History (PGDE - Graduates only)

For entry to the University of Aberdeen, all PGDE Secondary applicants must have, by the start of term, the following: 1. Degree; 2. English and 3. Maths (further details shown below).

1. DEGREE - An undergraduate degree validated by a University in the United Kingdom or an undergraduate degree of an equivalent standard from a higher education system outside the United Kingdom. The undergraduate degree should normally contain 80 SCQF credit points relevant to the teaching qualification or qualifications being studied; more information is detailed in the Content of your Degree section of the 'PGDE Secondary Information Leaflet' at the URL below. 40 SCQF of the credit points must have been studied at SCQF level 8 or above. Credit from a Master’s degree may be considered, but applicants will need to demonstrate that the qualification held has a direct relevance in terms of credit, to the teaching of the subject for which application is being made. Some credit points are acceptable for entry to more than one teaching subject. If a student wants a teaching qualification in more than one subject, appropriate credit points can be counted for entry to both subjects. Detailed information on Education in Scotland can be found at www.gtcs.org.uk/registration/becoming-a-teacher.

2. ENGLISH - Applicants should also hold SQA or SCE Higher grade award in English at Grade C or above. Equivalencies are accepted and details of the equivalent qualifications can be found within our 'PGDE Secondary Information Leaflet' at the URL below.

3. MATHS - National 5 Maths at Grade C or above. Equivalencies are accepted and details of the equivalent qualifications can be found within our PGDE Information Leaflet at the URL below.

The following secondary subjects have specific requirements in addition to those stated above: Business Education; Drama; English; Home Economics; Modern Foreign Languages; Modern Studies; Physics; and Religious Education. More detailed information can be found in our PGDE Secondary Information Leaflet.

Applicants must have English and Maths at the required level(s), or the equivalent, before commencing the PGDE Secondary programme. If applicants do not have their Maths and/or English qualification(s) in place prior to/ at the time of application, they may still be considered for a place and, if a place is offered, it will be on a conditional basis. The condition will need to be met before the programme commences.

In all cases applicants are required to read our PGDE Secondary Information Leaflet before submitting an application.

Previous Initial Teacher Education Study
The University of Aberdeen requires that applicants who have failed the PGDE Programme, or any programme of Initial Teacher Education at the University of Aberdeen, or elsewhere, or who have withdrawn from a programme whilst making unsatisfactory progress, must wait 3 years before applying for PGDE study at Aberdeen. If reapplying, candidates must provide evidence prior to interview that they have taken action to address previously unsatisfactory performance.

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

A Protection of Vulnerable Group (PVG) check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted by the University prior to final acceptance. This is required of all applicants who accept an offer of admission, even those who have been checked previously. For non UK applicants, or UK applicants 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.

Interview

Not all who apply will be invited for interview. Selected applicants are invited to attend an interview to gauge suitability for entry to initial teacher education. Following interviews, and based on the number of places available, offers are made via UCAS. Offers will either be unconditional or conditional. All entrants to the PGDE programme must hold the relevant entry requirements prior to starting studies. Places available are set by the Scottish Government, through the Scottish Funding Council and Universities are advised of their allocated places, usually in the February of each year. Under UCAS protocols, those applying by the Equal Consideration Date in January should receive a decision by the end of May. Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams. If you are invited to interview you will receive further information by email about the interview process.

Other

Personal Statement The University of Aberdeen expects to see in the Personal Statement reference to significant mainstream Secondary classroom experience and that applicants reflect upon this as appropriate when they are applying for the Secondary programme. Duration and length of each experience should be detailed in the Personal Statement. Consideration is then given to the content of the application and the skills and experience relevant to teaching. We will be taking into consideration the impact Covid-19 has had on applicants gaining school experience, but would encourage you to reference any school experience you have had in your application. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not entitle an applicant to an interview or an offer of admission. The Personal Statement plays a critical role in determining suitability to be invited for interview. References References for applications to the PGDE should be Academic or Professional in nature (for example a University Tutor or Employer). Where applicants have gained recent experience in a mainstream school setting, it is recommended that a reference is given from School Staff. The referee should have had contact with the applicant within the past 5 years. References will not be accepted from family, friends or acquaintances. Transcript of Undergraduate Degree You should be prepared to provide a copy of the full Degree TRANSCRIPT showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you achieved in your degree(s) (original and official English translation) which will be required once you have submitted your application through UCAS.