Education (Primary)

Why study MA (Hons) Education at Dundee?

Our MA (Hons) Education leads to a qualification to teach children in the 3-12 years age range (nursery and primary schools). This programme, developed in response to recent national recommendations and other developments in teacher education in Scotland, replaces the old traditional BEd Primary Education Programme.

Teaching is an exciting and rewarding occupation, requiring a variety of professional skills in communication, management and organisation. Teachers must be able to relate well to other people; exercise a considerable degree of understanding and patience; and rise to the physical, social and emotional demands that the job brings.

Nurturing a vibrant, dynamic, international and inter-disciplinary community is at the heart of what we do. Within the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education, the MA (Hons) Education Programme draws upon modules from across the University as well as offering shared interactive learning with students preparing for careers in social work and community learning and development. This is excellent preparation for interprofessional collaboration later in your career as a teacher.

What's so good about the MA (Hons) Education at Dundee?

Professional Experience

We have significant periods of professional practice in all years of the programme. These extensive placements will give you experience in a range of different settings including nursery, primary, secondary schools and other welfare settings.

A strength of our programme is the opportunity to undertake a placement in a location other than a school. This might, for example, be in a local ranger service, a community learning and development project or indeed a placement abroad. You will have the opportunity to plan this yourself.

Professional Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).

Student Support

We currently have a 'Buddy System' in which students from other years team up with first year groups to help them settle into the campus and the programme.

The University's Welcome Week allows you to get to know the University, the School and each other before classes begin in earnest.

You will be assigned a personal tutor/Director of Studies, who will play a part in helping you to settle into the programme, the School, and student life.

The first module, Beginning Professional Study, provides students with an introduction to University study, and studying on the MA (Hons) Education Programme.

Who should study MA (Hons) Education?

Successful students are well-rounded, enthusiastic individuals who care about the individuals they work with, both children and adults.

To be successful on this programme it is expected that you will have particular current strengths in arithmetic, mathematics, reading and writing as these are key elements of a teacher’s job. You should also be prepared to lead and support all aspects of the school curriculum.

This is a demanding programme in terms of time and effort, involving in-university work and placements, normally over a thirty-week academic year. In addition to classroom-based work, you will be expected to participate fully in drama, physical education and fieldwork, which is sometimes residential.

Ashley Bell is a mature student from Dundee. She says "In choosing this course, you have the chance to make a difference to children's lives and help shape their futures - an opportunity not to be wasted."

Degree Combinations

• MA (Hons) Education - Dundee based
• MA (Hons) Education - Athens based

Related Courses at Dundee

• PGDE Primary Education - for graduates
• BA (Hons) Community Learning and Development