NCFE Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills)

Award to be received:

In Partnership with

Samantha Williams

Programme Manager

The NCFE Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) is a qualification leading to full teaching status (QTLS). This qualification offers an engaging pathway to internal staff who wish to achieve their teacher training qualification. The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching adheres to the occupational standards for the Further Education and Skills teacher role, ensuring that its content and structure align with employer expectations for successful trainee teachers.

Successful completion of the programme will lead to the award of NCFE Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills)

Entry Requirements

Subject-specific qualification at level 3 or higher;
GCSEs or equivalent in English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above;
Through their teaching role: 250 teaching hours.
Through their teaching role 20 hours of remote delivery;
Successful Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check;
All internal staff will have a specialist mentor.

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This course is currently only for OLC staff members.

Programme Specification:

NCFE Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) (610/3777/1)
Department: Education and Training
Head of School: Samantha Williams
Qualification Title: NCFE Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills)
Grading Information: The qualification and units are at Achieved/not yet achieved.
Credit Value: 120
Teaching Practice: minimum 250 hours of practice, TQT 1200 hours.
Mode of programme: This will be a part time course for internal staff, and will take place 1 day a week. Students through set modules will teach face to face and remote learning to cover the minimum hours and 10 observations throughout the course. To experience the two placements, students will teach in all three campuses.

Programme Delivery:

Taught sessions will be face to face, plus blended learning where appropriate.

The course will develop your knowledge of the topics below which will be assessed through completing assignments.

Learners and Learning
Teachers and Teaching
Teaching my Subject
Professional Practice
Digital and Online Pedagogies
Developing, using and organising resources in a specialist area
Action research
Action learning for teaching in a specialist area of disability.

Recognised Qualification

This diploma is widely recognised across the UK and meets the requirements for gaining QTLS status, which is the teaching equivalent of QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) in the FE and skills sector.

Broader Career Opportunities

Opens doors to various teaching and training roles in colleges, adult education, apprenticeships, private training providers, and more.

Flexible Teaching Pathways

Suitable for teaching both academic and vocational subjects, allowing you to specialise in your area of expertise.

Practical Teaching Experience

The course includes teaching practice, meaning you gain real classroom experience while studying.

Pathway to Career Progression

Acts as a stepping stone to leadership roles or further study, such as a PGCE or a Master’s in Education.

Improved Teaching Skills

Develops your planning, delivery, assessment, and classroom management skills—crucial for becoming an effective educator.

Support for Lifelong Learning

Equips you to work with adult learners and support diverse educational needs in a range of environments.

Enhances Confidence and Professionalism

Builds both personal confidence and a professional teaching identity, essential for long-term success in the sector.

Completing an NCFE Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) opens up a variety of career opportunities in the education and training sector. This qualification is designed for individuals who want to work as teachers or trainers in further education colleges, adult and community learning institutions, or private training providers. It is often considered equivalent to the Diploma in Education and Training (DET), and meets the qualification requirements for QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status.

Possible careers after completing this diploma include:

Further Education Lecturer Teach academic or vocational subjects to learners aged 16+ in colleges.
Adult Education Teacher – Deliver lessons to adults in community centres, colleges, or workplaces.
Trainer/Assessor in the Workplace – Provide vocational training and assess apprenticeships or NVQs.
Learning and Development Officer – Work in corporate settings delivering internal training to staff.
Private Tutor or Freelance Educator – Offer subject-specific instruction to individuals or small groups.
Education Officer – Develop and deliver educational programs within museums, charities, or local authorities.