Religious & Philosophical Education
This degree programme will qualify you to teach religious education, theology, religious, moral and philosophical studies or religious studies in secondary schools.
Programme structure
You will study three main elements.
Theology, religious studies and philosophy
You will develop the critical and analytical skills required to address the major cultural, theological and spiritual issues of our time. You will be able to take a number of optional courses in philosophy, theology and religious studies.
Professional and education studies
You will explore, in the context of Scottish education, how pupils learn and how educators teach most effectively.
School experience
You will be provided with the opportunity to work in the classroom and develop competence in dealing with children. You will also develop skills in curriculum planning, assessment, reporting, management and organisation.
Special features
Catholic students who complete the appropriate course in Religious Education will be awarded the Catholic Teacher’s Certificate in Religious Education.
Partner and industry links
At least 35 weeks of the four-year programme will be spent working in schools. This will take the form of block placements of several weeks in schools, with weekly days in University to continue with professional studies.
Our international links
This degree is also widely recognised for entry into secondary school teaching in other English-speaking countries.
Career prospects
As a teacher of religious and philosophical subjects, you will play a vital role in preparing young people to live in, and contribute to, a world of rapid social and economic change, where a breadth and depth of understanding of diverse cultures may be seen as essential.
It is expected that there will be an increasing demand for new entrants to the teaching profession in secondary schools in Scotland and elsewhere in the coming years. The degree is also widely recognised for entry into secondary school teaching in other English-speaking countries.
Opportunities exist for career progression within schools and more widely in posts such as education adviser and in teacher education. You may pursue postgraduate study and professional development at certificate, diploma, masters and doctoral levels.
Accreditation
This programme leads to registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
MA(Ed)
- Religious & Philosophical Education with Secondary Teaching: VX61
Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014
Highers: AAB/ABBB including English at B or above.
A-levels: BBB. English Language and Literature at GCSE level grade C or above must be included.
IB: 32 points, including HL English Grade 4 and SL Mathematics Grade 5.
For a full list of alternative qualifications please see: Entry requirements.
Interview policy
As part of our selection process you will be interviewed. Interviews normally begin in mid to late January and run until April.
Disclosure Scotland
If you are accepted to a teaching degree you must undertake a Criminal Conviction check prior to enrolment. It is your responsibility to pay for the check. Details will be sent to you.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):
- overall score 6.5
- no sub-test less than 6.0
- or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
Common equivalent English language qualifications:
- ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
- PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's Language Centre offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact the Recruitment and International Office: Elaine.Shortt@glasgow.ac.uk
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
my academic qualifications are below the requirements?
Glasgow International College offers Foundation courses to upgrade your academic qualifications.
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.
Scholarships
We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see: