Geography

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Become a Geography teacher

Only a Geography teacher can take their pupils to anywhere in the world, at any time since it was first formed, to teach them its geological and environmental story.

Geography, above all, is about exploration, and young minds will be inspired by the discoveries they unearth as you journey from the pre-Ice Age to the environmental issues of today.

It’s a subject that can transfix a classroom, informing young people about who they are, where they come from, and who was here before them. You’ll teach them about the impact that human behaviour has on the physical environment, on habitats, and even weather systems.

They’ll understand the incredible history of human development from early settlements to the thriving, modern metropolis in just one location: your classroom.

High School Tutor Giving Uniformed Female Student One To One Tuition At Desk In Classroom
"I love teaching Geography. It’s a modern subject that’s relevant to pupils, covering topics such as climate change, and it teaches pupils to have a respect for their natural environment and shows them the vast timeline of the world. I enjoy the time with pupils, exploring my subject and encouraging them to be enthusiastic about it." Zoe Halliday – Geography Teacher at Douglas Ewert High School
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What being a Geography 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 Geography

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 degree in Geography plus a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or have studied study a degree that combines professional education with Geography.

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

University of Stirling

PGDE university courses

Here are the universities you can study for a PGDE in Geography 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 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

University of AberdeenUniversity of Edinburgh

University of GlasgowUniversity of Strathclyde

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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