University of Dundee’s School of Education in Scotland (UK)

Celebrating almost 120 years of education and social work training in Dundee

Welcome to the School of Education & Social Work (ESW). The School of Education primary purpose as part of the University of Dundee is to transform lives locally and globally through the creation, sharing and application of knowledge.

How do they do this?

• Within the School, we focus on transformation by preparing graduates for professional roles required for the social, cultural and physical well-being of our citizens and society.
• Dundee’s research focuses on how to best educate students across all levels of formal education, how to develop strong communities, and how to support our most vulnerable.
• Finally, through our community service or consultancy activities we are engaged with local, regional and international communities, professional organizations and governmental agencies.

University of Dundee’s School of Education is an interdisciplinary school providing excellent professional education and research opportunities across undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. Dundee’s program range from qualifying and post-qualifying program that are professionally recognized, to continuing professional development courses that meet the needs of busy professionals, to research opportunities that use rigorous scientific enquiry that underpin curriculum development while informing national policy making.

About the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education Primary

When you successfully complete this course you will gain provisional registration as a primary teacher and be able to work with children from 3 to 12 years old.

This course combines two on-campus study modules with three school professional practice placements. You will gain vital classroom skills and experience while also learning the theory of teaching children.

Small class sizes mean you will benefit from a friendly and helpful community of staff and students. You will also receive individual support from an allocated tutor. They will be with you throughout the course, providing assistance through tutorials and one-to-one meetings. Your tutor will visit and assess you on each of your placements.

On-campus modules will include a range of workshops and lectures in each area of the primary curriculum.  Module one will focus on middle to upper stages (P4-7) and module two will cover the early years (nursery, P1-3).

You will be able to personalise your studies to capitalise on your strengths and development needs. Elective options include coaching skills, cooperative learning, drama, and much more.

Who should study this course?

University of Dundee’s PGDE Primary course is suitable if you have secured a degree and now wish to enter the field of Primary Education, initially as a classroom teacher.

Entry requirements

• Both High School and University transcripts.
• Interview required.
• Applicants must have successfully completed a 3 or 4 year Bachelor degree with a minimum of 70%
• You need to have all of the following:
  • A UK degree, or a degree of an equivalent standard from outside the United Kingdom
  • High School Higher grade English at Grade C
    OR High School English Language plus High School English Literature at Grade C
    OR the National Units in Communication at Higher and Literature 1 at Higher (formerly known as Communication 4 and Literature 1 Modules) or an acceptable equivalent*
  • Standard Grade Mathematics at Credit Level (Grade 1 or 2), National 5 Mathematics at Grade C OR High School Mathematics at Grade A or B or an acceptable equivalent*.
    • Dundee do accept Intermediate 2 Mathematics at Grade C or above as an equivalent to Standard Grade Mathematics at Levels 1 or 2. This qualification can be done at a local Further Education College and consists of 3 modules and an Exam in May.
    • Dundee do not accept Core 4 Mathematics at Intermediate 2 Level.
  • Some recent experience of a primary classroom is normally required and certainly desirable

Professional Recognition in Canada

The PGDE course at the University of Dundee will prepare you for teaching in the primary sector and is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Graduates of the University of Dundee’s PGDE Primary teacher training program are eligible to apply for licensing in Canada, however, it is critical students understand the requirements needed to complete this process before licensing will be granted. KOM Consultants understand the process and requirements needed to enter the teaching profession in Canada. Contact KOM for more information.

All students applying directly through KOM will be supported with the latest information on the accreditation process.