The FoNS Learning and Teaching Development Programme (LTDP) constitutes the training for all new lecturing staff within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and must be completed as a prerequisite for both probation and promotion- unless the member of staff is registered to complete the PG Cert in University Learning and Teaching via the EDU. Successful completion of all elements of the LTDP will also lead to staff being eligible for recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

It is expected that the LTDP will normally be completed within 1-2 years of appointment and must be finished within the period of probation.

For a detailed overview of the LTDP Programme, see the FoNS LTDP Summary document.

For information on the LTDP requirements for different types of staff, see: LTDP HR Protocols (internal document)

The starting point for the programme is a meeting with the appropriate Director of Undergradute Studies, or equivalent, (which constitutes FoNS Workshop 1- see Compulsory FoNS Workshops section below) who will assign an Academic Mentor (a senior member of the Department) and a Teaching Buddy (for example, someone who has recently completed LTDP or PG Cert ULT). These individuals assess the teaching observations. The DUGS will also talk through and approve any exemptions, discuss options around the elective elements of the programme of workshops listed below, explain how to register for them and agree a timeline for the programme.

Compulsory FoNS Workshops

You must complete these workshops in order:

1: FoNS LTDP Workshop 1- Departmental Teaching Practices
Arrange with your Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS), or equivalent

2: FoNS LTDP Workshop 2- Lecturing Skills

3: FoNS LTDP Workshop 3- Learning Technologies for Teaching
Completed online- you will be contacted about this after workshop 2

4: FoNS LTDP Workshop 4- Designing for Learning‌

To book Workshops 2/4 email the LTDP Coordinator

Compulsory EDU workshops

You must complete 3 compulsory workshops delivered by the Educational Development Unit (EDU).

• Introduction to Teaching for Learning
• Introduction to Supervising PhD Students
• Introduction to Personal Tutoring

We also strongly recommend that participants complete the following EDU workshop, in preparation for the final element of the LTDP- the HEA Application:

• STAR Introductory Workshop

See also the EDU's advice for New Lecturers

Elective EDU workshops

You must complete at least 3 Elective Workshops delivered by the EDU.

Please note that not all EDU Workshops are acceptable for the LTDP. Workshops selected must relate directly to your teaching practice. If in doubt, please contact the LTDP Coordinator. 

Once completed, please email details of your elective workshops to the LTDP Coordinator

Teaching Observations

THREE observed teaching sessions should be monitored by the Academic Mentor and the Teaching Buddy.

The Observation Form can be downloaded here: FoNS LTDP Teaching Observation Form

HEA Fellowship Application

The final component of the LTDP is the completion of the HEA Fellowship Application template. This application must consist of approximately 3,000 words, and must demonstrate appropriate engagement with the UKPSF at Descriptor Level 2. 

Your application will need to be supported by two referees, who must provide a peer review of your experience and support and supplement the information given in your application. These referees could be your Academic Mentor and Teaching Buddy, but do not have to be.

Before you formally submit, you are strongly advised to attend a STAR Pre-submission Workshop. This will help you to assess whether your application is ready to be submitted for review by the STAR Committee.

Once finalised, the application form should be submitted for review via this link: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/staff/star-framework/submit/

Once you have formally submitted your HEA application document via the above link, please also send a copy to the LTDP Administrator at fonsltdp@imperial.ac.uk. The Faculty's vice-Dean (Education) will then review the document and confirm that it meets the requirements of the LTDP - this is separate to the above described HEA application review process. 

If you have questions please contact your DUGS, or the LTDP Coordinator