University Teaching Qualification (BKO)
The University Teaching Qualification (BKO)
What is the University Teaching Qualification?
The University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) is a nationally accredited teaching certificate that not only recognises your existing skills but also celebrates them. The BKO trajectory offers you an exciting journey where you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your teaching practices, connect with like-minded educators, and further develop your role as a lecturer. It’s a chance to grow, innovate, and inspire – making teaching an even more rewarding experience.
What does the University Teaching Qualification programme for the Faculty of Science entail?
The Faculty of Science offers a programme that emphasises practical teaching situations and the exchange of knowledge and experiences. The programme begins with an individual intake interview, where the BKO candidate and a BKO coach plan the candidate’s trajectory. Following this, the programme features various workshop days where lecturers collaborate and learn together. Each BKO candidate also develops a portfolio to showcase their teaching identity.
Who is the target group for the University Teaching Qualification?
The University Teaching Qualification is designed for all lecturers who develop course content, teach groups of students, and supervise students.
Who organises the University Teaching Qualification programme?
The University Teaching Qualification (BKO) programme is hosted by the Teaching and Learning Centre at the Faculty of Science. It is organised by the BKO team, which includes BKO educators, coaches, support staff, and the BKO coordinator, Saskia Belt.
BKO trajectory FNWI
Intake Interview
You will be invited to an intake interview with one of our coaches. During this session, you’ll discuss your training needs and what is required to achieve the BKO. Agreements regarding your BKO trajectory and personal goals will also be established.
Workshops and Coaching
During your BKO Trajectory, there are various workshops to dive into the topics of Designing Courses, Testing, Teaching, and Supervision. Based on the agreements made during the intake interview, you’ll follow an individualised programme of workshops. Most workshops are part of the main trajectory, but there are also optional workshops to explore.
Lesson Observation and Student Evaluation
You will observe a lecture given by another BKO participant and provide feedback. In turn, one of your lectures will also be observed. Students will evaluate these lectures, which will be recorded to aid in self-reflection. Based on video self-observation, as well as feedback from students and peers, you will write a reflection on your teaching.
Progress Meeting
You will have a progress meeting with your BKO coach. To prepare, complete as much of your BKO portfolio as possible. During this meeting, your portfolio materials will be reviewed and you’ll receive feedback on how they align with BKO requirements.
BKO Assessment
In your online BKO portfolio, you will compile all materials related to your BKO journey. This portfolio must be completed before submitting it for the BKO assessment. It will include evidence demonstrating your competencies as a lecturer. The assessment will be completed with an in-person portfolio reflection with the assessors.
Accreditation
The BKO assessment is conducted by the independent BKO Assessment Committee at the Faculty of Science. This committee, which includes both Faculty of Science assessors and external assessors appointed for national quality assurance, will recommend you for a BKO certificate if you meet the requirements. The BKO certificate is a national certification recognised by all universities in the Netherlands.
Find this information also in the BKO flyer.
What’s new?
Last academic year (2024-2025), we’ve made a few changes in the BKO programme. All participants that start from September 2024 onwards will join this programme. Are you interested to know what has changed?
The programme starts twice a year at the beginning of each semester. The duration of the trajectory and the time investment required varies, most participants are able to finish their BKO trajectory in nine months.
There are five BKO competences you will be working on:
- Designing Courses
- Teaching
- Testing & Assessment
- Supervising Students
- Evaluate one’s own Teaching
Enrollment
The University Teaching Qualification is designed for all lecturers who are:
- Employed for at least 3 months during the academic months prior to the start of the BKO programme.
- The lecturer has (already assigned) teaching duties, including:
- Teaching lectures or tutorials in a course.
- Able to (re)design (part of) a course.
- Involved in student assessment and/or grading.
- Able to supervise individual students in a project.
Please send an email to the BKO team and mention your past teaching experience and when you would like to start the BKO.
More information or any questions?
If you would like to know more about the BKO or enroll into the programme, please contact the BKO team.