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 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)
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30 Credit Points
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. The course offers an opportunity to reflect on your wider professional role and context, and the different factors that impact on these, taking into consideration, social, political, economic, legislative, and technical changes. This course will help you develop critical responses to a continually changing educational landscape.
- Successful Learning in Further Education (Level 11) (ED50JP)
-
30 Credit Points
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. You will develop your understanding of the diverse characteristics of learners that impact on successful learning, and of approaches to facilitation that support learning for all. 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.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £4,830 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
| Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions | |
| UK | £1,660 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.
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
- E-learning
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Assessment on the programme takes a variety of forms. Each course includes two summative tasks and an observation of teaching 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. 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 and countries. 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.
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 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).
Please enter your country to view country-specific 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
This is an essential qualification required to teach at further education colleges throughout Scotland and the UK. Voluntary registration of the GTCS can be obtained after graduating.
Career Opportunities
- Further Education Lecturer
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
- Other Expert
- Ms Gillian McInnes
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