Religious Education

ARROW

Become a Religious Education teacher

A Religious Education teacher helps young people understand the different religions, traditions and beliefs that are followed around the world.

You will help your class explore and understand the role of diversity and tolerance in our society and other societies around the world, and discuss the differences between secular and non-secular cultures.

You will spark conversations on global religion, belief and value systems, and how they influence behaviour and shape cultures. You will encourage young minds to participate in stimulating classroom debates, and give them the knowledge to tackle moral, ethical and philosophical issues with confidence.

Student Enjoying School
"Seeing a pupil have a ‘light bulb moment’, achieving something that they thought was impossible makes teaching so rewarding." Carrie Thomson – Curricular Leader of Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS) and Social Subjects at Liberton High School
Carrie-Thomson_ISOLATED_SPEECHMARKS_rmps

What being a Religious Education 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 Religious Education

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 Religious Studies or Theology plus a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). Alternatively, you can study a degree that combines Education with Religious and Philosophical Studies.

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 Grade) 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 Religious Education 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
Thomas-Flower-2_SecondarySpeechMark_RIGHT

Register for our free guide

Register for updates and a free guide to teaching

Register for the guide

Find out if you’ve got what it takes to become a teacher

Take our quick quiz to find out what kind of teacher you’d be.

Take the quiz