Secondary Education (Computer Science)

Spark a passion for STEM in the next generation of learners to help them discover a world of possibilities and develop essential skills to unlock their future careers. Our programme offers a flexible pathway to transition from college to university and build solid grounding in your specialist subject to become a secondary teacher in computing science.

We aim to enhance your knowledge and skills to face the challenges of 21st-century teaching to inspire young students to engage in STEM education, using a variety of teaching approaches and practical applications. Our degree offers a flexible route for HND graduates in computer science to transition from college to complete our MA (Hons) in Secondary Education, allowing you to earn a qualification teaching STEM within secondary schools.

In the first year (Year 3) of university learning, you will undertake 60 credits in Education alongside 60 credits in computer Science courses that would build on your prior learning and give you a strong grounding to take your knowledge into schools in the final year of the MA programme. The education courses studied in Year 3 give firm foundations about policy, and STEM education that can be built on in Year 4. You can tailor your educational journey to your interests and exit at the end of Year 3 if desired.

Regulations are in place so that progression into Year 4 and teacher education is through satisfactory interview checks on relevant entry criteria (credits, English and Maths etc.) set out by the memorandum of entry. Year 4 follows the accredited PGDE Secondary programme which includes one Education course (60 credits) and one placement-based 60-credit course (18 weeks total in two different schools) teaching Computer science in secondary schools.

After completing the MA (Honours) Secondary Education with Computer Science, you will be provisionally registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and able to move into your probationary year teaching your specialism in secondary schools across Scotland.

For students entering in September 2025, the programme will follow the following variant pattern. Year 3 - BA Secondary Education and Computer Science and Year 4 - PGDE Computer Science. The PGDE is fully accredited by the GTCS.