Overview
Education holds the power to transform lives and shape a better world. We need to inspire the next generation of scientists. Our PGDE will turn your passion for science into a rewarding career in teaching. Teaching jobs are in high demand as UK governments look to recruit more teachers, especially in STEM (Source: TLTP Education, 2025).
Our Professional Graduate Diploma in Education will start your career as a science teacher. You’ll receive high levels of academic and pastoral support and classroom-based experience.
School placements and support
Two school placements will show you how to teach science in secondary schools. You will be supported by school mentors and university-based teacher educators.
Taught by educational experts
You’ll be taught by staff with expertise in educational research and practice in both university and school settings.
Micro-teaching activities to help your practice
Our carefully designed micro-teaching activities will help you practice teaching strategies. These take place in a supportive environment with peers and university staff. This gives you feedback on teaching scenarios to prepare you for your school placement.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
Following successful completion of this postgraduate diploma in education, you'll achieve the following objectives.
- Plan and teach lessons and units of work which inspire students in the subject and age phase for which you have completed Initial Teacher Education.
- Use research to inform your decision making in the classroom and wider school-based workplace.
- Adopt a critical positioning with respect to research and policy.
- Reflect on your practice independently and through conversations with colleagues. Use these reflections to plan changes to future practice.
- Develop and apply your subject specialist knowledge in science in the classroom.
Professional accreditation
On successful completion of this course, you will be eligible for Provisional Registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).
Work placements
This diploma in education includes two placements.
School Placement 1 happens during week 12-17 and School Placement 2 runs during weeks 25-30 and weeks 36-41.
Each School Placement is a 20-credit module.
All students complete two placements as part of the course.
Research overview
Research in Education has been an established part of the University of Stirling since it received its charter in 1967. We are now a world-leading centre of excellence in educational research with a distinctive focus at the nexus of theory and practice.
The Stirling Centre for Research into Curriculum Making undertakes research into curriculum making. It exchanges knowledge with policy makers and practitioners across education systems.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work experience are encouraged to apply.
These entry requirements are set by the General Teaching Council Scotland’s Memorandum on Entry Requirements (July 2024).
Other BSc (ordinary or honours) which includes:
- Chemistry: 80 SCQF credits in Chemistry (including 40 at SCQF Level 7 and 40 at SCQF Level 8 or above);
- or Physics: 80 SCQF credits in Physics (including 40 at SCQF Level 7 and 40 at SCQF Level 8 or above).
In addition, student teachers are required to hold:
- Higher English pass, or equivalent;
- or both GCSE English Language and English Literature Grade B/6;
- or Communications 4 and Literature 1. Mathematics National 5 (pass) or equivalent, (e.g. National 5 Applications of Mathematics, intermediate 2, Standard Grade, GCSE).
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with a minimum of 60 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Modules for Chemistry with Science
| Subject Teaching: Curriculum, Pedagogy & Assessment (EDUP222) | 40 credits |
| Critical Professional Enquiry (EDUP223) | 20 credits |
| Education Studies (EDUPPG1) | 20 credits |
| School Placement 1 (EDUPSP1) | 20 credits |
| School Placement 2 (EDUPSP2) | 20 credits |
Modules for Physics with Science
| Subject Teaching: Curriculum, Pedagogy & Assessment (EDUP222) | 40 credits |
| Critical Professional Enquiry (EDUP223) | 20 credits |
| Education Studies (EDUPPG1) | 20 credits |
| School Placement 1 (EDUPSP1) | 20 credits |
| School Placement 2 (EDUPSP2) | 20 credits |
Teaching
On campus teaching for this PG DIP in education takes place over 18 weeks.
The PGDE course uses a range of teaching methodologies to support student teachers. You'll develop the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required for effective teaching.
These methodologies offer a balanced blend of theoretical learning and practical experience. They focus on fostering critical reflection, collaboration, and the application of pedagogical principles in real-world classroom settings.
Academic modules are taught through a blended approach of lectures and seminars. They are by online learning material on our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Canvas.
Lectures provide foundational theoretical knowledge on topics such as:
- pedagogy
- subject-specific teaching methods
- educational philosophy
- psychology
- sociology
- classroom management
- assessment strategies
They allow students to engage with key theories, research, and national policies (for example, Curriculum for Excellence, GTCS Standards). Student teachers learn from experts in their field who can support translating ideas and theories into practice. (Please see staffing profiles for research interest and contributions).
Seminars offer an interactive environment - you will discuss ideas, engage in debates, and share insights. These sessions often involve group activities, case studies, and collaborative discussions. This deepens understanding of theories and concepts introduced in lectures and pre-seminar readings.
Micro-teaching activities help student teachers rehearse strategies in a safe and supportive environment. You will be guided and supported by both peers and university staff. You will experience what it is like to teach in a variety of classroom contexts. You'll receive feedback on their teaching style and methods.
Reflective practice is a key methodology in this postgraduate diploma in education. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own teaching, learning, and professional development in a dialogical way. You can assess how your teaching aligns with the GTCS Standards. This allows you to identify areas for professional growth and development. Your portfolio is an important record of your professional development.
Two school placements give you the opportunity to link academic study with practice. The placement dates are fixed each year, and each placement must be undertaken on a full-time basis, a total of 18 weeks.
Each school placement is a 20-credit module.
School placements are organised by the University. We work in in close partnership with the GTCS and Local Authorities. These will normally take place in two different schools.
Assessment
Students are assessed through a combination of essays, individual presentations and a portfolio. These assessments measure competencies across university and school-based learning.
Assessments are sequenced across the programme. This gives students sufficient time to complete the necessary learning across university and school-based contexts.
There is emphasis throughout the programme on formative assessment which feeds into the process of personal development planning towards summative assessment.
Formative assessment takes place via:
- tutor feedback on essay assignments;
- self-evaluation of teaching performance;
- feedback from tutors on teaching performance;
- regular development planning with a focus on the development of teaching skills.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Professional Graduate Diploma in Education Secondary Education: Chemistry with Science
Fees for Scotland: £1,820
Fees for UK and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
Fees for international students: £21,800
Professional Graduate Diploma in Education Secondary Education: Physics with Science
Fees for Scotland: £1,820
Fees for UK and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
Fees for international students: £21,800
Scottish Government bursaries
Bursaries from Scottish Government are sometimes available via the Teaching Bursary Scheme.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
The PGDE is a well-recognised teaching qualification worldwide. Many of our graduates are teaching in Scotland’s primary and secondary schools as well as the UK and abroad.
Salaries for new entrants to the profession across the UK start from around £31,650. In Scotland, the new entrants' starting salary is £33,594, plus any payments made through the Preference Waiver Payment (PWP) scheme, rising incrementally to £50,589 (from August 2024). (Source: Prospects, Secondary school teacher)
The primary and most common career path for PGDE Secondary graduates is teaching subject-specific courses in secondary schools.
Students from Scotland, the UK, the Republic of Ireland and those who are EU citizens with settled status are eligible for the one-year Teacher Induction Scheme. This guarantees a year of full-time employment to achieve the Standard for Full Registration (SFR), on a probationary salary of £33,594.
A PG dip in education prepares you for a diverse range of teaching careers. Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- community education officer
- early years teacher
- education administrator
- education consultant
- education mental health practitioner
- English as a foreign language teacher
- further education teacher
- learning mentor
- primary school teacher
- secondary school teacher
- special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)
- special educational needs teacher
- teaching assistant
(Source: Prospects)
