Primary (Gaelic medium)

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a degree at undergraduate level. An honours degree at 2:2 or above is preferred, as the teaching on the course sits at honours and masters level

Applications will be considered from those not holding honours who are able to evidence sufficient academic capacity to undertake the course, by providing a transcript of the degree

In addition to the above, applicants must hold:

English:

• Scottish Higher (C or above), OR
• A level (D or above), OR
• GCSE English Language (C/4 or above) and English Literature (C/4 or above) or equivalent, PLUS

Mathematics or Applications for Mathematics:

• National 5 (C or above), OR
• SQA Intermediate 2 (C or above) or Standard grade Credit OR
• GCSE Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent

We recognise the current difficulties in gaining direct work or voluntary experience with primary-aged children. We expect your personal statement and supporting reference to clearly demonstrate what has informed your sense of readiness to apply now to become a primary teacher.

Months of entry

August

Course content

The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) consists of 18 weeks study at the university, plus 18 weeks in professional practice in schools. The placements in schools are arranged nationally and you will be placed in schools within travelling distance of your home or term-time address.

You must be a fluent Gaelic speaker at the start of this course and your language proficiency will be assessed at interview. Parts of the course are delivered through the medium of Gaelic and you will complete the majority of your school practice in classes that provide Gaelic Medium Education.

The Gaelic medium pathway is offered in partnership with Argyll and Bute, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland, and Perth and Kinross Councils, each working with the university through the relevant local campus at:

• UHI Argyll
• UHI Inverness
• UHI North, West and Hebrides - Benbecula; Fort William; Stornoway
• UHI Perth
• Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI

You will be required to have a home or term-time address in the local authority area of your chosen campus. Graduates of the course will hold provisional registration as a primary teacher with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

You will benefit from studying in small, locally based groups while collaborating remotely with other student teachers and tutors across the university’s network of colleges. The course is taught with the PGDE Primary (English medium) and overlaps significantly with the PGDE Secondary to offer a cross-sector perspective.

A mandatory three-day residential induction is held at the start of the course with a further one in March which focuses on STEM and developing teacher leadership. Each local cohort will also organise a showcase event at the end of the course, as part of developing leadership.

Special features

• The course will prepare you for life as a reflective professional, supporting high quality learning for the children you teach
• The course also offers the option of gaining up to 40 masters level credits by submission of assignments at SCQF level 11
• Where possible, professional practice will take place in primary schools offering Gaelic-medium education

Information for international students

If you would like to study in a country of outstanding natural beauty, friendly communities, and cities buzzing with social life and activities, the Highlands and Islands of Scotland should be your first choice. We have campuses across the region each one with its own special characteristics from the rich cultural life of the islands to the bright city lights of Perth and Inverness. Some courses are available in one location only, for others you will have a choice; we also have courses that can be studied online from your own home country.

Find out more: International - UHI

Fees and funding

For information, please view our Fees/Funding tab: PGDE Primary (Gaelic Medium) (uhi.ac.uk).

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.