecting a positive learning environment.

Research Power:

Strong research output and impact, contributing to knowledge advancement.

International Focus:

Diverse student body and global partnerships, fostering a multicultural environment.

Career-Focused Education:

Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting and Finance

Acting

Biological Sciences

Building and Surveying

Business and Management

Computing

Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology

Design, Photography, and Advertising

Engineering

English, Creative Writing, and Publishing

Film, Journalism, and Media

Health and Social Care

Law

Marketing

Music

Nursing and Midwifery

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Teaching

Tourism, Hospitality, Festival, and Events Management