Would you, as an applied sciences lecturer, like to be demonstrably didactically competent? The Risbo Basic Teaching Qualification (BTQ, in Dutch known as the BDB) allows you to work specifically on your teaching skills and on your own professional growth. Our experienced trainers guide you through a compact, practice-oriented program, tailored to the needs of your institution.
During the BDB-trajectory, you reflect on your vision of education and your role as a teacher, you work on the (re)design of your course, learn how to effectively use assessment and how to guide students in an impactful way. Everything you learn, can be applied immediately in your own teaching practice.
Target group
The BDB is intended for applied sciences lecturers without teaching qualifications. The prerequisite is that you teach at a university of applied sciences and that you are (co-)responsible for the coordination of a course.
Objectives and core values
Upon completion, you will have the BDB qualification. This is recognized by all Dutch universities of applied sciences and has national final attainment levels:
- Professional teaching
- Didactics
- Student guidance
- Educational design
- Assessment (including BEQ)
Our track is designed based on the core values of our Education Manifesto. This means that active participation and learning from and with each other are central to our approach. In addition, we tailor our guidance to what each participant needs, so that everyone can work on personal growth at their own level and pace.
Cohort 2026-2027
In the 2026–2027 academic year, we will offer a fully online English-language Basic Teaching Qualification (BDB) programme. It is also possible to enrol in the stand-alone Basic Examiner Qualification (BEQ) module only.
The dates for the 2026–2027 cohort are as follows (all sessions take place on Tuesdays from 13:00–17:00):
- 13 October 2026 – Session 1: Teaching: Professional Teaching Practice
- 3 November 2026 – Session 2: Teaching: Educational Design
- 24 November 2026 – Session 3: Assessment: Vision and Design
- 15 December 2026 – Session 4: Assessment: Construction
- 12 January 2027 – Session 5: Assessment: Analysis and Evaluation
- 2 February 2027 – Session 6: Teaching: Delivery (1)
- 2 March 2027 – Session 7: Teaching: Delivery (2)
- 23 March 2027 – Session 8: Teaching: Mentoring
- 18 May 2027 – Closing Session and Portfolio Reflection
Format
- Duration: six months, consisting of nine sessions with individual preparation
- Time investment: approximately 84 hours, including preparation and portfolio work
- Have a look at this visual representation of the BDB trajectory.
Registration
Sign up by sending an email to training@risbo.eur.nl.
Tailor-made BDB trajectory
Not looking for an open-enrolment course, but interested in a tailor-made programme for your team? We always tailor the trajectory to the educational context and needs of your institution. Feel free to contact us - we will be happy to help you find the right set up for your BDB!
BDB or BKO?
The Basic Teaching Qualification (BDB) and the University Teaching Qualification (BKO) are very similar – and understandably so, as both are based on nationally defined learning outcomes that are widely recognised by universities of applied sciences and research universities in the Netherlands. Still, there are some differences.
The BDB is primarily rooted in universities of applied sciences (hbo) and aligns with their practice-oriented approach to teaching and the roles and tasks of teachers there. The BKO, on the other hand, originated in the research university (wo) context and places more emphasis on academic teaching and research integration and the roles and tasks of teachers within this context. In essence, they share the same didactic foundation, but their application differs: BDB in the hbo, BKO in the wo.
Hanneke Bahlman-Van PelEducational consultant & BDB coordinator
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Emma de GoejeEducational consultant & BDB coordinator
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Remy FermontEducational consultant & BDB coordinator
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