Where to do post grad: Scotland or Australia???
 

Hi all,

Could you please help me to make the right decision here.

I graduated from the University in Russia back in 2000, that same year came to Scotland. My husband and I are looking to immigrate to Oz, but at the moment don't get enough points.

I've had my degree checked here in Uk by UK NARIC and it is comparable to British Batchelor (Honours) Degree standard, it qualifies me as teacher of English, German and Translator.

I've not worked as a teacher in Scotland as didn't want to do yet another year of post grad studies (after studying for 5 years in Russia!!!) :eek: ...

The situation is different now and I'd like to do PGCE. The question is where?
Is it better to complete the course while still in Scotland and gain necessary work experience here before applying for visa or should I travel to Australia on a student visa and study there?

I guess what I'm asking is: will studying in Australia give me any advantages in future application for residency and job search?

Also according to GTC in Scotland I could get registered as a secondary teacher of English or German without undergoing PGCE course.

If I was to go this route, would australian authorities accept my russian degree without post grad studies or do they under all circumastances require PGCE?

Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

Re: Where to do post grad: Scotland or Australia???
 

To get a successful skills assessment to use for getting a visa to Australia, you would need to complete a PGCE.

If you were the main visa applicant (using your skills for the visa), you would then need 12 month work experience.

You could train as a teach in Australia on a student visa, but it could get very expensive.

Good luck!

Re: Where to do post grad: Scotland or Australia???
 

Thanks very much.

Only 12 months work experience? sounds good!!! isn't meant to be three years?

Could you clarify this one for me please as it sounds too good to be truth...

Thanks

Re: Where to do post grad: Scotland or Australia???
 

Not necessarily - a 5 year degree in education with specified teaching practice would probably be equivalent, and may not require a PGCE. BEds of 4 years or more have no requirement for a PGCE in order to be acceptable.

If the GTC in Scotland are willing to give QTS without a PGCE, then it may be that the PGCE component can be waived.

Without knowing the exact nature of the OPs original degree, then it is difficult to make an informed decision.

OP - what was your degree in exactly?

S

Re: Where to do post grad: Scotland or Australia???
 

To get a skilled visa the minimum requirement is 12 months work experience.

If you require the extra 10 points for specific work experience, you need 3 out of the last 4 years.

Re: Where to do post grad: Scotland or Australia???
 

Thanks for this.
Shame, but it looks like I'm stuck here for a few years, I'll definitely need specific work experience points to get enough in total.

Re: Where to do post grad: Scotland or Australia???
 

Hi,

Here are some details of the degree, maybe you can help...

Title of award: Diploma in Philology. Comparable to British Batchelor (honours) degree standard. Qualifies the holder as Philologist, Teacher of English and German languages, Translator.

During the course took the following subjects and sat the exams listed below:

Philosophy
Culture Studies
History
Law
Sociology
Political Studies
Psychology
Pedagogic
Economics
Physical Education
Age Psychology
Transition Period Economics
Information Studies
Mathematics
Conceptions of Modern Natural Sciences
General Ecology
Computer Training Technologies
Linguistics Theory
Linguistics History
Foreign Language History (English)
Theoretical Phonetics
Lexicology
Theoretical Grammar
Stylistics
Main Foreign Language (English)
Second Foreign Language (German)
Rhetoric
Theory and Practice of Scientific and Technical Translation
Modern Russian
Practical Course of Spelling and Punctuation
Introduction into the Studies of Literature
History of Foreign Literature
Latin
Translation Theory and Practice
Methods of teaching a foreign language
Regional Studies
Scientific Advisor's special seminar
Modern Pedagogical Technologies
Business Correspondence
Political Discussion Course
School Course Scientific Basics
Life Safety and Medicine Basics
Library Studies

Also did 3 practical translation course papers.
Had work experience - teaching English to junior high school students (have to say this was very limited, only 8 hours)

Also wrote and defended the final qualification paper: "Communication Approach in Teaching English to Junior High School Pupils".

And that's it - Hey, just 8000 odd hours...

So, if you can help, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks

Re: Where to do post grad: Scotland or Australia???
 

Hi,

If you're asking if that could be assessed as comparable to a BEd I would say No.

To get a skills assessment you also have to show 6 weeks supervised teaching practice.

You could submit a skills assessment for $450 and see what happens.

Good luck! :)

Re: Where to do post grad: Scotland or Australia???
 

I would be inclined to agree. The fact that the Scottish GTC will give you QTS is certainly an odd one, as they are usually much more strict than England and Wales.

One thing to note though is that if you do take QTS from Scotland, then you will be ineligible to access teacher training courses in the UK, as you will already have it. My recommendation would be to find out from Teachers Australia if your bachelor is acceptable before making any decisions. If it isn't then that still leaves your options open from accessing a PGCE course. If you take Scottish QTS and then Australia say no, then you will find that you cannot re-train with a PGCE. Remember that GTP type courses are not acceptable to Australia either...

I hope this helps...

S

Re: Where to do post grad: Scotland or Australia???
 

Thanks very much for all your help.

Re: Where to do post grad: Scotland or Australia???
 

Scotland also have the Probationer scheme operating at the moment whereby graduates of Scottish unis are guaranteed 12 months work after graduation. At least that gives you a guaranteed 12 months experience. But I'd definitely check Australia first.