Primary Online (PGDE - Graduates only) (Taught)

For entry to the University of Aberdeen, all PGDE Primary applicants must have, by the time term
commences, the following: 1. Degree; 2. English and 3. Maths (further details shown below). Preference may be given to those who have, by the date of entry, an honours degree. In addition, preference is most likely to be given to those holding the English and Mathematics qualifications at the time of application.

1. DEGREE: An undergraduate degree validated by a University in the United Kingdom or an undergraduate degree of an equivalent standard from a higher education system outside the United Kingdom.
2. ENGLISH - SCE Higher grade award in English at Grade C or above.
3. MATHS - National 5 Mathematics at Grade C or above - equivalencies for English and Maths are accepted and are detailed in the PGDE Primary Information Leaflet.

Universities are required to ensure that an applicant’s educational background (including the content of the undergraduate degree), provides a good basis for becoming a primary teacher. The University of Aberdeen will therefore look for evidence that an applicant has studied at least two of the following areas (as well as English and Mathematics) – science, social studies, expressive arts, religious and moral education, technology and modern foreign languages. Therefore you should be prepared to provide a copy of the full TRANSCRIPT of your Undergraduate Degree once you have submitted your application through UCAS.

In addressing the Scottish Government Languages Working Group report; Language Learning in Scotland A
1+2 Approach (2012) and the STEM Education and Training Strategy, the General Teaching Council for
Scotland (GTCS) encourage universities to expect at least one SCQF Level 5 (e.g. National 5) qualification in
either a modern language and / or a science subject.

In all cases, applicants are required to read our PGDE Information Leaflet before submitting an application. https://www.abdn.ac.uk/education/documents/PDGE Primary Information Leaflet 2021.pdf

Other

Applicants for the PGDE programme must first demonstrate that they will be able to meet the minimum entry requirements. The University of Aberdeen expects to see in the Personal Statement reference to significant mainstream Primary classroom experience and that applicants reflect upon this as appropriate when they are applying for the Primary programme. Duration and length of each experience should be detailed in the Personal Statement. Consideration is then given to the content of the application and the skills and experience relevant to teaching. References for applications to the PGDE should be Academic or Professional in nature (for example a University Tutor or Employer). Where applicants have gained recent experience in a mainstream school setting, it is recommended that a reference is given from School Staff. The referee should have had contact with the applicant within the past 5 years. References will not be accepted from family, friends or acquaintances. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not entitle an applicant to an interview or an offer of admission. The Personal Statement plays a critical role in determining suitability to be invited for interview. Selected applicants are invited to attend an interview to gauge suitability for entry to initial teacher education.

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) / Disclosure Scotland Check

A Protection of Vulnerable Group (PVG) check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted by the University. This is required of all applicants who firmly accept an unconditional offer of admission (so their status is UF), even those who have been checked previously. For non UK applicants, or UK applicants who have lived outside the UK for any period of time, an Enhanced criminal record check through Disclosure Scotland will be conducted at the point they become UF and in addition, it will be necessary for the applicant to obtain a criminal record check from the country they are from/lived in. Applicants who firmly accept conditional offers of admission will not undergo PVG unless they move to UF on receipt of exam results. Applicants who make Aberdeen their insurance choice will not undergo PVG unless their status at Aberdeen shows UF. The PVG check is required because the first placement takes place in the April following the start of term in the January.

Interview

Not all who apply will be invited for interview. Selected applicants are invited to attend an interview to gauge suitability for entry to initial teacher education. Interviews, face to face, take place in Aberdeen - the normal location is within the School of Education, based in the MacRobert building. Interviews by Skype will be arranged in exceptional cases and only for those who are overseas or who are living outside the EU. All other applicants invited for interview will be expected to travel to Aberdeen. Following the interviews, and based on the number of places available, offers are made via UCAS. Offers will either be unconditional or conditional. All entrants to the PGDE programme must hold the relevant entry requirements prior to commencement of studies. Places available are set by the Scottish Government, through the Scottish Funding Council and Universities are advised of their allocated places, usually in the February of each year. Under the UCAS protocols, those who apply by 15 January 2020 should receive a decision by 31 March 2020.