Education with Teaching Qualification (Primary) MEduc
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.
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
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus and Work placement
- Contact: education-meduc-admin@glasgow.ac.uk
- Professionally accredited
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
There are five key strands of courses across the programme:
Strand 1: Being and becoming
Through this strand you will explore teaching as a way of being and you will reflect on how to become compassionate, culturally responsive and inclusive educators. You’ll reflect on your own identity and positionality as well as learn about key thinkers and philosophies. You will link the theory you learn here to practice when on school placement.
Strand 2: Learners and learning
In this strand you’ll explore how learners develop physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. You’ll look at their diverse needs and characters as strengths. You’ll look at how learners connect with each other and explore the facilitators and barriers to learning. You’ll explore the processes and theories around learning.
Strand 3: Educational communities and contexts
Through this strand you will explore the contexts within which learners develop and learn. You will consider the diverse local, national and global environments around learners. You will look at inclusive pedagogies, rights based education, sustainability and citizenship.
Strand 4: Enhancement and enrichment
In this strand you will have the opportunity to take a number of optional courses. You will take an enquiring stance into educational practice. Through focused study and research-informed approaches, you will deepen your expertise in areas meaningful to your evolving professional identity. If you intend to follow the Catholic Teacher’s Certificate in Religious Education, you are offered the opportunity to study theology. In year 5 you will undertake a research course in preparation for writing your dissertation.
Strand 5: Knowledge of teaching and practice
This strand will develop your understanding of the learning and teaching cycle within classroom environments on placement. Through strong University-School partnerships, you will apply theory to practice and deepen your professional knowledge and capacity to design equitable, engaging learning. Placements vary in length across the year groups starting from five weeks in year 1, six weeks in year 2 and 12 weeks in both years 3 and 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.
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 2027
Summary of entry requirements for Education with Primary Teaching Qualification
Scottish 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 C
- Interview**.
Scottish 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 C. 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 (or both GCSE English language and English Literature at Grade B or 5) 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 from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- 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.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- 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.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- 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.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- 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.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- 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.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 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.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- 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.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, 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
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
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 UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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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: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
Most graduates progress directly into professional roles aligned with their degree and professional qualification.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.8% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 92.3% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £30,671.
This subject-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Communicating clearly with children, families and colleagues, using language and explanations that support learning and inclusion.
- Planning and delivering engaging lessons, applying pedagogy confidently and adapting your approach to meet diverse learning needs.
- Assessing children’s learning fairly, recording progress accurately and using evidence to shape next steps.
- Reflecting on your teaching, evaluating your practice and making informed decisions about your professional development.
- Using digital tools to support teaching, assessment and classroom communication.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Studying a degree programme in the College of Social Sciences will also give you access to the College Employability Programme. This consists of a suite of professional skills workshops, online modules, skills days and 1-1 appointments. These are designed to help you develop and communicate your key experiences and the transferable skills you need, to succeed in your studies and in your future careers.
Christy Anderson, Head of Year & Primary Teacher, Primary Education, 2022
My degree gave me a strong foundation in inclusive teaching and helped me develop the skills and confidence to plan engaging lessons, adapt learning to meet diverse needs and use assessment to support pupil progress.
During the degree, extensive school placements connected theory with practice, building my confidence in teaching, behaviour management and professional collaboration. The emphasis on reflective practice also equipped me to continually evaluate and improve my teaching in a range of educational settings internationally.
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
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 scholarships above are relevant 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
- 13 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
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. Applicants interested in becoming teachers in Catholic schools are encouraged to indicate this in their personal statement on application. Successful applicants are then able to complete the Catholic Teachers Certificate in Religious Education concurrently with their teaching qualification. Please note that an applicant’s interest in teaching in Catholic schools is not a prerequisite for admission into the school’s initial teacher education programmes.
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]
Complete University Guide [Education]
Guardian University Guide [Education]
QS World University Rankings [Education & Training]
Times Higher Education World University Rankings [Education Studies]
