Computing

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Become a Computing teacher

In the schools of today, Computing is becoming as important a subject as English or Maths. Giving young people an essential understanding of how our world is changing and being built by code is a critical area for study, and one of the fastest growing subject areas in education.

Teaching Computing gives you the chance to prepare the next generation for the challenges of the future. And the reality is, many of your class will already be well versed in understanding the digital landscape from the phone in their hands.

Technology will play an increasingly important role in shaping our choices and our lives. It’s a future with so many possibilities. They begin the moment your pupils step into the classroom.

Receiving Help In Lesson
"I switched from a career as an electrical engineer to become a Computing teacher after being made redundant. I found the job security very attractive and I also knew I would enjoy the social aspect of teaching, the interaction with pupils, and the variety that their personalities bring to my work." Ian Power – Computing Teacher at Auchinleck Academy
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What being a Computing teacher covers:

  • Organising and setting lessons
  • Monitoring the progress of pupils, through coursework and homework
  • Working with pupils to guide their development and share that progress with parents and caregivers
  • Planning, supervising and leading study trips. 

Take that next step into Computing

It’s a career choice that comes with a good starting salary and great opportunities for progression. To begin your journey, you need to have a four-year degree that combines education with Business Studies and Computing Science (or Computing Science and Maths). Or you need to have completed a one-year Computing PGDE course following an undergraduate degree. And if these options don’t quite work for your circumstances, there are some alternative routes to consider.

This subject, as with others in the Curriculum for Excellence, can be delivered through Gaelic Medium Education. There are lots of benefits to teaching in Gaelic and we have more information about how to take this route into teaching.

Four-year university course in education

For the four-year combined degree and other undergraduate degree programmes you must have at least:

  • English and two other National Qualifications at SCQF Level 6 (Higher) and
  • Mathematics and one other subject at SCQF Level 5 (or an accepted alternative, for example, National 5, Credit Standard Grade or Intermediate 2).

Check the entry requirements with the course provider.

Universities you can study in

PGDE university courses

Here are the universities you can study for a PGDE in Computing at secondary level. Entry requirements vary so it’s best to check with the course provider for the most up-to-date information.

The University of the Highlands and Islands and University of Strathclyde also offer a pathway into Gaelic Medium Education. Find out more about the opportunities and benefits of teaching in Gaelic.

Universities you can study in

Alternate routes into teaching

This route offers a little more flexibility in order to encourage diversity in the profession:

University of Edinburgh MSc in Transformative Learning and Teaching is a two-year programme. Graduates from this programme achieve a full master’s degree, together with a teaching qualification that allows individuals to work across the primary/secondary transition.

Every teacher has a story.
What will yours be?

Whether you’re getting ready for a new term, planning your next class, or helping pupils prepare for exams, there’s always something going on. There are challenges, just as there are with any job. But you’ll be supported. And you’ll find other teachers are there to help you, and share their experiences.

Read about some proud moments from teachers
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