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

Programme overview

The PGDE Secondary is the Scottish route to qualified teacher status for graduates who want to become subject-specialist secondary teachers, with the year split equally between University-based and school-based activity. Subjects offered are Art and Design, Biology, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Drama, English, Geography, History, Language Education (Chinese, French, German), Mathematics, Music, Physical Education and Physics.

What you will study

The programme prepares students to be reflective classroom practitioners, collaborators in the wider life of the school, subject specialists and curriculum developers. Dual qualification is possible in combinations such as Geography and History, Mathematics and Physics, any two sciences, and combinations of French, German, Chinese, Spanish and Italian.

Career pathways

On completion, graduates contact GTC Scotland for provisional registration and can join the Teacher Induction Scheme; more than 92% of PGDE graduates report being in work or further study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A UK undergraduate degree, or international equivalent, with at least 80 UK credits (at least 40 at SCQF level 8 or above) in the subject to be taught. SQA Higher English at grade C, or GCSE English Language and 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 and some knowledge of the Scottish curriculum expected; selection involves a professional interview. Dual qualification needs a further 80 credits in the second subject. Applications through UCAS; equal consideration deadline 13 January 2027 (some subjects stay open). 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 (2027/8). Scotland fee rate, per year Source

International applicants: GBP 31,100 a year (2027/8). International/EU fee rate, per year Source

Intake: August 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

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