Modern Languages

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Become a Modern Languages teacher

A Modern Languages teacher opens young minds to the languages and cultures of other countries around the world.

It gives young people the confidence and ability to express themselves in a new way. It allows them to explore other societies and social systems, creating more-rounded citizens who are comfortable when interacting with other nationalities and in other customs.

Modern Languages generally include German, Spanish and French for the early years of secondary, but there are opportunities to include a broader range of choices in some schools as pupils progress.

Student Enjoying School
"Teaching has allowed me to share my own wonderful experiences of living abroad and helped to inspire many pupils to continue with languages at university." Carlo Santi – Modern Languages Teacher at Hillhead High School
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What being a Modern Languages 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 Modern Languages

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 one or two Modern Languages plus a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). Alternatively, you can study a degree which combines professional education with your chosen languages.

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 PDGE in Modern Languages 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.

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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