Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Physics)

Overview

The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Physics) is a one-year, full-time course designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become effective teachers of Physics in secondary schools. The course combines university-based learning with school placements, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum, pedagogy, and professional values required for a successful teaching career.

Mode of Study

• Full-time

Duration

• 1 year

Start Date

• August

UCAS Code

• F3X1

Placement

• Yes

Course Details

The course is divided into three trimesters, with 18 weeks spent in university and 18 weeks in secondary school placements. The course consists of four modules:

• Learning & Teaching 1
• Learning & Teaching 2
• Contexts of Learning
• Professional Enquiry
• School Experience

These modules are designed to develop students' skills as dynamic and effective teachers, with a focus on knowledge of the curriculum, school placements, and professional values.

Modules

• Contexts of Learning (TED11100)
  • This module introduces students to the theories, policy, legislation, and issues relevant to secondary education in Scotland.
  • Students will build a critical understanding of the purposes of education, theories of how learning takes place, and the complex influences that can impact on learning.
• Learning & Teaching 1 (TED11102)
  • This module explores the professional values, personal commitment, complex pedagogical approaches, and subject knowledge required in curricular specialisms.
  • Students will develop their skills in planning and delivering lessons, using research and evidence-informed teaching strategies.
• Learning & Teaching 2 (TED11103)
  • This module builds on Learning & Teaching 1, further developing students' understanding of their subject area within the secondary curriculum.
  • Students will strengthen their confidence with a range of pedagogical approaches and assessment strategies.
• Professional Enquiry (TED11101)
  • This module prepares students to undertake an action research project, focusing on an area of their own teaching practice.
  • Students will develop their skills in practitioner-based enquiry, using reflective practice to drive forward an aspect of their teaching.
• School Experience 1 (TED10101)
  • This placement module provides students with the opportunity to put into practice the professional knowledge and skills gained in Teaching and Learning 1.
  • Students will spend 35 days in a secondary school, planning, teaching, and reflecting on their practice.
• School Experience 2 (TED10102)
  • This module provides students with a further 55 days of school placement, developing their knowledge, skills, and values as set out in the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) Standards for Provisional Registration.

Entry Requirements

• A degree from a UK Higher Education Institution, or degree of an equivalent standard from an institution outside the UK.
• The degree should be in the subject to be taught and contain at least two graduating courses (80 credits) in the relevant subject.
• A minimum of 40 credits should be from Year 2 of study.
• Ordinary Degrees are also acceptable.
• SQA Higher English at Grade C or equivalent.
• SQA National 5 Mathematics or SQA National 5 Applications of Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

English Language

• If the first language is not English, students will normally need to undertake an approved English language test.
• The University's minimum English language requirements will apply.

International Students

• The University welcomes applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
• Entry requirements by country are available on the University's website.

Admissions Policies

• The University is committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from its programmes of study.
• Admissions policies are available on the University's website.

Fees & Funding

• The course fees for 2024/25 are:
  • Scotland: £1,820
  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,250
  • Overseas and EU: £22,870
• Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next.
• The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries.

Careers

• Secondary Physics and Science Teacher (Can be in Scotland, UK or most countries of the world.)

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Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Physics) - Edinburgh Napier University

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Degree Overview:

This one-year, full-time program is designed for individuals seeking a career teaching Physics in secondary schools. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in the classroom from day one.

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Objectives:

• Develop students' motivation, confidence, and creativity in teaching.

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Outline:

The program is structured into three trimesters, with a total of 18 weeks spent at the university and 18 weeks in secondary school placements.

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Modules:

• Learning & Teaching 1: This module focuses on developing professional values, personal commitment, pedagogical approaches, and subject knowledge specific to the Senior Phase of secondary school.
It covers curriculum design, lesson planning, and delivery, with a focus on National Qualifications.
• Learning & Teaching 2: Building on Learning & Teaching 1, this module further develops subject knowledge, pedagogical approaches, and assessment strategies.
It also emphasizes the role of a subject teacher in contributing to broader educational policy areas.
• Professional Enquiry: This module focuses on developing practitioner-based enquiry skills through systematic study of practice.
Students learn about teachers' work and research methods to inform their own professional practice.
• School Experience: This module encompasses the 18 weeks of school placements, where students develop their teaching skills and take responsibility for timetabled classes.
They also gather evidence for professional recognition by the General Teaching Council Scotland.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary across the four academic modules, including critical reflection, literature reviews, formal classroom observations, classroom-based research, and presentations at a practitioner conference.

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced lecturers with expertise in both Higher Education and Secondary schools.
• University-based work focuses on curricular pedagogy and educational studies.
• School placements involve a variety of tasks to develop professional teaching skills.

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Careers:

• The program prepares students for a career as a Secondary Physics and Science Teacher in Scotland, the UK, or internationally.

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Other:

• The program emphasizes the importance of research and engagement in professional enquiry.
• Students are encouraged to engage in reflective practice and professional dialogue with peers and university staff.
• The program incorporates the GTCS Standards for Provisional Registration and relevant educational theory.
• Students are expected to model appropriate levels of literacy and numeracy in learning activities.
• The program explores professional values and the role of teachers in inclusive learning communities.
• Students develop an understanding of the legal and professional aspects of a teacher's position of trust.
• The program emphasizes the importance of applying the school's behavior management policy and strategies for inclusion.
• Students maintain a record of their professional learning and development through reflective journals.

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| Fees | Domestic (Scotland) | Domestic (England, Wales, N. Ireland, and Republic of Ireland) | International (non-EU) | |:---|:---:|:---:|:---| | 2024/2025 | £1,820 | £9,250 | £22,870 | 2025/2026 |£tba | £tba | £tba |

Edinburgh Napier University

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Overview:

Edinburgh Napier University is a modern university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is renowned for its student learning experience and its commitment to innovation and enterprise. The university boasts a diverse student body with over 20,000 students from over 140 countries.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Libraries and Heritage Collections:

Access to extensive library resources and heritage collections.

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options for students.

Student Life:

Opportunities for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.

Funding:

Bursaries and scholarships to support students financially.

Career Services:

Guidance and support for career development and job searching.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students.

Online Study:

Flexible learning options through online courses.

Short Courses:

Opportunities for professional development through short courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edinburgh Napier University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:

Clubs and Societies:

Joining clubs and societies related to their interests.

Events:

Attending university-organized events and social gatherings.

Sports:

Participating in sports teams and activities.

Student Union:

Engaging with the student union for representation and support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings:

Consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland and the UK.

Student Satisfaction:

High student satisfaction rates, reflecting a positive learning environment.

Research Power:

Strong research output and impact, contributing to knowledge advancement.

International Focus:

Diverse student body and global partnerships, fostering a multicultural environment.

Career-Focused Education:

Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting and Finance

Acting

Biological Sciences

Building and Surveying

Business and Management

Computing

Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology

Design, Photography, and Advertising

Engineering

English, Creative Writing, and Publishing

Film, Journalism, and Media

Health and Social Care

Law

Marketing

Music

Nursing and Midwifery

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Teaching

Tourism, Hospitality, Festival, and Events Management