Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills): The Complete Guide for 2026
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) is now the standard full teaching qualification for anyone who wants to teach learners aged 14 and above in colleges, adult education, work-based learning, training providers or community settings.
It replaced the older Diploma in Education and Training (DET) and is regulated by Ofqual. On successful completion, you become eligible to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.
This guide explains everything you need to know before you enrol — including who the qualification is for, entry requirements, course structure, teaching practice hours, costs, and how it leads to QTLS.
What is the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching?
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) is a nationally recognised teaching qualification at Level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications
Framework (RQF). It is designed specifically for the Further Education and Skills sector.
It is equivalent in academic level to the second year of a bachelor’s degree and maps to the Learning and Skills Teacher occupational standard.
The qualification prepares you to teach in a wide range of post-14 settings, including:
Further education colleges
Adult and community education
Work-based learning and apprenticeships
Independent training providers
Offender learning
Voluntary and third-sector education
Who is the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching for?
This qualification is ideal if you:
Want to become a qualified teacher in the FE and Skills sector
Are already teaching or training and need the full Level 5 qualification
Have subject expertise or industry experience but do not hold a degree
Need a flexible route that fits around work and family life
Want a clear pathway to QTLS status
You do not need a previous teaching qualification (such as a Level 3 Award or Level 4 Certificate) to start the Diploma.
Entry Requirements
Most providers require the following:
Aged 19 or over
Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE Grade 4/C or equivalent)
A Level 3 qualification (or higher) in your subject specialism or substantial relevant professional experience
Ability to study at Level 5 standard
Access to a suitable teaching placement
A degree is not required.
Course Structure and Content
The Level 5 Diploma typically includes a combination of mandatory and optional units covering:
Teaching your subject
Understanding learners in the FE and Skills sector
The role of the teacher
Professional practice
Digital and online pedagogies
Inclusive practice and behaviour management
Assessment and feedback
Reflective practice and professional development
Assessment is usually portfolio-based and includes observed teaching, written assignments, and reflective accounts. There are no formal exams.
Teaching Practice (Placement) Requirements
This is one of the most important parts of the qualification.
You must complete a minimum of 250 hours of placement activity, which includes:
At least 150 hours of teaching practice
At least 100 of those teaching hours in your specialist subject
100 hours of non-teaching professional practice (meetings, planning, observations, CPD, etc.)
Many programmes also require a small amount of teaching in a second location or different context.
You are normally responsible for arranging your own placement, although good providers will offer guidance and support.
How Long Does It Take?
Most learners complete the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching in 12 months, although some providers allow up to 18–24 months.
The programme is designed to be studied alongside work. A typical online model includes weekly live sessions plus independent study and teaching practice.
Online vs Classroom Delivery
Many providers now offer the Diploma fully online. The strongest programmes combine:
Weekly live taught sessions
Recorded resources
One-to-one tutor support
Structured feedback on teaching practice
Fully self-paced courses exist, but programmes with regular live teaching and strong tutor support tend to produce better outcomes and higher completion rates.
Fees and Funding
Fees vary between providers. Typical costs in 2026 range from around £1,200 to £7,500, depending on the level of support, live teaching, and included services.
Payment plans are widely available. Student finance is not usually available for this qualification when delivered by independent training providers.
Pathway to QTLS
One of the biggest advantages of the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching is that it makes you eligible to apply for QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status.
QTLS is awarded by the Society for Education and Training (SET) after a period of professional formation. It is recognised as having parity with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in many contexts and can open doors to a wider range of teaching roles.
Important: Completing the Diploma does not automatically give you QTLS. You must apply separately through SET once you meet their requirements.
How Does It Differ from the Old DET?
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching replaced the Diploma in Education and Training (DET) from September 2024. Key differences include:
Stronger alignment with the current occupational standards
Greater emphasis on digital and online pedagogies
Updated unit structure
Clearer focus on the FE and Skills sector
If you previously completed a DET, you already hold an eligible qualification for QTLS. New starters should enrol on the current Level 5 Diploma in Teaching.
Why Choose Teacher Training UK?
At Teacher Training UK we deliver the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) with a strong focus on support and real teaching practice.
Our programme includes:
Weekly live online sessions (Mondays 5:00–6:30 pm)
Unlimited one-to-one tutor support
Expert input from experienced educators
Clear guidance on placement and QTLS progression
Flexible payment options
January intake is now open. Places are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree?No. Subject knowledge or relevant experience is sufficient.
Can I study while working full-time?Yes. The programme is designed for busy adults.
How many teaching hours do I need?250 hours of placement activity in total, including 150 hours of teaching practice.
Will I be able to apply for QTLS?Yes, once you have successfully completed the Diploma and meet SET’s additional requirements.
Is the course fully online?Yes — with weekly live sessions and full tutor support.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) is the clearest current route into qualified teaching in the post-16 sector and a strong foundation for QTLS.
If you are ready to begin, places on our January programme are available now.
Or explore the full programme details here: Level 5 Diploma in Teaching
