Primary Education with Teaching Qualification (Dumfries campus) MA
This innovative four-year degree programme, approved by the General Teaching Council for Scotland, is benchmarked against the highest standards of excellence. On this programme you won’t just learn how to teach; you will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of how children learn, grow and develop.
You will benefit from strong links with local schools, innovative teaching methods and a friendly and inclusive academic community.
- September start
- Session dates
- Primary Education with Teaching Qualification (Dumfries) MA (Hons): X123 4 year degree
- Dumfries campus
- Professionally accredited
- Study abroad available
Dumfries campus
Set in 85 acres of historic parkland, The University of Glasgow Dumfries Campus is situated in South-West Scotland. Combining idyllic surroundings with world class teaching and outstanding placement opportunities, this is the perfect setting to give you an incredible student experience.
This close-knit community is typically made up of students and staff from over 40 countries. Friendly residences and small class sizes will help you to get to know students and staff from all disciplines. You will be taught by academics who are among the top researchers in their fields, and who have a progressive vision for interdisciplinary teaching and research.
Creative and picturesque, Dumfries has a lively arts and festival scene, strong cultural heritage and a wealth of outdoor activities including hiking and cycling trails, rivers and lochs. Enjoy stunning views of the Solway estuary and hills, proximity to hiking and cycling trails, rivers and lochs, and a walk or short bus ride to the historic town centre. With excellent transport links, the rest of the UK is within easy reach; Glasgow and Edinburgh are just under two hours away, while Carlisle is under an hour.
Discover the many ways to get involved with the wider student community and Dumfries and Galloway; find out more about life at the University of Glasgow, read our Student Stories, chat with current students, and find out all you need to know with blogs from those who know best, our students.
Programme structure
You will complete four school placements, which cover all stages of the primary school, in Dumfries & Galloway local authority schools.
Year 1
During your first year you must complete a mix of core and elective subjects. Core courses:
Literacy
This course aims to extend your awareness of the role of language in children’s social and intellectual development. You will learn about the strategies that effective primary teachers employ with regard to emergent literacy and the teaching of reading and writing.
Mathematics: Theory & Pedagogy
You will be introduced to the primary mathematics curriculum, and your mathematical skills will be consolidated so that confidence, competence and mastery in number and numeracy are attained at an appropriate level through independent study techniques and a variety of learning approaches.
Modern Languages Course (French or Spanish)
You will learn basic skills in the language (listening, reading, writing and speaking) to the level required for the primary classroom. Note: we recommend that those with a Higher pass (A–C) in either language select an alternative elective course.
Professional Practice in Education
This course introduces a range of methodologies, pedagogies and assessment strategies which relate to teaching in the primary school. It introduces the planning and recording cycle, assessment of children’s learning and evaluation of your own teaching. It also provides opportunities to become familiar with the policies, procedures, resources and the overall day-to-day learning environment of a primary school and the use of creative and innovative pedagogical strategies for learning and teaching.
You will also choose from elective courses which will give you the opportunity to add breadth to your degree in subjects relevant to the primary curriculum. There is a six-week school placement during May and June.
Year 2
The core courses of Literacy, Mathematics and Professional Practice in Education continue. In addition, you will complete two more core courses in Child Development and Learning, and Modern Languages: Policy and Pedagogy.
Child Development and Learning explores aspects of physical, personal and social development from birth to emerging adulthood. Specifically, it will examine biological and environmental factors which influence physical development (e.g. hormones, heredity, nutrition); and the child's emotional and social development (including understanding of self and moral development, and how these are influenced by specific cultural, family, economic and environmental factors).
You will choose further courses from our range of elective subjects. There is a seven-week school placement during May and June.
Year 3
In year 3, Professional Practice in Education continues as a core course, together with Curriculum and Assessment, STEM Across the Primary Curriculum, Additional Support Needs & Inclusion, and Education Research Methods You will continue your studies in one elective area. There is one six-week school placement in semester 2.
Year 4
Professional Practice in Education continues at Level 4, and other core courses are Professionalism & Leadership in Education, and the Sociology of Education. You will also undertake an enquiry-based dissertation which gives you the opportunity to research an area of education which interests you. There is an 11-week school placement in semester 2.
Placement arrangements
Please note all placements will only take place in Dumfries and Galloway local authority schools, regardless of students’ home/term-time addresses.
Course details
Year 1
Level 1 (SCQF Level 7)
- Literacy 1
- Mathematics - Theory And Pedagogy 1
- Spanish For Beginners (i)
- Professional Practice in Education 1
Year 2
Level 2 (SCQF Level 8)
- Child Development And Learning
- Literacy 2
- Mathematics - Theory And Pedagogy 2
- Modern Languages: Policy and Pedagogy
- Professional Practice in Education 2
Year 3
Level 3 (SCQF Level 9)
- Curriculum And Assessment
- Research Methods For Education
- STEM across the Primary Curriculum
- Professional Practice in Education 3
- Inclusion and ASN: Concepts, Policy & Practice
- Enhanced Mathematics
Year 4
Level 4 (SCQF Level 10)
- Sociology of Education
- Professionalism and Leadership in Education
- Honours Dissertation - Primary Education
- Professional Practice in Education 4
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.
Our international links
There is an opportunity for international school placement in years 3 and 4. There is also an opportunity to apply for study abroad in year 2: see Study abroad.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2025
Summary of entry requirements for Teaching: Primary Education with Teaching Qualification
SQA Higher entry requirements (by end of S6)
- AAB/ABBB
- Additional requirements: Higher English and National 5 Mathematics or Application of Mathematics Grade B. Interview.
SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)
- MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
MD40: BBBB* - 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
- BBB – CCC
- Additional requirements: GCSE Mathematics at Grade B or 5 and English Language and Literature at Grade C or 4. Interview.
IB standard entry requirements
- 34 (6,5,5)
- Additional requirements: HL English and SL Mathematics at 4. Interview.
Disclosure Scotland
If you are accepted to a teaching degree you must undertake a Criminal Convictions check under the PVG Scheme prior to enrolment. It is your responsibility to pay for the check. Details will be sent to you.
Interview policy
As part of our selection process you will be interviewed. The bulk of our interviews take place in February.
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
- IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.
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 21.
- 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)
- 59 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:
- School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited 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:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
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 is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland and is an internationally recognised teaching qualification. Our graduates teach at schools in Scotland and globally, including in Ireland, Egypt, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Australia.
In addition to career progression in teaching such as leadership and management roles within schools, there are opportunities for specialist careers in fields allied to education as well as further study or research in education.
You may exit after year 3 with an MA in Primary Educational Studies. This is not a teaching qualification but provides a good background for other careers in education and related areas.
Find out more about careers paths and opportunities.
Accreditation
This programme leads to provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
MA (Hons)
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.
World Changers 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).
World Changers 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 2025 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2025 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.
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 programme.
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.
Sanctuary Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is offering up to 30 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University, who have been forced to travel to the UK for humanitarian reasons and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship.
The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or Student Finance. The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs. In addition, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met, this will also be provided for the duration of your degree, if required. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the Accommodation Services section on the website.
Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.
Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship was set up in 2024 in memory of a University of Glasgow alumna. After graduating, Dima worked in Gaza with the World Health Organization as a patient administrator at the limb reconstruction centre, as part of the trauma and emergency team and was tragically killed in Gaza in November 2023. The Scholarship is open to a Palestinian National who is living in or has been forced to leave the State of Palestine due to humanitarian reasons. The chosen applicant may be domiciled in any country but must be a Palestinian National. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught applicants to the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26.
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
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 29 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.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
Note
We welcome applications from qualified candidates from all denominations and none. Students intending to teach in a Catholic school may undertake the Certificate in Religious Education by Distance Learning (CREDL).
More information about this programme
For more information about our Teaching degrees, see our Teaching Admissions Guidance.
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Education]
Related programmes
Open Days
- Our next open day will take place soon: see Open Days for more information.
