PROGRAMME
LEVEL 5 DIPLOMA IN TEACHING
The Ofqual-regulated Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) is the full teaching qualification for the post-16 sector. Study flexibly online with weekly live sessions, expert tutors, and a clear route to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.
WHAT IS THE DIPLOMA IN TEACHING (FE & SKILLS)?
Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills)
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) is the current national teaching qualification for anyone who wants to teach learners aged 14 and above in further education colleges, adult education, work-based learning, training providers or community settings.
It replaces the older Diploma in Education and Training (DET) and is regulated by Ofqual. Successful completion makes you eligible to apply for QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status through the Society for Education and Training.
Who is this Level 5 Diploma for?
This course is designed for people who:
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Want to become a qualified teacher in the Further Education and Skills sector
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Are already teaching or training and need the full Level 5 qualification
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Do not have a degree but have strong subject knowledge or industry experience
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Need a flexible online programme that fits around work and family
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Want a recognised pathway to QTLS
Entry Requirements
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Aged 19 or over
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Level 2 English and Maths (or equivalent)
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A Level 3 qualification (or higher) in your subject specialism, or substantial relevant experience
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Access to a suitable teaching placement (we can advise and support you with this)
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Ability to study at Level 5
No previous teaching qualification is required.
Course Structure & How It Works
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Duration: 12 months
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Format: Fully online with weekly live taught sessions every Monday, 5:00–6:30 pm (UK time)
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Taught by experienced educators and sector specialists
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Includes 250 hours of placement activity (150 hours of teaching practice)
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Unlimited one-to-one tutor support
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Regular feedback on your teaching and assignments
You can study from anywhere in the UK while receiving structured live teaching and personal support.
What You Will Achieve
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Ofqual-regulated Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills)
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Eligibility to apply for QTLS status
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Practical classroom skills, professional knowledge and confidence
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A supportive network of tutors and fellow trainees
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A qualification respected across the Further Education and Skills sector
Course Fees and Payment Options
We offer two programme intakes each year, starting in January and September.
Standard Fee: £3,600
Secure your place with a £120 deposit, followed by 24 monthly payments of £145.
Early Bird Fee: £2,995 – Save £605
Secure our discounted Early Bird fee with a £115 deposit, followed by 24 monthly payments of £120.
To qualify for the Early Bird fee, simply pay your deposit before the relevant deadline:
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January intake: 30 September of the preceding year.
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September intake: 30 June of the same year.
All payment plans are interest-free, with no additional finance charges.
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Specialist focus on the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills)
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Clear pathway to QTLS
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Weekly live sessions + unlimited tutor support
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Designed for busy adults who need flexibility
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Recognised Provider of Training Excellence
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Delivered by experienced educators with real sector expertise
EXPERT LECTURERS AND GUEST SPEAKERS
Learn from leading educational experts, including Professor Dylan Wiliam, Matt Bromley, and Andy Griffith. Their insight connects theory, research, and practice in meaningful and engaging ways.
ACCREDITED AND
TRUSTED
Ofqual-accredited and recognised as a Provider of Training Excellence. Our qualifications are respected across the FE and Skills sector and lead to QTLS.
A WORLD-LEADING VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
Our online learning environment is ranked number one worldwide for digital teaching, offering interactive sessions, rich discussion, and a collaborative community of peers.
ACCESS TO AN EXTENSIVE ACADEMIC LIBRARY
Gain access to a vast digital library of academic texts, journals, and research resources to support your assignments, professional development, and reflective practice.
UNLIMITED TUTOR
SUPPORT
Receive personalised guidance throughout your programme, including tutorials, detailed feedback, and ongoing professional support from experienced and approachable tutors.
PRACTICAL, RELEVANT AND CAREER-FOCUSED
Our programmes combine strong theory with hands-on teaching practice, preparing you to make an immediate impact in the FE and Skills sector.
WHERE STUDYING MEETS LIVING
"What makes this course really unique is that it fits around life so easily. As a single parent, I was able to study remotely with my children at home; this made everything possible."
- Rebecca McDonald, Former Student
Our flexible model is intentionally designed for busy adults. Learn online, access expert support at any time, and develop your teaching practice without giving up your personal commitments.
Ready to gain your Level 5 Diploma in Teaching and progress towards QTLS?
Places on the January programme are limited.
Complete the short application form and our team will guide you through the next steps.
HOW DO WE PREPARE YOU TO TEACH, LEAD, AND MAKE A LASTING IMPACT?
Programme Aims
Our mission is to develop confident, knowledgeable, reflective, and professional teachers who make a genuine difference.
By the end of the programme, you will:
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Understand key theories, frameworks, and policies underpinning effective teaching
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Apply research-informed strategies to real classroom practice
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Develop strong pedagogical, organisational, and communication skills
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Reflect critically to continually refine your teaching
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Support diverse learners through inclusive practice
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Demonstrate professionalism, ethical practice, and a commitment to lifelong learning
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Be prepared to progress to QTLS status
Teaching Practice Requirements
To complete the diploma, trainees must achieve:
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150 hours of teaching practice
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250 hours total placement activity
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10 formal observations (minimum 45 minutes each)
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Evidence across 6 professional and academic modules
Trainees must secure their own teaching role or placement prior to enrolment, as this is an in-service qualification.
Attendance, Engagement and Excellence
Success in teaching requires consistency, commitment, and reliability. We expect trainees to:
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Attend all sessions (minimum 85% attendance per module)
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Log in 10 minutes before class begins
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Keep cameras switched on during online classes
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Communicate promptly with tutors regarding any absences
This ensures you get the most from the programme and meet the professional standards expected in further education.
Mentoring and Observations
Every trainee is supported by a workplace mentor who:
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Observes teaching throughout the programme
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Meets regularly to support reflection and development
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Guides the trainee in understanding their learners and context
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Helps shape teaching approaches and professional growth
We provide mentors with clear guidance, templates, and support to ensure high-quality developmental feedback.
Assessment and Academic Standards
Assessment is varied, practical, and designed to strengthen your teaching. You will complete:
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Written assignments
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Presentations and seminars
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Micro-teaching
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Peer observations
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Teaching practice portfolio
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Developmental reflections
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Recorded evidence of professional practice
Every module integrates theory with practice, ensuring you become a teacher who can apply learning effectively in the classroom.
We uphold the highest academic standards, including:
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Harvard referencing
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Independent research
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Critical analysis
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Reflective practice
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Academic integrity and plagiarism awareness
MEET ONE OF OUR EXPERT INSTRUCTORS: MATT BROMLEY
Matt Bromley is one of the highly experienced instructors on our programme. He is a dynamic and engaging educator with a deep passion for professional development and improving practice across the education sector. Matt has collaborated extensively with Teacher Training UK, delivering seminars on key topics such as theories, principles and models of learning, inclusive curriculum design, and reflective practice. His sessions are consistently described as motivating, insightful, and grounded in real classroom experience.
Matt is an accomplished education writer and advisor who has accumulated more than two decades of experience in teaching and leadership. He has held positions such as secondary school headteacher, principal, FE college vice principal, and MAT director. In addition, he is a prolific public speaker, trainer, and school improvement lead, and he also serves as a primary school governor. Matt has contributed to several newspapers and magazines, authored several best-selling education books, and is a frequent keynote speaker at national and international conferences and events.
WHAT SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE WILL YOU BUILD THROUGH EACH MODULE?
Our curriculum consists of six professionally focused modules.
MODULE 1 – PREPARING TO TEACH
Introduction to the role of the teacher, micro-teaching, professional expectations, and reflective practice.
MODULE 4 – FACILITATING LEARNING
Learning theories, communication, motivation, digital literacy, and creating an inclusive and safe learning environment.
MODULE 2 – UNDERSTANDING LEARNERS
Inclusion, diversity, barriers to learning, EAL needs, diagnostic assessment, and individual learning goals.
MODULE 5 – ASSESSMENT AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
Assessment for and of learning, questioning, feedback, validity, reliability, IQA and EQA requirements
MODULE 3 – PLANNING AND DESIGNING LEARNING
Curriculum design, qualification frameworks, lesson planning, pedagogical content knowledge, and resource development.
MODULE 6 – ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
Professional identity, reflective models, sustainability, CPD, sector expectations, and evaluating your own teaching practice.
"You don't get support like this on other courses. The tutors were amazing, and we still have a group chat where we help each other with ideas and job opportunities."
- Pradeepa Gayani, Former Student
Our trainees form genuine networks with each other, tutors, and the educators who deliver guest lectures. Many continue supporting each other long after they graduate.
YOUR PATHWAY TO TEACHING AND QTLS
WE PROVIDE
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Unlimited one-to-one tutor support whenever you need guidance.
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Weekly live taught sessions to help you stay on track and build confidence.
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Expert-led teaching from experienced educators and sector specialists.
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Regular feedback on your progress, assignments and teaching practice.
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Practical support to help you apply theory directly to your own classroom.
PROGRESSION: YOUR PATH TO QTLS
Upon successful completion of the diploma, you will hold an initial teaching qualification that can support your progression towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status through the Society for Education and Training.
Achieving QTLS can help strengthen your professional status as a teacher and demonstrate your commitment to high-quality teaching practice.
READY TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY?
Become the teacher who inspires, motivates, and transforms lives. Taking the next step with Teacher Training UK is simple, supportive and straightforward.
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Complete the short application form
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We review your application
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Secure your place
From your first enquiry to your first live session, we aim to make the process clear, supportive and stress-free.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT US
Simone Swan
"I would highly recommend the programme to others. Everyone at Teacher Training UK is super supportive."
Andy Dutton
"I would absolutely recommend this course to someone else, I've learnt so much. I think that this course is a great route to teaching."
Akram Warren
"I would rate the quality of teaching that I received at Teacher Training UK very highly, instructors are very knowledgeable."