CPD framework: learning and teaching

Information about the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework for Learning and Teaching at the University of Edinburgh.

The IAD has worked with key stakeholders across the University to develop a coherent overarching framework for CPD for learning and teaching, mapped against the Professional Standards Framework 2023. This work provides colleagues involved in teaching, assessment and supporting learning with coherent and flexible pathways for continuing development. We have accreditation for this overarching framework from Advance HE.

You can download a full-colour summary diagram of the CPD Framework below:

 

You can download the Professional Standards Framework from the AdvanceHE website:

Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF23) PDF (AdvanceHE website)

About the framework

The Continuing Professional Development Framework provides you with a range of great opportunties to develop as a teacher and work toward Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. These include the Introduction to Academic Practice, the PG Cert in Academic Practice and the Edinburgh Teaching Award.

Through this framework you can gain different levels of Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). Becoming a Fellow of the HEA provides national recognition of your commitment to professionalism in teaching and learning in higher education.

Continuing Professional Development Framework - summary overview:

 Introduction to Academic PracticePgCert in Academic PracticeEdinburgh Teaching Award
Categories of FellowshipAssociate FellowFellowAssociate Fellow, Fellow, Senior Fellow, Principal Fellow
Who can participateNew teachers* and/or those with narrower teaching responsibilities e.g. tutors and demonstrators, technicians who teachThose developing breadth and depth of teaching and assessment experience g.g. learning technologists or lecturersAll roles involved in teaching or support for learning, from new to teaching to strategic leaders
Time commitment and time to completionAbout 50 hours and 4 to 6 months to completeAbout 600 hours** and 18 to 36 months to completeDepends on Fellowship category. For example, Fellows blog around 3000 words over up to 2 years
Teaching methodsOnline or face-to-face workshops plus asynchronous learningVaried online teaching, synchronous and asynchronousOnline workshops, blogging, support from a mentor
SCQF levelNot credit bearingSCQF Level 11

Not credit bearing

 

* Teaching can be defined broadly to include support for learning. It includes design of learning opportunities.

** This includes time spent on reflection during participants day-to-day teaching and assessment practices.

Introductory video

A ~5-minute introductory video from Dr Hazel Christie, Head of the CPD Framework for Learning and Teaching at Edinburgh.

CPD Framework for Learning and Teaching - Overview video with Dr Hazel Christie (March 2025)

Get in touch

For further information, please contact:

CPD Framework contact email

Contact details

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