Undergraduate 

Education with Primary Teaching Qualification MEduc

Teacher in class with pupils

The Master of Education programme is an internationally recognised teaching qualification with a strong focus on the theory of learning and on how theory and practice are effectively used in the classroom to support all learners in the 21st century.

The programme also offers a route for those interested in becoming teachers in Catholic schools. Refer to Degrees and UCAS codes to ensure you apply for the route you are interested in. Note that these codes represent different routes through the same programme of study. Applicants should apply only once using the UCAS code best suited to their requirements.

You can exit after four years with an MA (Hons) in Education with Teaching Qualification or complete your fifth year and qualify with the MEduc. 

  • September start
  • Session dates
  • Education with Teacher Qualification Primary (Undergraduate) MEduc: 4Q21 5 year degree
  • Education with Teacher Qualification Primary including Catholic Teacher’s Certificate (Undergraduate) MEduc: 4Q22 5 year degree

Programme structure

Year 1

You will learn about the nature of learning in the primary curriculum, child development theories, curricular theory and professional practice and identity. You will also choose from a selection of courses from the wider University. You will have three weeks out on school placements. If you intend to follow the Catholic Teacher’s Certificate in Religious Education, you are offered the opportunity to study theology.

Year 2

You will begin to study the role of education in society and consider the interconnectedness of the wider society on schools and schooling. You will learn about educational philosophers and explore in greater depth pedagogical content knowledge and associated curriculums. You will have a five-week placement in school.

Year 3

You will expand upon your knowledge and understanding of the primary curriculum and your ability to reflect and improve on your own practice. You will also be given the opportunity to choose an area of study from a number of elective courses. You will have a total of 12 weeks out in school placement.

Year 4

Analysis of links between modern day Scottish society and global influences are studied. Effective classroom practice and a focus on enquiry-based learning and inclusion. A further elective is chosen and you will have a 12-week school placement.

Year 5

You will undertake a research course in Professional enquiry & decision-making to develop your approach to evidence-based research. Thereafter, you will undertake a dissertation to qualify with the MEduc.

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Special Glasgow feature

This is a Masters degree with undergraduate entry which will develop knowledge, skills and leadership in an elected area of choice. The programme will take five years to complete and students will be qualified to teach in schools, on a supply basis, at the end of year 4. This in turn will help to inform the 5th year of study and the research project. Studies throughout the programme will blend theoretical and research approaches with classroom practice.

Our international links

In Years 2 and 3, you may be able to apply to study abroad, either for a short visit (eg three weeks) or for a longer period (eg one semester or a year). At present, students in the School of Education enjoy opportunities to study in the USA, Australia and various locations across Europe. See: Study abroad.

Entry requirements

for entry in 2025

Summary of entry requirements for Education with Primary Teaching Qualification

SQA Higher entry requirements (by end of S6)

  • ABBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
  • Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
  • Typically offers will be made at AAABB by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
  • Additional requirements: Higher English and National 5 Mathematics or Application of Mathematics at Grade B
  • Interview**.

SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)

  • MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
  • MD40: AABB*
  • Additional requirements: Higher English and National 5 Mathematics or Application of Mathematics Grade B. Interview**. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.

* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.

A-level standard entry requirements

  • AAB – BBB
  • Additional requirements: A-Level English and GCSE Mathematics at Grade B or 5. Interview**.

IB standard entry requirements

  • 34 (6,5,5)
  • Additional requirements: HL English and SL Mathematics at 4. Interview**.

** Please note that we will be unable to provide feedback to applicants who are unsuccessful at interview stage.

Admissions guidance

English language

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)

  • 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

PTE (Academic)

  • 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)

  • 65%.
  • Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

Cambridge English Qualifications

  • Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

School Qualifications

  • iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, grade C
  • International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
  • International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
  • SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
  • SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
  • Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
  • West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
  • Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
  • Masters degree from English speaking country
  • Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit 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 School of Modern Languages and Cultures 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.

my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact External Relations

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:


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.

Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study


Career prospects

This programme leads to registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Degrees and UCAS codes

This is a five-year integrated Masters degree in Primary Teaching. You will be eligible to teach after year 4.

Applicants should apply only once using the UCAS code best suited to their requirements.

When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:

MEduc

Education with Teacher Qualification Primary (Undergraduate): 4Q21 (5 years)
Education with Teacher Qualification Primary including Catholic Teacher’s Certificate (Undergraduate): 4Q22 (5 years)

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.

Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.

The Ann Dodgson Foundation Grant

Young people between 16-25 years of age whose intentions for the grant fall within the Foundation's Aims are encouraged to apply for a grant. Through the provision of grants, The Ann Dodgson Foundation endeavours to further the following aims:

To advance in life and help young people in particular by:
- encouraging young people in the United Kingdom to be comfortable beyond the boundaries of their own culture and by promoting French culture.
- helping young people as well as aspiring, training and practising teachers and others involved in education, to enjoy, understand and be inspired by France – its people, its language, its history and its culture.
- helping young people learn about the United Nations – its Charter, its purpose, its range and its value.
- advancing the education of young people in the subject of France – its people, its language, its history and its culture.

RUK Excellence Scholarship

The RUK Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree new entrants who have attained academic excellence in one sitting at A Level (or equivalent).

RUK Access Bursary

The bursary supports talented students who may not be able to take their place at University for reasons of financial hardship. It is available to new entrant full-time, undergraduate students of the University of Glasgow who are fully registered for the up coming academic session, ordinarily domiciled in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annum.

James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has up to 30 undergraduate scholarships available for students of African/African-Caribbean backgrounds. The scholarship supports students who could face financial difficulties taking up their place to study at the university. The value of the scholarship is £2,000, paid in instalments for year one of undergraduate study. The scholarship is open to new applicants to the university for 2024 entry. Current students who have previously been in receipt of the award may reapply, however, preference will be given to applicants entering their first year of study.

Beaconhouse Schools

The University of Glasgow offer a 15% discount on the first year of tuition fee to students from Beaconhouse Schools and who enrol on an undergraduate programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount does not apply to Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry programmes.

Undergraduate Talent Scholarships

The University of Glasgow is awarding c.50 undergraduate Talent Scholarships to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University for 2024 entry. The value of each scholarship is typically £1,500 p.a. for each year of the degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress. Talent Scholarships are available to students entering any of the University's Colleges.

Dental School students are eligible for a Talent Scholarship in their first year of study only. They are eligible for the NHS Dental Student Support Grant in the following years.

Republic of Ireland (RoI) Access Bursary

Glasgow has a long and proud tradition of providing financial support to talented students who, for reasons of financial hardship, might not be able to take a place at university. Our RoI Access Bursary is part of our commitment to continue to attract and support students from a diverse range of backgrounds. For 2023 entry, the RoI bursary will be up to £2,000 for your first year of study and £1,000 for continuing years.

Payments of the RoI Access Bursary will be detailed in your Award Letter.

  • The RoI Access Bursary will be awarded as a cash payment.
  • The RoI Access Bursary will be paid in 10 instalments from October until July; this award is based on household income
  • The RoI Access Bursary will only be awarded in years where tuition fees of £9,250 apply 

Please see here for up to date information and criteria for 2024 entry. 

Republic of Ireland (RoI) Excellence Scholarship

The RoI Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree entrants who have attained at Irish Higher grades H1, H1, H1, H2, H2 from the Irish Leaving Certificate for 2023 entry. Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine applicants are not eligible for this award.

Payments

  • The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be processed as a cash payment.
  • The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be paid in 2 instalments.
  • The first payment will be in October and the second payment will be in February.

These payments will be credited to the UK bank account held on your MyCampus profile; therefore, it is vital that this is up to date at the start of the session. By submitting your bank details on the MyCampus system, you are confirming that you agree with the terms and conditions of the award.

Please see here for further information and eligibility criteria for 2024 entry.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

The University of Glasgow and The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation (CSF) will offer a scholarship to support Black African and Caribbean heritage applicants from socio-economically challenged backgrounds.  Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK and commencing an undergraduate study in the academic year 2024-25

The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation wants to fund 100 Black British students through UK universities in the next decade. More information on the Foundation can be found here.

The Clan Gregor Society Prize

The Clan Gregor Society is offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants for 2024 entry.

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

How to apply

Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). 

SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.

International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.

Application deadlines

  • 16 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
  • 31 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
  • 30 June: international students.

We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.

It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.

Note

As part of its remit from the Scottish Government, the School of Education, through the St Andrew’s Foundation, provides for the preparation of students to teach in Catholic Schools in Scotland. The MEduc Programme offers a route that incorporates the Catholic Teacher’s Certificate. Applicants interested in becoming teachers in Catholic primary schools are encouraged to apply for the programme using this UCAS code. (Please note there are eligibility requirements for teaching in Catholic primary schools in Scotland and applicants are encouraged to consult guidance from the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.)

More information about this programme

For more information about our Teaching degrees, see our Teaching Admissions Guidance.

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1st in UK

Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Education]