PGDE Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) at University of Edinburgh

Programme overview

The PGDE Primary is for graduates who want to teach at primary school level and is one route to qualified teacher status in Scotland. It is an intensive programme with about half the time in placement schools and half studying on campus.

What you will study

The programme combines University-based courses, which examine critical concepts in education and the development of a beginning teacher's professional identity, with school-based placement courses.

Career pathways

On completion, graduates contact GTC Scotland for provisional registration; full registration follows one satisfactory year of teaching. Eligible students can join the Teacher Induction Scheme, a guaranteed paid one-year probationary post.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A UK undergraduate degree, or its international equivalent, and a high level of experience in a primary school classroom setting. SQA Higher English at grade C, or GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature both at grade C/4; SQA National 5 Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics at grade C, or GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4. Experience working with children in formal or informal settings and some knowledge of the Scottish curriculum are expected. Selection involves a professional interview. Applications through UCAS; equal consideration deadline 13 January 2027. International applicants (and all applicants including UK nationals must evidence English): IELTS Academic overall 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component; TOEFL-iBT (from 21 January 2026) 4.5 overall with at least 4.5 in each component, or 92 overall with 23 in each component before that date; C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency 176 overall with at least 169 in each component.

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

International applicants: GBP 31,100 a year (2027/28). International/EU fee rate Source

Intake: August 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

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