Teaching in the Scottish Borders

PGDE graduate programme

Secondary teacher education opportunity for graduates

In partnership with the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) we provide a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)  secondary programme for graduates with a degree.

The programme is open to graduates currently living in the Borders who would be interested in gaining a qualification that would allow them to gain GTCS registration as a secondary teacher.

What courses are offered?

The secondary courses offered are:

  • Biology with Science
  • Business Education
  • Chemistry with Science
  • Computing Science
  • English
  • Home Economics
  • Mathematics
  • Physics with Science
  • Technological Education

What qualifications are required?

An Honours degree at 2:2 or above is preferred as the programme sits at Honours and Masters levels.

Applicants must also hold National 5 Mathematics and Higher English (or accepted equivalents).

For secondary level, there are specific entry guidelines for individual subjects.

About the programme

The programme is full time for one year with students required to carry out online, collaborative and individual study and school placements.

In return, you will be provided with school placements within the Scottish Borders and access to local and UHI tutor support.

Upon completion of the programme, you will gain GTCS registration and will be offered a year’s probationer teacher position in a Scottish Borders school. You will then be entitled to apply for posts within the local authority.

Applications

The closing date for applications for the August 2026 academic year is 14 January 2026.

Find out more

If you are interested in finding out more about the programme, you can take part in one of our information evenings:

Tuesday 9 December 2025:  5-6pm at Inspire Learning: Tweedbank

Thursday 11 December 2025:  3.30pm-4.30pm online

For details on how to access the online session email CLPL@scotborders.gov.uk or call 01896 664161

Direct links to information about the programmes below:

Contact HQ Operations Team

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 0300 100 1800