PGDE programmes for Canadians

Information for Canadians wishing to do either our primary or secondary teacher education programme.

Train to be a Teacher at Edinburgh - one of the world's top universities

We are pleased to receive applications from all Canadian students wishing to apply to our teacher education PGDE programme at the University of Edinburgh which starts late August.

Applicants are advised to apply from early October since the University may have to award places on a first come, first served basis.

Personal consultations

All applicants will have a personal consultation prior to being offered a place.

Staff from the University of Edinburgh will be at the Downtown Eaton Centre Marriott Hotel, 525 Bay Street, Toronto. on Saturday 26th (all day) and Sunday 27th (morning) January 2013 for consultations with prospective PGDE Primary and PGDE Secondary students from Canada. This consultation allows us to get to know you and also lets you ask questions about the programme itself.

Please note we are now able to offer two teachables.

Subject to verification of entry requirements we will then be able to make you a formal offer.

Please note: Places are very limited for some subjects, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible to ensure we have sufficient time to deal with your application and to ensure that a place is available on these courses which are always in high demand.

Our location in historic Edinburgh

Edinburgh is known as the Athens of the North, and it is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Its architecture reflects its historical importance as Scotland's capital.

The Moray House School of Education is located in the centre of historic Edinburgh next to the Royal Mile (Canongate) with many historic sites such as Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle less than half a mile away. Student accommodation is just 5 minutes walk away whilst sporting facilities are even closer. Access to public transport could not be better being less than 10 minutes walk from railway station, bus station and airport bus, giving easy access to England and the Highlands of Scotland.

You would be in the centre of historic Edinburgh with many historic sites such as Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle less than half a mile away.

About the PGDE programme

The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is a 36 week programme for graduates who wish to train to become teachers in either Primary or Secondary education. Eighteen weeks of the course is taught in the University whilst the remainder of your time is spent on placement in Scottish Schools. These placements can take place anywhere in Scotland and allow students a wonderful opportunity to explore and undertake teaching practice in different parts of Scotland.

Students will study a wide range of teacher education subjects and should expect to cover subjects pertaining to the Scottish curriculum and subject syllabuses. Completion of the course, followed by a probationary period, provides eligibility for teacher registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. In addition the courses are also approved by the Ontario Board of Education, Canada. Both PGDE programmes are currently being revised to offer 60 Masters level credits from August 2013. Please see the links below for further details:

The Scottish Government has introduced an induction scheme for UK students who satisfactorily complete the course. Regretfully this scheme is not open to students from outside the UK. However, some graduates may be eligible to apply for jobs in Scottish schools.

Accommodation, sport and social facilities

Moray House School of Education is situated in an extremely convenient location for residential accommodation. Students from overseas are offered accommodation in one of the University’s residences which are close to the campus. For more details of residences please see the Accommodation Services website.

Accommodation Services

The School is also very close (200 metres) to the Centre for Sport and Exercise which provides exercise equipment, general sports facilities and swimming. Also see Edinburgh University Sports Union for details of other sporting opportunities. The University is one of the largest is the UK and offers many clubs and societies and sporting opportunities. See EUSA site for details of societies.

Eligibility and making an application

PGDE Primary Programme: Applicants should normally have a good Bachelor's degree (Ordinary or Honours) from a Canadian university or equivalent. You must provide proof of studies in English and Mathematics (e.g. OAC English and currently Grade 11 Mathematics in Ontario; CEGEP (2nd year) English and CEGEP (1st year) Mathematics in Quebec; Grade 12 English and Grade 11 Mathematics in other provinces).

PGDE Secondary Programme: Applicants should normally have a good Bachelor's degree (Ordinary or Honours) from a Canadian university. Students can choose to study one or two subjects but your degree must contain specific subject study which is relevant to the intended teaching qualification. It must also be of appropriate breadth and depth for teaching the subject in secondary schools.

To be eligible for entry you must have a minimum of 2 Teaching Subject Qualification Courses (TSQC) for each of the subjects you wish to study. (A TSQC is the part of your degree which is related to the subject taught in secondary schools).

How to apply

Application forms and details about the application procedure are available from the GTTR:

GTTR

Rosehill
New Barn Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ

Work: +44 (0) 870 11 22205

Web:: GTTR

For further information on applying please contact:

Liz McLaren
Undergraduate Admissions Office (Education)College of Humanities and Social Science The University of Edinburgh

David Hume Tower
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9JX

Work: +44 (0) 131 651 3146

Email:: elizabeth.mclaren@ed.ac.uk

This article was published on Jan 30, 2013