Primary Education with Teaching Qualification (Dumfries campus) MA
Dumfries Campus Open Day: Saturday 3 October, 11am - 3pm
Join our Open Day and discover what student life is like at a world top 100 University set on our beautiful campus in south-west Scotland.
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 and Work placement
- 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, all of which are aimed at preparing you for teaching in primary schools. Placements cover all stages of the primary school and each placement has a specific subject focus. Placements will only take place in Dumfries and Galloway local authority schools.
Year 1
During your first year you must complete a mix of core and elective subjects. Core courses are:
- Literacy 1
- Mathematics - theory & pedagogy 1
- French or Spanish for beginners
- Professional practice in education 1.
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
During your first year you must complete a mix of core and elective subjects. Core courses are:
- Child development & learning
- Literacy 2
- Mathematics - theory & pedagogy 2
- Modern languages - policy & pedagogy
- Professional practice in education 2.
You will also choose from elective subjects. There is a seven-week school placement during May and June.
Year 3
Your core courses are:
- Curriculum & assessment
- Research methods for education
- STEM across the primary curriculum
- Inclusion and ASN: concepts, policy & practice
- Professional practice in education 3.
You will continue your studies in one elective area. There is one six-week school placement in semester 2.
Year 4
Your core courses are:
- Sociology of education
- Professionalism & leadership in education
- Honours dissertation - primary education
- Professional practice in education 4.
You will 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 2027
Summary of entry requirements for Teaching: Primary Education with Teaching Qualification
Scottish Higher entry requirements (by end of S6)
- ABBB
- Additional requirements:
- Higher English at minimum Grade C
- National 5 Mathematics or Application of Mathematics at minimum Grade C
- Interview.
Scottish Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)
- MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
MD40: BBBB* - Additional requirements:
- Higher English at minimum Grade C
- National 5 Mathematics or Application of Mathematics at minimum Grade C
- Interview
- Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
A-level standard entry requirements
- CCC
- Additional requirements
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade B or 5
- Either A-Level English at minimum Grade C or GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature both at minimum Grade C or 4
- Interview.
IB standard entry requirements
- 34 (6,5,5)
- Additional requirements
- HL English at 4
- SL Mathematics at 4
- Interview.
Accelerated Level 5 Maths Course
Applicants whose maths qualifications do not meet the programme’s entry requirements may wish to consider the Accelerated Level 5 Maths course. This online course is designed to help meet the necessary standard for admission. Additional fees apply. There are a limited number of fully-funded places available for this course, please contact Dumfries-Comms@glasgow.ac.uk for more information.
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. Interviews normally take place between January and March, and are a great way for you to find out more about the campus and the degree programme.
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
From professional employment to further study and professional training, our graduates go into a wide range of destinations.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-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.
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 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
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]
Complete University Guide [Education]
Guardian University Guide [Education]
QS World University Rankings [Education & Training]
Times Higher Education World University Rankings [Education Studies]
