Applying for the PGDE

Our entry requirements, UCAS links, further guidance on your personal statement and what to expect after applying.

Applications to the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education must be made through UCAS.

Application deadlines

PGDE Primary: The UCAS deadline for equal consideration is 29th January 2025. As this is a competitive programme, we recommend you submit your application by the UCAS deadline.

PGDE Secondary: Deadlines vary. Please see your chosen subject's UCAS page for deadline information.

Entry requirements

For both PGDE Primary and Secondary Education applications, we expect you to have experience of working with children in formal or informal settings (both employment and volunteering roles will be considered) and an ability to reflect thoughtfully on that experience in. You should have some knowledge and understanding of the Scottish curriculum.

All applicants must also meet the University of Edinburgh English language requirement. We accept a wide range of qualifications, detailed on the programme's Degree Finder page.

Degree Finder: English language entry requirements

PGDE Primary

  • A UK undergraduate degree, or its international equivalent
  • SQA Higher English at grade C or above (or equivalent) or GCSE English (Language) and English Literature both at C/4 or above
  • SQA National 5 Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics (formerly Lifeskills Maths) at grade C or above, or GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent

Apply through UCAS: PGDE Primary - X100

PGDE Secondary

  • A UK undergraduate degree, or its international equivalent. You should hold at least 80 UK credits, at least 40 of which should be at SCQF level 8 or above, in the subject you wish to teach. These credits can either be as part of your undergraduate degree, or completed through additional university study. Please contact the admissions office for further advice.
  • SQA Higher English at grade C or above (or equivalent) or GCSE English (Language) and English Literature both at C/4 or above.
  • SQA National 5 Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics (formerly Lifeskills Maths) at grade C or above, GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.

Information about each subject's entry requirements is available below.

You can find links to apply through UCAS on our Degree Finder.

Dual Qualification

We offer Dual Qualification status in selected subject areas. Dual qualification means that a teacher is qualified to teach two different subject areas within secondary schools, such as History and Geography, or Mathematics and Physics.

In your UCAS application, please state your second subject in your personal statement. At the same time as submitting your UCAS application, please inform Admissions of your stated preference.

Contact Admissions (futurestudents@ed.ac.uk)

You must have an additional 80 credits in the second subject area and meet the GTCS requirements for teaching this subject.

Writing your Personal Statement

As part of your UCAS application, you will submit a personal statement outlining your commitment, motivation and suitability. The information in your personal statement will be considered alongside all the other information you supply in your application. It is important you evidence the following:

Why you are applying

Explain why you want to be a teacher and why you think you are suited to the teaching profession. Be specific about why you have chosen your particular primary/secondary subject area.

Relevant work experience with children

Detail this in chronological order, including dates stating the number of hours spent per week over the number of weeks/months, and list the school(s) you worked. Also include any other work experience you have done with children, e.g. nursery, after-school clubs, youth work, sports coaching, volunteering, employment training.

Reflection on working with children

Comment and reflect on what you learned during your school work experience; specifically the skills, attributes and understanding that you gained from this.

Understanding of the role of a teacher

Explain what you understand the role of a teacher to be. You can use examples of your experience to reinforce this section.

Knowledge of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence

Elaborate on your knowledge of the education system in Scotland and of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence.

Transferrable skills and outside interests

Give an indication of your work/life balance by including any long-term hobbies or interests you have, e.g. playing a musical instrument, drama, sports, Duke of Edinburgh Award or any voluntary work you do. Explain why this enhances your application to your chosen course.

This list is taken from the following UCAS resource: 

UCAS Personal statement guidance for Teacher Education applicants

After you apply

After you apply, we will be in touch with an initial decision either via UCAS Track or an email from our admissions team.

If successful at the first stage of application, you will be invited to interview. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your passion for teaching and your subject, and for you to meet tutors. Candidates will also be expected to discuss their understanding of the Scottish Curriculum. Further information about what to expect at the interview will be included in the invite to interview email.

We will be in touch as soon as possible after interview with a decision.