The iPGDE programme provides Master’s level professional learning for teachers. The programme connects theory, practice and person through collaborative professional learning communities, with the aim of transforming practice for the benefit of all learners. The emphasis will be on professional capacity building to engage in systematic critical enquiry to examine and transform professional practice. The iPGDE incorporates providing evidence of practice against the professional standards for teachers so that graduates may also have a qualification which has been approved by the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS) to gain recognition of full qualified teaching status. The programme aims of the iPGDE are to enhance critical reflection of practice through social justice/inclusive pedagogical lenses, critically review understanding of learners and to build learning capacity, engage in research-informed inquiry and evaluate your professional role as a teacher.
The programme consists of two stages:
- An International Postgraduate Diploma in Education (iPGDE) with an emphasis on pedagogical enquiry capacity building and meeting the professional standards required for full registration status as a teacher. It is possible to exit the iPGDE after year 1 with an International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE) with an emphasis on becoming a critically reflective teacher. Completion of the iPGDE pathway can lead towards a full MEd.
- A Masters in Education (MEd), with an emphasis on extending the capability, knowledge and understanding of the participants in principle theories, critical analysis, personal professional practice, policy and practice.
Accreditation
The iPGDE programme has been accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). Participants who successfully complete all the requirements for the iPGDE will exit with a teaching qualification recognised by the GTCS*.
Duration of Programme
iPGDE – Part time over 24 months. Entry intake: September 2021
MEd (with iPGDE) – Part time over 36 to 48 months
Entry Requirements
Open to graduates teaching in school contexts who have at least two years of experience teaching in a school setting (Primary or Secondary), and a good first degree (equivalent to a British second-class Honours degree) or above, and teach through the medium of English language.
In order to gain a teaching qualification recognised by the GTCS, iPGDE graduates must satisfy the entry requirements set out by the General Teaching Council for Scotland. See the GTCS Memorandum on entry requirements for more information.
Fees
The tuition fee is:
- 70,000 QR for the iPGDE
- 35,000 QR for the MEd
Tuition fees are fixed at the point of entry so there is no annual increase for returning students.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at AFG College with the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
Your first degree was studied in English or:
- IELTS Academic: OVERALL – 6.5 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 6.0; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: OVERALL – 90 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 21; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21
- PTE Academic: OVERALL – 62 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 54; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54
- Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency: OVERALL – 176 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 169; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169
The University of Aberdeen Online Access Courses are suitable to meet the English and Mathematics requirements for this programme.
School-based Mentors
Participants will be required to ensure that their employing school is willing to provide an experienced qualified teacher to be a school-based mentor to support the professional learning and development of the participant in their employing school, making use of professional learning conversations and focused observations of practice.
Further Information
*The iPGDE is designed to align with the Standard for Full Registration (SFR) within the GTCS suite of professional standards relating to: Professional Values and Personal Commitment, Professional Knowledge and Understanding, and Professional Skills and abilities. The programme focuses on inclusive pedagogy from an international perspective.
Should you wish to become a registered teacher in Scotland, then you must meet all requirements as determined by the GTCS. However, different countries have different requirements that you should explore for equivalency of qualifications if you wish to seek professional recognition for qualified teaching status elsewhere.