UWS is recognised as one of the very best providers of Education degrees in Scotland and the UK. We have consistently ranked within the top five providers of ‘Education’ as a subject in the UK.

We offer a range of career-focused undergraduate degrees in early years, primary education, youth and community education.

We also provide initial teacher education programmes through our two Professional Graduate Diplomas in Education (PGDE) qualifications: one in Primary-level education and the other in Secondary-level education in a range of subjects.

We cater for the growing demand for continuing or career-long professional learning for qualified practitioners via a range of other options. We also offer full-time and part-time research degree programmes of study, including hybrid approaches to learning and teaching. It means you can fit studies around your work commitments.

Our staff are at the forefront of their profession and our research covers a wide spectrum of areas, from early years literacy to youth justice. Our research informs our teaching courses, influences policy, and contributes to wider research networks across the world.

Undergraduate Student on PDGE Course Preparing for Teaching | University of the West of Scotland

Undergraduate study

UWS Education graduates inspire and motivate children, young people and communities to be the best they can be. Our graduates are transforming lives, locally and worldwide.

We offer the following undergraduate programmes:

You will have the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience of interacting with children, young people and adults through placements in pre-schools, primary schools and community settings.

Guest speakers from a variety of relevant organisations frequently share their insights into professional contexts with students.

Our academics have a reputation for leading and cutting-edge research, as well as curriculum development in the education sector. Our research:

  • informs programme development
  • influences policy and practice at local and national levels
  • contributes to wider research networks
  • is published across the world.

Being taught by research active staff means that you will directly benefit from their extensive expertise and experience in your everyday learning.

You’ll have access to a wide range of technology to facilitate your learning. Our libraries are stocked with a range of resources, and you’ll have access to our extensive electronic library collection (including e-books and academic journals) and the virtual learning environments.

Students – currently just those from Scotland and the EU - undertaking programmes leading to qualified teacher status are guaranteed an induction place in a Scottish school following successful completion of the degree. This allows graduates to continue to develop their knowledge and skills as a teacher.

BA (Hons) Education gives you the chance to enjoy hands-on work experience in relevant pre-school and primary school settings throughout the programme.

Childhood Studies students undertake practical experience each trimester and complete a research project in an area linked to their career goals and aspirations. Work-related learning allows you to put theory into practice in a real-life setting. Practice learning is also a key aspect of Community Education, where you can choose experiences in the community, public or voluntary sectors.

Most of our programmes also offer study-abroad opportunities, from one or two-week placements up to a whole term.

The University has introduced concurrent degrees in Chemistry with Education, Physics with Education, and Mathematics with Education. The degrees enable students to study Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics throughout the four years, with Education being introduced in Year 3.

The programmes lead to BSc (Hons) degrees which include the qualification to teach either Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics in secondary schools.

Postgraduate and post-experience study

Hands-on practical experience, a rigorous academic focus, and first-rate facilities add up to a world-class learning experience, preparing you for the challenges of a career in education.

Our programmes are designed so they produce motivated, energetic and talented educators in pre-school settings, primary and secondary schools, further and higher education and the wider community.

We also offer a range of continuing professional learning programmes for the education workforce, to meet both current and emerging needs associated with the profession. We also reflect the increasing importance attached nationally to professional learning, update and practice.

We offer the following postgraduate and post-experience programmes:

Last updated: 21/03/2024