Find your place in teaching with a PGDE
Our Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programmes provide the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in the classroom and find your place in teaching.
Graduates from the PGDE courses are guaranteed an induction post to complete their one-year probation and achieve the standard required to register with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
Each PGDE programme normally includes 18 weeks of school experience placements. For Primary, these placements occur in at least two primary schools/education and childcare settings within local authorities in Scotland. The placements occur in each school term.
UWS students are knowledgeable about pedagogy, enabling them to engage learners in creative and inspiring lessons.
Rachael McKay, Teacher of English, Calderglen High School
Secondary Teaching with UWS
Wed, May 13, 2026 - 5:30-6:30pm
Join us on our online event to find out more about our PGDE Secondary programme. Places are still available for August 2026 entry in Art & Design, Biology with Science, English and Mathematics.
Register for secondary teaching event
UWS Education programmes
We offer the following Postgraduate Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programmes:
Why Education at UWS?
Recognised as one of the best providers of Education degrees in Scotland and the UK, UWS has a range of study options for those looking to pursue a career in education.
Our postgraduate programmes produce motivated, energetic and talented educators in pre-school settings, primary and secondary schools, further and higher education and the wider community.
With hands-on practical experience, a clear academic focus, and first-rate facilities, we offer a world-class learning experience for students.
Our PGDE programmes
PGDE Primary
The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Primary is for graduates wanting to teach at primary school level. Students are given the skills to inspire and educate young learners during their crucial developmental years.
PGDE Secondary
The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Secondary is for graduates wanting to teach at secondary school level. The programme allows students to specialise in their chosen subject area. Students can choose one or two of the following subjects, depending on existing qualifications:
- Art and Design
- Biology with Science
- Chemistry with Science
- English
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish)
- Physical Education
- Physics with Science
Hear from our PGDE students
The tutors are incredibly helpful; they always have time for you and are experience professionals. There are so many supports available to you and there is always someone that can help you"
Harley, PGDE Secondary student
Preparing You to be an Impactful Classroom Practitioner
What truly distinguishes UWS, in my experience, is the exceptional individualised support provided to students. The PGDE programme was undoubtedly rigorous; however, in my current role as a teacher, I deeply appreciate the challenges it presented. The demanding curriculum has equipped me with the skills to manage my time effectively and to be a well-prepared and impactful classroom practitioner.
Katrina Stewart, Teacher of Biology, UWS Alumini
Check out our video
Our students reflect on their experiences studying the PGDE (Secondary) programme at UWS.
This programme considers every single aspect of teaching and teacher education, so you'll have a whole toolbox of techniques when you leave.
Postgraduate Open Evenings and Info Sessions 2026
Join us at a Postgraduate Open Evening or Online Information Session in 2026 to learn about our postgraduate programmes and find out if UWS is the right place for you!
Upcoming Postgraduate Events
Funding your studies
Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding may be available for eligible students who apply to PGDE Primary and PGDE Secondary.
The Teaching Bursary Scheme
A £15,000 bursary is available from The Scottish Government to career-changers undertaking a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme in Scotland in STEM subjects and Modern Languages.
Applicants that meet the criteria may be eligible to receive a bursary of £15,000 payable over 10 equal monthly instalments.
Subjects available at UWS:
- Chemistry
- Maths
- Physics
- Modern Languages (German, French, Spanish)
How else can we support?
Our friendly team are here to support you with any questions you might need answered. We also have a number of students who can give first-hand experience of what it is like to study at UWS.
Register your interest in a Postgraduate course
Alternatively you can contact us by email: ask@uws.ac.uk.
