Primary (PGDE - Graduates only)

University of Aberdeen

Accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland, this professional qualifying programme provides Initial Teacher Education to meet the latest demands of contemporary primary and nursery schools.If you are interested in embarking on a rewarding and fulfilling career, where you can really make a difference, our PGDE programmes give you the opportunity to get a teaching qualification in just 36 weeks.The aim of the programme is to produce adaptable, flexible teachers who are able to collaborate and cooperate with other professionals, ready to the face challenges of teaching in the 21st century and to commit to the notion of life-long learning. The University of Aberdeen offers an innovative PGDE programme that brings together primary and secondary specialists, in order to learn together, to share common experiences, and to debate current educational issues.The development of the programme aims to produce inclusive practitioners who will be able to face the challenges of the 21st century classroom, by adopting innovative pedagogies that support all learners and foster collaborative working. The PGDE programme is offered on a full-time basis over 36 weeks with 18 weeks spent on placement in schools in our partner Local Authorities, and the other 18 weeks spent on campus.The PGDE Primary full-time programme offers students a blended model of learning. During campus-based weeks, students will be on campus for up to five days, Monday through to Friday. Beyond this, students will engage with online learning at a time and place of their choice. This structure is designed to offerindividuals flexibility, whilst being committed to the requirements of the full-time PGDE programme. During school experience placements, students are required to be in school on a full-time basis, with the exception of Placement+ days. On these 10 Placement+ days, (5 in each placement) students work from home, where they meet online with their University tutor, and tutorial group, in order to discuss the essential links between theory and practice. These LinC (Learning in Context) tutors will provide consistent relational support across the whole PGDE year.The programme is aimed at graduates who have demonstrated an interest in teaching children through a range of experiences in both formal and informal settings.**Applying**The method of applying for the PGDE programme within the School of Education is different from the standard postgraduate application process. All applications should be made through the main Undergraduate UCAS scheme and not through Teacher Training. This applies to all institutions in Scotland delivering the PGDE, not just Aberdeen.**Please ensure that you read in full the PGDE Information Leaflet available from our Online Prospectus - abdn.ac.uk/pgt/primary.** In addition to the academic entry requirements, a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Group) check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted by the University prior to final acceptance.**PVG Check**A Protection of Vulnerable Group (PVG) check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted by the University prior to final acceptance. The PVG check will also evidence residency in Scotland. This is required of all applicants who accept an offer of admission for PGDE Online Primary, even those who have been checked previously. For UK applicants, resident in Scotland, 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. **The PVG check is paid for by the applicant and is processed after an applicant confirms their firm acceptance of their place.**

School of Education