Teaching Qualification in Further Education

Program Overview

Teaching Qualification in Further Education, PgCert

Introduction

The Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) is the in-service teaching qualification for lecturers in Scotland's Colleges and those in other further education and training settings.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: Blended Learning
• Degree Qualification: PgCert
• Duration: 9 months
• Study Mode: Part Time
• Start Month: September

TQFE helps you review your practice, extend your skills and knowledge in relation to the professional context in which you teach, and enhance the experience of your learners. TQFE is a part-time blended learning programme delivered in partnership with colleges. It combines distance learning and group workshops (either on-site at your college location or online). An online route is available for individuals or small numbers of participants from different colleges. TQFE is available at SCQF level 9 (part of the BA Professional Development programme) and level 11 (part of the Masters in Education programme). TQFE was accredited with commendation by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) in 2018 and is underpinned by the Professional Standards for Lecturers in Scotland’s Colleges (2018).

What You'll Study

Degree Content

• Compulsory Courses: The TQ(FE) programme is comprised of two courses contributing to a total of 60 credit points. Delivery models include face-to-face and online blended learning, depending on the college partnership arrangements.
  • Change and Innovation in Further Education (ED55JD)
  • Successful Learning in Further Education (Level 11) (ED50JP)

Course Details

• Change and Innovation in Further Education (ED55JD): This course encourages you to consider issues of innovation and change that arise from external and internal influences on the FE sector. It provides an opportunity for you to develop innovative, professional ideas and practice, interlinking theoretical aspects with practice and considering future professional contexts.
• Successful Learning in Further Education (Level 11) (ED50JP): This course supports you to learn from practice for practice and professional development, within a learning community and through collaborative enquiry. The course emphasises the role of the FE lecturer in enabling successful learning for all learners and requires you to critically reflect on your understanding of learners, including yourself.

Fee Information

• Fee Category:
  • EU / International students: £5,070
  • UK: £1,740
• Scholarships: All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: You must already be employed in a college or other appropriate setting. For TQFE at SCQF level 9 you must have completed minimally a HND (or equivalent) in a subject relevant to your area of teaching. For TQFE at SCQF level 11 you must have a good honours degree in a subject relevant to your area of teaching (or equivalent).
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Careers

• Career Opportunities: Further Education Lecturer
• Accreditation: This degree holds accreditation from the General Teaching Council of Scotland.

Our Experts

• Ms Gillian McInnes: You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Introduction: TQFE is the in-service teaching qualification for lecturers in Scotland's Colleges and other further education and training settings.
It helps participants review their practice, extend their skills and knowledge, and enhance the learner experience.
• Program Structure: Blended learning program delivered in partnership with colleges.
Combines distance learning and group workshops (on-site or online).
• Delivery Mode: Part-time
• Duration: 9 months
• Level: Offered at SCQF level 9 (BA Professional Development) and level 11 (Masters in Education).

Objectives:

• Develop innovative teaching practices.
• Enhance skills and knowledge related to the professional teaching context.
• Improve the experience and learning outcomes for students.

Outline:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Change and Innovation in Further Education (ED55JD) (30 credits)
• Successful Learning in Further Education (Level 11) (ED50JP) (30 credits)
• Change and Innovation in Further Education: This course examines innovation and change in the FE sector, promoting critical thinking and developing practical strategies for implementation.
• Successful Learning in Further Education: This course focuses on learner-centered teaching, emphasizing the role of the FE lecturer in enabling successful learning for diverse learners.
It explores various facilitation approaches and encourages the development of reflective practice.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods include summative tasks, observations of teaching practice, and formative assessments throughout the program.
• Feedback is provided from peers, college co-tutors, and university tutors.

Teaching:

• Learning Methods: E-learning, peer learning, research, and workshops.
• Faculty: Taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows, and postgraduate tutors.
• Unique Approaches:
• Blended learning format provides flexibility and incorporates online resources.
• Emphasis on collaborative learning and community building with peers and colleagues.
• Focus on reflective practice and self-directed learning.

Careers:

• Essential qualification for teaching in further education colleges in Scotland and the UK.
• Voluntary registration with the GTCS is available upon graduation.
• Career Opportunities: Further Education Lecturer

Other:

• Accreditation: Accredited by the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS) in 2018.
• Financial Aid: James Carnegie maintenance scholarship available for postgraduate students.
• International Applicants: Self-funded international students receive Aberdeen Global Scholarships.

The program is designed to be relevant to current practices and challenges in the FE sector, with a strong emphasis on reflective practice and collaborative learning.

EU / International students

£4,830

UK

£1,660