University of Strathclyde campus

Health Sciences

PGDE Secondary Education: Languages at University of Strathclyde

University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom

Programme overview

Initial teacher education programme preparing graduates to teach modern languages (French, German, Mandarin, Spanish, and Italian in combination with another language) in Scottish secondary schools.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences  |  Duration: Full-time: 36 weeks including 18 weeks of placement; part-time: two years including 18 weeks of full-time placement  |  Intake: August  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students learn in a multilingual group through practical learning and exchange of ideas; the academic study should include literature, cultural studies, area studies or languages in work. The course is modular across three strands (Education Studies: Professional Values; Professional Learning Through Enquiry; Professional Skills covering curriculum and pedagogy and professional practice), combining on-campus classes with 18 weeks of school placement in Scotland.

Career pathways

The PGDE is a GTCS-regulated teaching qualification recognised worldwide. Eligible students from Scotland, other parts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland who study at a Scottish university can join the Teacher Induction Scheme, which guarantees a one-year training post with a local authority.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An ordinary degree or international equivalent. Degree must include 80 SCQF credits in the language to be taught. Residency required: six months in the first language and three months in the second language before the course starts, with evidence provided. Native speakers with a degree in their own language may train to teach it. Higher (SCQF Level 6) English grade C or above and National 5 (SCQF Level 5) Mathematics grade C or above (or acceptable alternatives); these can be in progress at the time of application. Applicants need evidence of experience of working with children in a secondary school or related setting, an understanding of modern secondary education and an ability to relate to people, noted in the personal statement. References: one for UCAS applications and two for applications made direct to the University; academic if a current student or graduate within the last 5 years, otherwise professional. English language (international applicants): IELTS 6.5 overall with no individual score below 5.5, or equivalent; tests valid for two years. IELTS does not replace the Higher English requirement. Offer holders must join or update their PVG Scheme membership, and applicants who have lived outside the UK for three consecutive months or more in the five years before placement must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct.

International applicants: GBP 22,200 a year (2027/28). Domestic fee listed as to be confirmed; funded places available to Scottish/Home students via SAAS Source

Intake: August

Duration: Full-time: 36 weeks including 18 weeks of placement; part-time: two years including 18 weeks of full

Explore more study programmes

View all study programmes →

Ready to start your study abroad journey?

Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.

Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.