University Teaching Qualification (UTQ/BKO)

Being a good teacher is a skill in itself. In order to guarantee the quality of education in the Netherlands, the University Teaching Qualification (Basis Kwalificatie Onderwijs, BKO) is now compulsory for all lecturers, assistant professors (UD), associate professors (UHD) and professors.

The BKO is a mark of quality used by all Dutch universities. It functions as a reliable frame of reference with respect to your didactic skills. The BKO track consists of a series of modules, allowing lecturers to assess and develop all the various aspects of teaching. After completing the track, you are awarded a BKO certificate. Once you have completed the BKO certification, you are qualified to teach at universities in the Netherlands. On the right side of this page, you will find a document containing the details of the UTQ (BKO) procedure at FGGA.

Your UTQ trajectory begins with an intake meeting with the faculty coordinator. During this meeting, you will discuss which courses you will take and how your portfolio will be structured. The UTQ courses are offered continuously by LLInC in Leiden. If you prefer to take the course in The Hague, this is possible once or twice a year (in August and/or January) — check here for the next available options.

If you would like to schedule an intake meeting or have questions about the courses or your portfolio, send an email to bko@fgga.leidenuniv.nl.

Senior Teaching Qualification (STQ/SKO)

Are you a senior lecturer and are you involved in the development and innovation of educational programmes? If so, you are eligible for the Senior Teaching Qualification (SKO). This qualification shows that you possess strong didactic and educational skills and that you contribute to the development of educational programmes beyond your own course or discipline.

The SKO procedure is organized centrally, so there is no faculty contact person. If you are interested or would like to know more, discuss this with your supervisor and/or contact the faculty’s education policy team to be connected with a colleague who recieved an SKO!