PGDE Secondary Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies at Queen Margaret University

Programme overview

The one-year PGDE Secondary (Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies) is a GTCS-accredited initial teacher education qualification preparing graduates to teach Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies in Scottish secondary schools. It combines campus teaching with two 18-week-in-total school placements, and graduates are eligible to register provisionally with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Department: Psychology, Sociology and Education | Duration: 1 year full time (36 weeks: 18 weeks on campus and online, 18 weeks on school placement; 120 credits, SCQF level 11) | Intake: August 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Musselburgh (Edinburgh), Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Reflective and Critical Practice (placement, 40 credits); Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies in the 21st Century (40 credits); Education: Theory, Practice and Research 1 and 2 (20 credits each).

Career pathways

Graduates register provisionally with the GTCS and, after a probationary teaching year, gain full registration. Scottish students are guaranteed a one-year paid induction post in a Scottish school through the GTCS Teacher Induction Scheme; the PGDE is also recognised internationally.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Meet the GTCS Memorandum on Entry Requirements: a UK degree (or equivalent from outside the UK) including a minimum of 80 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7 or above in relevant subjects, with 40 at SCQF level 8 or above, drawn from two or more of Religious Studies, Philosophy, Theology, Divinity, Sociology of Religion, Anthropology of Religion and Psychology of Religion; plus a National Qualification in English at SCQF level 6 (for example Higher English grade C or GCSE English Language and English Literature at 4/C in both) and in Mathematics at SCQF level 5 (for example National 5 grade C or GCSE Maths 4/C; National 5 Lifeskills/Applications Mathematics accepted). Shortlisted applicants are interviewed; satisfactory PVG Scheme check required. English language (international applicants): IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0. Apply through UCAS (UCAS code 0003) by 13 January 2027; late applications may be accepted if places remain. Supporting documents (degree certificate, transcript, evidence of Higher English and National 5 Maths) are sent to QMU Admissions. Accreditation of prior learning of up to 60 credits possible.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2027/28). Scottish-domiciled students (Home). Source

International applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). Full-time tuition for the course. Source

Intake: August 2027

Duration: 1 year full time (36 weeks: 18 weeks on campus and online, 18 weeks on school placement; 120 credits

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