Course summary
This programme aims to provide a student-centred, socially-progressive and research-informed journey to enable students to lead learning and transformative practice in colleges. It encourages an active, questioning and enquiring stance while placing sustainability and inclusivity at its core. It allows students to demonstrate achievement of the Professional Standards for Lecturers in Scotland’s Colleges and subsequently register as a College Lecturer with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. The programme models a transformative learning pedagogical approach for and with students. Students will have significant opportunities to collaborate with others from their own college, other colleges and in subject groups. Each student will also be supported by their college-based mentor. Students will engage in directed online activities on a weekly basis and every 2 weeks, will attend a 90 minute ‘huddle’ with their tutors(s) and peers. Please note, those on the 21-month route will have less activities and huddles to engage in/attend in year 1. Authentic and work-based assessment approaches are employed and uniquely, includes a professional viva (oral examination) at the end of the programme. Students will be able to negotiate with the programme team the exact requirements and format of a variety of assessment activities. Students need to be employed within a college to be able to undertake 120 hours of teaching practice required by the Scottish Government to be awarded the TQFE. Uniquely, we offer students the option of undertaking this programme over 9 or 21 months to suit their personal and work commitments.
Modules
This programme places students at the centre, embeds a socially progressive philosophy and is research informed. There is an emphasis on meeting the needs of all students (including pastoral), collaboration and developing digital competencies. Compulsory Classes Three 20 credit modules: • Module 1 - Leading Learning in Colleges • Module 2 - Transforming Practice through Enquiry • Module 3 - Achieving Professional Standards
Assessment method
There are no traditional essays on this programme; instead, an authentic assessment approach is employed. Students will be able to negotiate the exact format and requirements of assessment tasks. Module 1 is assessed by a case study constructed as a series of ‘patches’ over the duration of the module. Module 2 is assessed by a digital artefact (at level 9) or a presentation of the student’s enquiry at a showcase event (at level 11), accompanied by a written reflection. Module 3 is assessed by a portfolio of evidence presented and discussed at a professional viva. There will be significant opportunities for formative, peer and self-assessment.
Entry requirements
For admission to the Postgraduate Certificate an Honours degree is preferred, although an ordinary degree will be considered with relevant experience. Applicants without a degree will be able to apply for the undergraduate pathway. Questions about admission should be addressed to the Programme Leader. Students must also meet the minimum requirements for undertaking a Teaching Qualification in Further Education, as per Scottish Government requirements. Access to a suitable workplace setting to undertake a minimum of 120 hours of teaching practice over the duration of the programme is required. An undergraduate pathway at SCQF level 9 is also available.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Scotland | £1700 | Year 1 |
| England | £1700 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £1700 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £1700 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £1700 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
For information on tuition fees, additional costs and funding for this programme, please view the programme details on the University of Strathclyde website.
Sponsorship information
We're delighted to offer our Strathclyde graduates a 15% tuition fee discount on the Postgraduate Certificate in Leading Learning & Transformative Practice in Colleges (with TQFE) programme. Find out more about the Strathclyde Alumni Scholarship on the website.
Provider information
University of Strathclyde
McCance Building
16 Richmond Street
Glasgow
G1 1XQ