PGDE Secondary Education: Psychology

As a psychology teacher, you’ll teach young people about the science of the mind and behaviour and show pupils how to analyse actions and interactions using evidence and theories.

Studying in the PGDE (Secondary) Psychology course is a rewarding and absorbing experience where you will contribute to a growing subject at a critical time in its development. You'll develop your prior understanding of psychology, learning to make the subject accessible to pupils. You'll also draw on your psychological knowledge in studying how to apply the science of learning in classroom contexts.

Our highly experienced and knowledgeable tutors will provide personalised feedback throughout your studies to help you develop. They'll also assist you in connecting with the broader community of psychology teachers throughout Scotland and internationally. 

Our students find their skills in great demand due to their depth of learning and the reputation for high quality, which the University of Strathclyde enjoys within the teaching profession.

Degree requirements

An upper second-class single or joint honours degree in psychology or international equivalent.

Degree must include:

• 80 SCQF credits in psychology, including psychology research methods.

We may be able to accept a lower second-class honours degree for entry to the Gaelic Medium version of the PGDE Psychology programme.

Due to the limited availability of school placement in Psychology, it is anticipated that we will only be able to offer places in Psychology to students eligible to study it as a dual-qualifying subject. This means having at least 80 University credits in another secondary issue, as the GTCS outlines. School placements will focus on one or both topics, increasing our flexibility and giving students more options at the end of the PGDE course and better prospective employability. Please include in your statement that you are applying for a dual qualifying PGDE Psychology and indicate your other subject.

Maths & English

• Higher (SCQF Level 6) English Grade C or above

• National 5 (SCQF Level 5) Mathematics Grade C or above

Maths and English qualifications can be in progress at the time of application.

Acceptable alternative Maths and English qualifications are listed on our PGDE FAQs page.

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.