Secondary (English Medium) (Part-time) PGDE
Course code X136
What is special about this course?
This PGDE Secondary (English Medium) (Part-time) programme is aimed at graduates wishing to follow a part-time route to become a Secondary teacher in Scotland.
It begins with online study, Monday evening online seminars and one day per week in school, and builds up to five-day weeks in school placements, between April and June of year 2. Please read the FAQs to see a draft calendar and for more detail about the course structure.
Secondary subjects available on the part-time programme:
- Biology and Science
- Chemistry and Science
- Computing Science
- English
- Gaelic
- Home Economics
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physics and Science
- Religious Education
- Technological Education
Special features
- Can be studied from anywhere in Scotland
- Course team of experienced teachers
- School based mentors
- School placements offered locally
Entry requirements
Important: Please click here to read our FAQ sheet for essential information about applying to this programme
You must hold an undergraduate degree and meet these subject-specific requirements.
In addition to the above, applicants must hold:
English:
- Scottish Higher level grade C or above,
- OR A level at grade D, OR
- GCSE English Language (C/4 or above) and English Literature (C/4 or above) or equivalent, PLUS
Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics:
- National 5 at grade C or above, OR
- SQA Intermediate 2 or Standard grade Credit OR
- GCSE Mathematics (Grade C or above) or equivalent
Please note:
- There are equivalent qualification entry guidelines for secondary teaching stipulated by GTC Scotland. These are available from the GTC Scotland website: Memorandum on Entry Requirements to Programmes of Initial Teacher Education in Scotland (GTCS 2024) (Appendix A)
- This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
- This course does not accept applications for deferred entry; if you wish to take a year out, for example, you must apply next year
- Applications for this course must be made through the link at the bottom of this webpage
Our full-time programmes are not available by distance learning:
You may also study our full-time Primary and Secondary PGDE programmes in Gaelic:
PGDE
You will study the following modules:
Year 1
- Establishing my teacher identity (S1)
- Professional practice 1: Understanding contexts for learning - 1 day in school per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) (S1 and S2)
- Enquiry and evidence-based practice (S2)
Year 2
- Exemplifying collegiate professionalism (S1)
- Professional practice 2: Building teaching responsibility - 2 consecutive days in school per week (Tuesday/Wednesday or Wednesday/Thursday) (S1 and S2)
- Professional practice 3: Evidencing the SPR* 2021 - 5 days in school per week (April-June)
*(Standard for Provisional Registration)
How will I study my course?
- Part-time (structured)
- You will learn through a combination of self-directed and tutor-led online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), along with experiential learning in schools
How long will my course last?
- Part-time (structured): 2 years @ 16 hours per week (up to approximately 35 hours per week in April-June of the second year)
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, including time spent on individual study, in lectures and tutorials, and on placement.
Where can I study my course?
- Inverness
This online course can be studied from anywhere in Scotland, with school placements in local schools. You will be enrolled at UHI Inverness and supported by staff from across the University.
Start date
- August
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes:
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| PGDE (invoiced over two years) | £1,820 | £1,820 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) studying in Scottish or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| PGDE (invoiced over two years) | £9,250 | £9,250 |
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying. Eligible students who are resident and studying in Scotland can apply for a part-time fee grant from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). SAAS will determine eligibility.
This course is not available to students domiciled outside of the UK or for international students (including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled status in the UK) requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study here.. For students living in the UK and assessed as international for fee status, the following fees will apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| PGDE (invoiced over two years) | £14,988 | £15,870 |
Funding
External scholarships and financial support may be available via the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
Additional costs
You will be expected to cover costs for:
- PVG disclosure check
- Travel to the course induction
- Travel to school placements - these are arranged through the GTCS national system to be within 90 minutes travel time from your term-time address
Students based on an island may need to complete the final six-week placement off-island. Travel and accommodation will be supported for this.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Graduates will hold provisional registration as a secondary teacher with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTC Scotland). This qualifies students with Scottish and RUK fee status to apply for the Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS), GTC Scotland’s induction year, which can then allow you to qualify for the status of full registration (your fee status is assessed based on both nationality and residency criteria, and will be stipulated in your offer letter).
Students from non-EU countries are not eligible to join the TIS, but you can follow the Flexible Route to complete your probationary service if you are able to remain in Scotland on the completion of your studies.
Can I progress into further study?
UHI will be offering a new MEd from 2026/27 with a wide range of content to support your professional learning throughout your teaching career.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I chose UHI as they offered the course part-time, providing flexibility so I could manage my family and work commitments whilst developing the skills and qualifications needed for a career in teaching. The specialist subject sessions offered have been excellent and have provided invaluable insights into effective teaching methods. Throughout placement tutors were available to offer any guidance or support.
The placements have provided a great insight into the school year and a deeper understanding of the progression of learning and topics covered. It has also provided a good work-study balance where student teaching commitments are spread over an extended period. I feel my studies have given me a solid foundation of the skills and knowledge required to begin a career in teaching. My favourite thing about UHI is the flexibility offered and approachability and responsiveness of staff.
Katie studied the PGDE Secondary part-time at UHI Inverness.
Apply for Secondary (English Medium) (Part-time) PGDE
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.