Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) for Adults

This diploma is suitable for your development as teachers, trainers and tutors already working in further education, adult and community learning or work-based training within public, private, voluntary or community organisations.

It prepares you to teach in a wide range of contexts and requires observation and assessment of practice. Teaching practice is a requirement of the qualification. This is a two-year, part-time course.

The TQUK Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) course is a nationally recognised, in-service qualification for teachers or trainers who are currently delivering at least 150 hours teaching or training per year in a further education (FE) college, adult and community learning centre or learning provider (this can be on a paid or voluntary basis).

Alternatively, you may be a trainer in the NHS, the armed forces or the private sector. The qualification is a two-year, part-time course, suitable for those in a full teaching role.

The course will enable you to take a practical and analytical approach to all aspects of training and education, from planning and designing learning through to teaching, assessing and supporting learners.

You will learn about the theories and principles of education and training and develop a good understanding of classroom management strategies. In addition, you will study the wider contemporary issues in further education and be given the opportunity to embed these in your own teaching and practice.

Units include:

• planning and enabling teaching and learning

• teaching, learning and assessment techniques and strategies

• use of learning resources

• partnership working and collaboration

• behaviour management

• digital pedagogies for teaching and learning

• reflective practice.

It is a recognised route to gaining Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which allows you to teach in schools, colleges and in further education.

Entry requirements

Learners must meet the following minimum criteria:

• 19 years of age and above

• qualified and/or experienced in their area of specialism

• able to demonstrate an ability to study at level 5

• achievement of a minimum of Level 2 in both maths and English prior to starting the qualification

• suitable level of digital competency to ensure they can meet the requirements of the qualification.

A confirmed teaching placement with a minimum of 250 hours, with at least 150 hours dedicated to teaching practice. There will also be a minimum of ten teaching observations during the course, with a maximum of two as live remote delivery.

Trainee teachers must experience placements in at least two different locations to gain exposure to diverse teaching environments. A minimum of 20 non-teaching hours should be dedicated to activities in the second location.

What attendance is required?

You will be required to attend College for one three-hour session per week for two academic years. The course is based at Highbury Campus. Course days are usually on a Wednesday or Thursday Evening, this will be confirmed on enrolment.

How is the course assessed?

You will learn through a variety of teaching and learning strategies, including group and paired activities, experiential learning as well as through lectures, seminars and presentations.

This will also include independent study, research and project work. You will be formally assessed through coursework, and your observed teaching sessions will be assessed by one of your tutors and by your subject specialist mentor.

What does this course lead on to?

Learners may progress into employment as a teacher within the further education and skills sector.

Learners may also wish to pursue Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) Status following successful achievement of this qualification.

Successful learners could also choose to progress to higher education programmes in a related field, such as progressing to PGCE.