BA Teaching Qualification for Further Education (TQFE) - in-service at University of Stirling

Programme overview

A one-year in-service Teaching Qualification for Further Education for people already working as lecturers in colleges or other further education settings, accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). Completion enables registration with the GTCS as a professionally recognised lecturer. Study is online or blended.

Duration: 12 months (one academic year) | Intake: August 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules at SCQF Level 9 worth 120 points over one academic year: enhancing teaching and learning through reflection, student feedback and digital technologies; lesson planning and communication; equality and diversity research in further education; a professional learning journal; options in Adult Education and Professional Practice. Assessment includes 2,000-word assignments per module and two observed teaching occasions.

Career pathways

Lecturing in further education in Scotland; students also come from adult learning organisations, emergency services, charities and training providers. BA graduates may progress to MSc Education, MRes Educational Research or MSc Professional Education and Leadership.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants to both the University Diploma and the BA degree must hold one of: Group Award G85D 18 Advanced Diploma Teaching in Further Education; GG87 49 PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland's Colleges; GR5K 49 PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland's Colleges (from 2021); GG82 49 Developing Teaching Practice in Scotland's Colleges; or equivalent recognised qualifications such as the Level 5 City and Guilds Professional Recognition Award (Affiliateship) where an HNC is also held. University Diploma: HNC at SCQF Level 7 or equivalent (for subject areas where HNC is the highest UK qualification). BA degree: HND at SCQF Level 8 or equivalent. English language (international applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each sub-skill; Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with at least 59 in each sub-skill; TOEFL taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening and 20 in speaking; TOEFL taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band.

Intake: August 2027

Duration: 12 months (one academic year)

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