Study Plan for Teaching and learning in higher education (10 ECTS) (2026–2027)

The study in Teaching and learning in higher education is a qualification offering that meets the requirement for educational competence for academic staff at Østfold University of Applied Sciences and other higher education institutions in Norway, where passing the study provides basic competence for teaching and supervision at university and university college level (Act relating to universities and university colleges, §3-8).

The study follows Universities Norway’s (UHR) national guidelines for basic university pedagogical competence. Through collegial learning and varied activities and tasks, participants will acquire basic knowledge and skills in planning, evaluating, developing and implementing teaching, supervision and assessment.

The purpose of the study is for participants to develop a holistic and critically reflective approach to learning, teaching, supervision and assessment. The study is based on research and experience-based knowledge within university pedagogy, as well as the participants' professional background and teaching practice. Further development through critical reflection on their own pedagogical practice and role as a teacher in higher education has a central place in the study.

Knowledge

The graduates

• have basic knowledge of Norwegian higher education
• have basic knowledge of pedagogical and didactic theories and perspectives
• have in-depth knowledge of different teaching approaches and assessment forms
• have broad knowledge of supervision and feedback

Skills

The graduates

• can plan and evaluate teaching that promotes student learning and development
• can use varied student active learning approaches, including relevant digital technology
• can use different forms of assessment and feedback to support students’ learning and development
• can develop inclusive learning environments
• can engage in and reflect on faculty peer group mentoring to develop pedagogical practices
• can reflect on approaches to supervisor-supervisee relationship

General competence

The graduates

• can further develop and reflect on their own perspective on teaching and learning
• can further develop critical and reflective practices as teachers and supervisors
• can further engage in meaningful collaborations with colleagues and students
• can critically engage in discussions about digital technology in higher education

There are no formal requirements for admission to the study program, but there is a requirement for employment at, or an agreement with, Østfold University of Applied Sciences.

External candidates, who are employed at other Norwegian higher institutions, can also be admitted, depending on availability and according to the fees of Østfold University of Applied Sciences.

The programme consists of one course of 10 credits, and addresses the following overarching themes:

• Perspectives on Norwegian higher education
• Pedagogical and didactic theories, perspectives, and models of teaching and learning
• Critical reflection, critical pedagogy, and inclusive teaching
• Varied teaching approaches, learning activities, and assessment forms
• Student-educator collaboration
• Supervision, feedback, and faculty peer group mentoring
• Trends in higher education, hereunder sustainability and artificial intelligence

Teaching forms

The study is flexibly organized with 4-6 physical sessions and 4-6 online meetings.

The teaching connects the students’ practical-pedagogical issues and examples with pedagogical and didactic perspectives. Collegial collaboration in the form of discussions, sharing of experiences, peer group supervision and group dialogue/work has a central place in the programme. Peer assessment with feedback and comments during the programme is also a focus area.

In the periods between the physical sessions, the students work both individually and together with colleagues on tasks related to their own pedagogical practice.

Amount of work

The estimated overall amount of work is 250 hours.

Coursework requirement

Coursework requirement must be approved before students can take the examination.

• Attendance of at least 80 % of all synchronous activities
• Conduct and share experiences from observation-based faculty peer group mentoring
• Develop and present a pedagogical R&D project

The required coursework is assessed as approved/not approved

Examination

Individual term paper.

The exam is an individual term paper with peer assessment and guidance throughout the programme.

Grading scale is Approved / Not approved.

Type of examiners

Internal or external examiners.

Plagiarism control/cheating

Required coursework and examination answers may also be subject to plagiarism control in accordance with the regulations governing examinations, admission to study and degrees at Østfold University of Applied Sciences.

Requirements for retake/deferred exam

If the exam is not passed, the participant is given the opportunity to re-submit an improved version of the term paper for examination. A deferred exam has the same assignment as the ordinary examination.