Barry Sim
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 similar further education and training settings. The TQFE Programme at University of Aberdeen was accredited with commendation by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and is underpinned by the Professional Standards for Lecturers in Scotland’s Colleges (2018).
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 TQFE is a 60-credit programme which comprises four 15-credit courses. The programme can be completed at either SCQF level 9 (CertHE TQFE) or SCQF level 11 (PgCert TQFE).
- Developing as A Reflective Practitioner (ED50T2)
-
15 Credit Points
This mandatory course is part of the in-service Teaching Qualification for Further Education professionals. The course brings together ideas of critically reflective practice, effective facilitation of learning and the development of metacognitive skills for learning. It will support you to develop collaborative and reflexive approaches to continuing professional development.
- Planning for Learning (ED50T1)
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15 Credit Points
The course aims to bridge theoretical understanding and practical teaching skills, emphasising reflective practice and continuous professional improvement.
This course integrates theoretical knowledge and understanding of how to plan inclusive learning experiences with demonstration of practical teaching skills in accordance with the professional standards for lecturers in Scotland’s colleges.
- Evaluating Practice (ED55T3)
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15 Credit Points
This mandatory course is part of the in-service Teaching Qualification for Further Education professionals. The course will support you to learn from current practice to inform future practice. The course emphasises the role that reflection and evaluation of practice has on professional development, in line with current GTCS Standards for College Lecturers. You will consider the role of evaluation, and in particular self-evaluation as tool for professional growth. Following observation of a lesson that you have planned, you will undertake a professional dialogue with your course tutor which will form the basis for reflection and critical self-evaluation, taking into account the diverse characteristics of learners and yourself as a learner. You will demonstrate personal professional growth by identifying the implications of your findings for your future practice and professional development.
- Change & Innovation: Pedagogies for the Future (ED55T4)
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15 Credit Points
This mandatory course is part of the in-service Postgraduate Teaching Qualification for Further Education professionals. The focus is on developing a comprehensive understanding of educational practice. Participants will:
- Examine the broader context of teaching, exploring how social, political, economic, legislative, and technological factors influence education
- Engage in professional enquiry to understand the pedagogical implications of these external factors
- Reflect on personal professional development and teaching practice
- Apply critical thinking skills to respond effectively to the changing educational landscape - Evidence own practice as aligned with current professional standards for college lecturers.
The course aims to equip educators with the insights and skills needed to adapt and excel in the dynamic field of further education.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| UK | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £1,740 |
| EU / International students | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £5,070 |
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Assessment on the programme takes a variety of forms including written and digital narratives and observations of practice. Formative assessment throughout the programme provides opportunities for feedback from peers, college co-tutors and university tutors.
Why Study Teaching Qualification in Further Education?
TQFE is a flexible blended programme that allows you to develop your teaching practice and explore wider aspects of your role as an educator in line with the Professional Standards for Lecturers in Scotland’s Colleges. Workshops, online activities and enquiry tasks help you engage with the theory and practice of education and work with peers to develop an understanding of a range of FE contexts. You can personalise the curriculum to allow you to explore issues and challenges relevant to your own context. The programme encourages reflection on personal experience and provides opportunities to work with others within a supportive learning community which includes peers, tutors, and colleagues in other colleges. Comprehensive support structures, including university and local college tutors and services, are available throughout your studies. You have access to online library facilities and other services for online learners. TQFE will have an impact on your practice and confidence as an educator who can support learners to be successful. It will help you develop as a resilient practitioner in a professional environment of continual change. Successful completion of the TQFE at either SCQF level 9 or SCQF level 11 will enable you to apply for full registration as a college lecturer with the General Teaching Council Scotland.
What Our Students Say
Creag McCutcheon
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
You must already be employed in a teaching capacity in a college or other appropriate tertiary setting. For TQFE at SCQF level 9 you must normally have completed as a minumum an HNC (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).
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
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
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Careers
The TQFE is an essential qualification required for registration as a college lecturer with the General Teaching Council in Scotland. It is also relevant to individuals working in a teaching capacity in a wide range of other tertiary settings.
Career Opportunities
- Further Education Lecturer
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX