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You’ll follow a course of eight semesters (four years), to gain an Honours degree in Professional Education (Secondary). Alternatively, seven semesters (three and a half years) leads to either a General degree or to a Bachelors degree in Professional Education. General degree students may only be able to qualify in one teaching subject.

Semesters 1 – 2

You’ll take the following core modules: Education: Purposes, Principles and Practice; Education: Learning and Teaching.

To give you confidence before going out on teaching placements, you’ll take part in microteaching on campus. This involves teaching small groups of children. Your practical experience starts in Semester 2 with a two-week placement.

Semesters 3 – 6

You’ll take a range of core and advanced modules in Education, including a range of teaching skills in your chosen subjects. You’ll also go on two school placements, each lasting three-to-five weeks, between Semesters 3-4 and 5-6. Physical Education students will take part in an additional four-week placement. During Semester 6, you’ll spend five half-days in schools.

Semesters 7 – 8

Semester 7 includes a ten-week placement, as well as supplementary taught classes.

In Semester 8 you’ll complete an Enquiry into Practice that’s closely related to your placement, as well as doing further study in your teaching subject.

If you’re a student studying Chemistry, Physics or Engineering Technologies at Heriot-Watt, we offer you the opportunity of combining this with a teaching qualification at the University of Stirling. You’ll study your subject at Heriot-Watt, and take your education modules alongside Secondary Education students at Stirling. You’ll follow the same core and advanced Education modules as other Education students, as well as going on the same four, five and 10-week school placements.

Entry Requirements

2025 entry requirements:
4 Highers at AAAB including English, and preferably Physical Education, plus Maths or Applications of Maths at National 5 at B.

You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of course. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.