BA Teaching Qualification for Further Education (TQFE) - pre-service
Program Overview
The Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) is a one-year program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to become successful lecturers in the FE sector. It emphasizes practice, peer interaction, and critical reflection, and includes a placement opportunity to build teaching confidence. Graduates will be qualified to work as further education lecturers or Adult Learning tutors, with the GTCS accreditation enhancing their employability prospects.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This pre-service Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) is a one-year course designed specifically for students who aspire to a career in the FE sector. It is accredited by the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS) and endorsed by the Scottish Government. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful lecturers in further education. It is practice-focused, informed by the latest research, and emphasizes peer interaction and critical reflection.
- Learner Diversity: This module explores the diverse needs of learners in further education, including those with disabilities, learning difficulties, and cultural backgrounds. Students will learn about different teaching methods, assessment strategies, and how to create effective learning environments.
- Link Practice: This module focuses on the practical application of teaching and assessment principles in a real-world setting. Students will work on projects and assignments that relate to their chosen field of study.
- Professional Practice: This module explores the professional responsibilities of further education lecturers, including ethical considerations, professional development, and the role of the lecturer in the wider community.
Assessment:
Assessment methods include:
- College Placement: Students will undertake an unpaid college placement, where they will be observed teaching on two separate occasions. Each observation involves a written reflective exercise based on professional dialogue with the observer.
- Written Assignments: Students will complete a variety of written assignments, including essays, reports, and presentations.
- Practical Projects: Students will work on practical projects that demonstrate their understanding of the course material.
Teaching:
Teaching methods include:
- On-campus lectures, seminars, and workshops: These provide students with a theoretical foundation in the principles and practices of further education.
- College placement: This provides students with practical experience in a real-world setting.
- Online resources: Students have access to a variety of online resources, including recordings of lectures, e-journals, and e-books.
Careers:
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be qualified to work as further education lecturers or Adult Learning tutors. The GTCS accreditation will make them stand out to future employers as qualified professionals. The skills and knowledge gained during the course will also be valuable for other aspiring trainers and teachers, beyond the college sector.
Other:
The program has strong links with colleges throughout Scotland, enabling the university to provide practical placements as part of the course. The university also employs FE college-based Teacher Fellows who complement the core team and undertake teaching observations.
- Tuition fee: £1,820 for Scottish students (annual)
- Payment options: Payment by installments is available.
University of Stirling
Overview:
University of Stirling is a public university located in Stirling, Scotland. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, with a focus on providing a flexible and engaging learning experience. The university is known for its commitment to research and its dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university provides a welcoming environment for new students, offering a variety of welcome activities to help them adjust to life at Stirling. The campus is known for its beautiful setting and offers a range of facilities and resources for students, including accommodation, sports facilities, and a library.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Flexible undergraduate degree courses:
The university offers over 170 flexible undergraduate degree courses.Commitment to research:
The university is dedicated to research and its impact on the world.Focus on sport:
Stirling is known as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence, offering a strong combination of sport and education.Academic Programs:
Other:
The university has a Strategic Plan 2030 that outlines its vision for the future. The plan aims to make a difference in people's lives and be a force for good in the world.
Entry Requirements:
- University Diploma: Higher National Certificate (HNC) at Level 7 on the Scottish Credit Qualification Framework (SCQF) or equivalent. This pathway is for students where an HNC is the highest qualification available in the UK in that subject area.
- BA Degree: Higher National Diploma (HND) at Level 8 on the Scottish Credit Qualification Framework (SCQF) or equivalent.
- Equivalent recognised qualifications are:
- Senior Award from the City and Guilds ‘Professional Recognition Award’ (Affliateship Level).
- Other qualifications which are equivalent to an HND or HNC may be considered.
Additional Requirements for both qualifications:
- Literacy and Numeracy Skills:
- A National Qualification Course in English at level 6 on the SCQF (or suitable evidence of being able to attain this standard) or SQA communication level III.
- A National Qualification Course in numeracy or Mathematics at level 4 on the SCQF (or suitable evidence of being able to attain this standard). level 5 on the SCQF).
Recognition of Prior Learning:
- If you have any of the following prior Professional Development Awards (PDAs), you’ll undertake a 20 credit APL module as your final module on the course:
- Group Award Code: G85D 18 ‘Advanced Diploma Teaching in Further Education’
- Group Award Code: GG87 49 ‘PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges’
- Group Award Code: GG82 49 ‘Developing Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges’
- If you’re a postgraduate candidate who has the DELTA (or equivalent) award, you’ll be exempt from the final course module. Retrospective exemptions are not given once you’ve started the course. Where exemptions are granted, a reduced fee is charged.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- If English is not your first language: You must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
Pre-sessional English language courses:
- If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
