Training to be a teacher

(Initial Teacher Education)

Teaching in Scotland is an all graduate profession. To qualify as a teacher you have to complete a programme of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) at one of the seven Scottish Universities who offer these courses.

Upon completion of your ITE programme you will be required to register with GTC Scotland and become 'Provisionally Registered' until you have completed a period of Probation.  After this, and upon showing that you have met the The Standard for Full Registration, you will be granted Full Registration status.  See more about Registration.

Initial Teacher Education Programmes

Initial Teacher Education Programmes are concerned with the professional education and development of teachers, preparing them for work in schools in Scotland and beyond, and acting as a basis for continuing personal and professional development.

These programmes are demanding and seek to ensure that Scotland's teachers are committed to excellence.

There are three types of ITE programme:-

1. Four year undergraduate Bachelor of Education (BEd) programme which prepares people to become Primary teachers. There are also BEd programmes for some secondary subjects such as Music, Physical Education and Technological Education
2. One year Professional Graduate Diploma programme (PGDE) which prepares people who already hold a degree to become either Primary or Secondary teachers
3. Some universities offer combined (or concurrent) degrees which allow students to complete a degree in a subject and a programme of initial teacher education at the same time.

Seven Scottish universities offer ITE programmes. Entry requirements and details of how to apply are available via the following websites:-

• University of Aberdeen
• University of Dundee
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Glasgow
• University of the West of Scotland
• University of Stirling
• University of Strathclyde

All Scottish ITE programmes have to be accredited by GTC Scotland. Details of the accreditation process can be found in the Guidelines for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Courses in Scotland.