Teaching Qualification for Further Education (TQFE): guidance

Programme requirements

The requirements for TQFE programmes are set out below. GTC Scotland will accredit programmes in line with these requirements. GTC Scotland will determine the process to be followed in accrediting programmes and provide appropriate guidance and seek information as required, including what is necessary in order to satisfy programme requirements.

TQFE programmes must:

• ensure academic rigour and adherence to statutory requirements, including the public sector equality duty, other equality duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012
• meet the requirements of the Teaching Qualification for Further Education Determination 2025

To meet the requirements, programmes are expected to (at a minimum):

• embrace and promote diversity, challenge discrimination and promote equal opportunity requirements
• ensure robust quality assurance procedures are in place to ensure the TQFE curriculum is effective in promoting student learning
• prepare students to work with a wide and diverse range of learners
• prepare students with the skills, knowledge and understanding to use a range of different approaches, including flexible, blended and remote learning
• ensure students are fully supported to undertake the required minimum 120 hours of teaching practice over the course of the programme
• adopt a partnership approach with colleges in regards to the intake of students (where appropriate), ensuring students are supported whilst undertaking the programme, including where appropriate by a co-tutor, and completing the required teaching hours
• ensure a range of academic and pastoral support strategies are in place to ensure students wellbeing and progress towards successful completion of the programme
• adopt a range of assessment methods to measure student’s progress and ensure effective interventions are in place to support students who do not meet assessment criteria, with clear procedures for re-sits, extensions and appeals
• embed the Professional Standards for College Lecturers and equip students to apply the Standards during their practice
• reflect and be able to adapt to new or growing national educational priorities, whilst also ensuring students develop an understanding of policy priorities and how their role makes a positive contribution