Undergraduate Study
Course Information
study secondary education and graduate with a university degree
1st in Scotland for Education (The Times Good University Guide, 2010 and in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, 2008)
Where can I gain practical and hands-on experience that will allow me to qualify to teach in secondary schools? How can I best support effective learning? How can I ensure that all learners feel valued, safe and included?
Stirling is distinctive among Scottish universities in offering concurrent programmes to prospective secondary school teachers. These degree programmes enable you to gain a degree in Professional Education with an appropriate teaching subject (or subjects) for secondary in four years, rather than the traditional five.
These qualifications are recognised throughout the UK and the world. Successfully completing the programme enables you to provisionally register in the appropriate sector with the General Teaching Council for Scotland and enter the probationary scheme.
Education (Secondary)
General Entrance Requirements apply.
Year 1
Levels of offer are normally those associated with the entry requirements of the chosen teaching subject(s) but may be a grade higher especially for combinations with History or Geography.
Year 2
Available only if teaching subject(s) permit this. Year 2 entry with two teaching subjects is rarely available.
International students can study our Undergraduate Certificate if they do not possess the necessary entrance requirements to be admitted directly to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme.
Further Requirements
Entry to the programmes is provisional until the end of first year and subject to interview and a criminal record disclosure check, which must be carried our before you undertake teaching practice in schools.
Possession of a criminal record may preclude you from registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland and may debar you from proceeding with the ITE course. If you have a criminal record you should contact the Head of Undergraduate Admissions Office in confidence.
Required Subjects
Higher English/ESOL (C), or GCSE English Language and English Literature (C), or SQA Communication 4 and Literature 1.
Rating
Teaching provision in Education has been assessed by the Scottish Funding Council and rated as ‘highly satisfactory‘. Education was also rated 1st in Scotland by The Times Good University Guide, 2010 and in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise in 2008)
Modes of Study
Full-time study (3 modules per semester). Part-time study (1 or 2 modules per semester) in the early stages of the degree.
Teaching placements cannot be undertaken on a part-time basis.
It is very difficult to undertake a professional education degree on a part-time basis.
| contact us > > > |
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Lisa Deans ITE Programme Secretary |
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Tel: +44 (0)1786 467606 |
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Email: l.e.deans@stir.ac.uk |
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www.ioe.stir.ac.uk |
Degree Programme
You will usually follow eight semesters (four years) which leads to an Honours degree in the chosen teaching subject(s) and Professional Education. Alternatively, seven semesters (three and a half years) lead either to a General degree, or to a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Education. General degree students may only be able to qualify in one teaching subject.
Semesters 1 - 2
You will take the following core modules:
- Education: Purposes, Principles and Practice
- Education: Learning and Teaching
Semesters 3 - 6
You will take a range of core and advanced modules in Education which cover a range of teaching skills in your academic subjects (see subject listings).
You will undertake two school placements, each lasting three to five weeks in January and February between Semesters 3 and 4 and between Semesters 5 and 6 (during vacation). In May/June, at the end of Semester 6, there is an additional four-week placement for Physical Education students and for those taking second teaching subjects.
Semesters 7 - 8
In Semester 7, you have a school placement of 10 or 12 weeks’ duration, as well as supplementary taught classes. In the final semester secondary students return to study their main teaching subject.
Teaching and Assessment
The programme is taught through seminars, lectures and workshops. Assessment is both formative and continuous. School experience placements are supported by tutor visits.
Combined Honours Degrees
| Programme | UCAS Code |
|---|---|
| Biology |
CX11 |
| Business Studies | NX11 |
| Business Studies/Computing Science | NX21 |
| Computing Science | GX41 |
| Computing Science/Mathematics | GX91 |
| English Studies | QX31 |
| English Studies/History | QXHC |
| English Studies/Religion | QXJ1 |
| Environmental Geography | FX81 |
| French | RX11 |
| French/Spanish | RXD1 |
| History | VX11 |
| History/Politics | LX21 |
| History/Sociology | VXD1 |
| Mathematics | GX11 |
| Philosophy/Religion | VX53 |
| Religion | VX61 |
| Religion/History | VXC1 |
Combined Degree Programmes (Secondary)
Normally students following combined programmes will study Education with two subjects. Students following Geography or History degree programmes will normally qualify to teach Modern Studies as well. History, as a second teaching subject, is available to students whose main teaching subject is English or Religion. Modern Studies is only available as a second teaching subject for students following programmes in Geography or History.
Geography
Students on the Geography programme may have the opportunity to undertake a residential field trip.
Modern Languages
All students wishing to teach a modern language in schools must fulfil residence requirements in a country where that language is spoken. For most students, this means an additional year abroad between Semesters 4 and 5. French can be studied from Beginners’ level for this purpose. Spanish can also be studied from Beginner’s level as part of the French/Spanish combined degree.
Application Procedure
Entry to this degree is highly competitive. Applications received after 15 January will not normally be considered.
Please note that the main focus of this programme is on teaching children and you should be able to demonstrate an aptitude for this.
Competence across a variety of physical activities should also be displayed (eg games, dance, gymnastics, swimming). Selectors are likely to give particular consideration to applicants who have outdoor activity experience and/or who have experience in working with children at some level of responsibility (eg playschemes, coaching). Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview at the University. In addition to a personal interview, there will be a series of practical tests, which are likely to include swimming group work and presentation skills
