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University of Aberdeen · Undergraduate
MEd (Hons) Primary Education Bachelor's degree at the University of Aberdeen
MEd (Hons) Primary Education at University of Aberdeen covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
MEd (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
78%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
MEd (Hons) Primary Education is a Bachelor's degree (MEd (Hons)) at the University of Aberdeen, based in Old Aberdeen. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Teacher training graduates from this provider, 78% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £33,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Education & Teaching, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
8.7
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Exceptional92
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Strong78
Moderate evidence Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 78% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional91
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 91% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Global Perspectives on EducationCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course will give students an opportunity to reflect on their understanding of education through an examination of the origins, purpose and nature of education, both as it currently exists in Scotland and elsewhere. This course will allow students, through the study of comparative education, to consider the historical and political context of Scottish Education and gain insight into current issues, policy drivers and practices.
- Introduction to Inclusive TeachingCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to develop students' appreciation of the qualities, dispositions and skills required of an inclusive teacher. Within this course, students will develop knowledge of key Scottish policies and an awareness of the socio-cultural contexts in which they will be teaching. Students will also develop an awareness of themselves as learners and beginner teachers.
- Developing Professional Practice 1Compulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to develop student teacher understanding about the roles and responsibilities of a primary teacher within Scotland. As part of this course, students will self-reflect upon their understanding of professional values, curriculum and the dispositions required for working within a professional setting. Through the completion of a 5-week placement in a First/ Second Level classroom, students will extend their skills at working with a group of learners, leading the learning within the
- Languages, Literacy and LearningCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to explore research informed approaches to teaching and learning in and through languages. This will provide opportunities to explore mother tongue language acquisition, second language learning and bi or pluri-lingualism. The course will also explore other forms of literacy.
- Reflecting on Inclusive PracticeCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to introduce students to the process of critical reflection from practice. In doing so, students will deepen their understanding of inclusive pedagogy in the core curricular areas of Literacy, Numeracy and Health & Wellbeing. As part of this course, students will have an opportunity to collaborate with other students to reflect upon the diverse range of school contexts and the implications of this for inclusive practice. Students will use wider reading and experiences from place
- Developing Curriculuar Knowledge - TechnologiesCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to develop student teachers' knowledge and understanding of Technologies within the Primary Classroom. Through course inputs, students will be provided with opportunities to develop an awareness of the impact this area of the curriculum has for enhancing pupil learning and understanding about the world in which they live. Students will gain a variety of practical experiences to extend their understanding of professional pedagogy to ensure teaching practices support the developme
Year 2 4 modules
- Understanding Literacy DevelopmentCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to consider the importance of literacy to all learning, the many barriers to literacy and the teacher's role in over-coming these as well as further developing their own literacy skills. Students will explore research informed approaches to the teaching of reading and writing and begin to consider the implications of these approaches for classroom practice. They will begin to explore pedagogical approaches to literacy teaching and learning
- Into Practice – Exploring the Role of the TeacherCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This course aims to provide students with practical opportunities to explore the classroom environment from a teacher's perspective and to critically reflect on this experience. Students will have the opportunity to build on experience from year one and further develop their understanding of the role of the teacher and the professional commitment necessary to be successful in their professional qualification. At the same time, students will further develop their knowledge and understanding of di
- Belief Matters: Belief in SchoolsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course offers students the chance to consider the role of belief in education. Students will study the role of mythologies (personal and societal), the impact of social change on belief and how belief manifests in the primary school curriculum. In particular students will critically consider the role, purposes, status of Religious and Moral Education (RME) in schools, and approaches to effective teaching of this area of the curriculum.
- Developing Curriculum Knowledge - HwbCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of the value of Health and Well-being to children's lives and learning. Students will explore a range of ways that health and well-being can be integrated into the primary school curriculum with a specific focus on current issues for Primary teaching and learning in Scotland.
Year 3 6 modules
- Understanding the Individual Needs of ChildrenCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the individual and additional needs of children. Students will explore factors that give rise to the many different needs of children and different approaches to meeting them in a Primary classroom.
- Teaching Science in the Primary ClassroomCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to provide students with creative and innovative opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of science concepts through modelling of approaches which can be used in the Primary classroom. Students will also develop an understanding of the challenges of learning science and the pedagogical approaches which will support learners.
- Playful Learning EnvironmentsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of a range of theories relevant to early child development and explore approaches to the education and care of young children. Students will also engage critically with factors that affect children's learning and development such as the physical environment and socio-cultural context. They will explore the importance of play in early learning.
- Exploring the Expressive Arts in the Primary CurriculumCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of the expressive arts as a pathway to creative teaching across the curriculum. Students will consider the value of expressive arts as a medium for teaching and learning in relation to the whole curriculum including what has been called the 'hidden curriculum'.
- Developing Curriculum Knowledge – Social StudiesCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of Social Studies in the primary school curriculum. Students will explore research informed approaches to teaching and learning Social Studies in the primary school, and consider the implications of these approaches for classroom practice. Students will also develop a critical understanding of how the local environment and community can support children's learning.
- Environment and Community: A Child StudyCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to extend students' experiences and opportunities for learning in semester one with further opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of a range of theories relevant to early child development and continue to explore approaches to education and care of young children. Students will also engage critically with the many factors that affect children's learning and development looking beyond the physical environment and socio-cultural context to formal and informal s
Year 4 1 modules
- Contexts for Learning Without LimitsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to provide students with opportunities to develop a broad and integrated knowledge of inter-disciplinary learning within the Primary School curriculum. Students will explore research informed approaches to inter disciplinary learning in the primary school, and consider the implications of these approaches for classroom practice and for addressing learner differences. Students will have opportunities to explore some ways of teaching and learning across the
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
A UK primary education degree moves progressively from foundational theory to classroom practice and specialist study. You'll usually begin with how children learn and are organised in schools, exploring cognitive and social development from birth through adolescence. Early placements let you observe and support teaching in real settings. In your second year, you'll study curriculum design, teaching methods and assessment across core subjects, alongside specialist study in inclusion and special educational needs. You'll undertake sustained classroom practice with growing responsibility. Later years deepen professional craft through behaviour management and assessment, and you can pursue specialisations such as early years, subject specialisms or education policy. Throughout, school placements increase in length and independence, often culminating in QTS assessment against the Teachers' Standards.
Who it's for
This course suits those committed to primary education as a career. Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications; recent accepted students typically had UCAS tariffs of 176–191 points. You'll need to sustain engagement over four years of full-time study combining academic and practical components.
Careers & job market
Across Education and Teaching courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 70% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries typically range from £22,000 to £30,000 at 15 months post-graduation, with variation reflecting different roles and progression. Check the university's funding pages for bursaries and scholarships.
University & format
The MEd (Hons) Primary Education is a 4-year full-time degree at the University of Aberdeen, a public university founded in 1495 and located in Old Aberdeen. Instruction is in English. The qualification is a nationally recognised UK bachelor's degree and a Master of Education (MEd) award. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 99%.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent90% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 176 - 191 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Aberdeen's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Competitive entry
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesA*A*A*+A-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeX120quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code X120). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Aberdeen whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Internationalset by the university
Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at University of Aberdeen →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
Funding matched to this course
All University of Aberdeen funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
National funding for this subject
- Teacher-training bursaries: Postgraduate bursaries and scholarships are available for selected shortage subjects. Official guidance
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Education & Teaching graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £33,000 | £31,000 – £38,000 | 30 |
| 3 years after | £31,500 | £31,000 – £33,000 | 150 |
| 5 years after | £34,500 | £33,000 – £37,500 | 150 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
78%
in work or further study 15 months on
90%
in highly skilled work or study
91%
continue past their first year
95%
find their work meaningful
90%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in education & teaching · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Education & Teaching nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£33,000
£22,000 – £30,000After 3 years LEO
£31,500
£17,850 – £25,200After 5 years LEO
£34,500
£21,250 – £30,000national rangethis course’s medianaxis £16,500 – £36,000
National figures for Education & Teaching graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
78 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
78% working0% working and studying0% in further study90% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Education & Teaching courses at the same study level.
This course £34,500Peer median £25,000Middle 50% £22,500–£30,000
94th percentile
Compared with 515 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 85% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 90; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Education & Teaching graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Education & Teaching courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes70%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Education & Teaching graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Schools & academy trusts
- Local authorities
- Education charities
- Tutoring providers
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Education & Teaching graduates.
Education SEN MentorMacIntyreEducation Recruitment ConsultantAcademicsEducation Delivery Consultant - Fast Paced, Dynamic Organisation - WorcestershireAP EducationEducation Trustee - Lead Youth Careers & Outdoor LearningRacing to SchoolEducation Recruitment Consultant - Build Futures & Earn UncappedProtocol EducationEducation Recruitment Consultant: Grow Your Desk & ImpactEducation AssetsLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.
📈
Where graduates go
78% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £33,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.7 out of 10: NSS 92.1% · in work or study 78% · continued 91%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Aberdeen
All students13,930
International18.8%
Aged 25+29.2%
Education and teaching across the UK
Students109,885
Aged 25+51.8%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is Education & Teaching right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Aberdeen from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Aberdeen; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
University of Aberdeen offers the Aberdeen Global Scholarship (£6,000/yr) for international students, see Scholarships above.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Aberdeen and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Aberdeen
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is competitive. Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 176 - 191 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by the University of Aberdeen. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Teacher training graduates from this provider, 78% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £33,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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