Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) (RQF) - Level 5
The professional teaching qualification for the further education and skills sector — gain Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.
or £709/year (save 15%)
Is this course right for you?
This course is for you if…
- ✓ You want to teach in further education colleges or training providers
- ✓ You're already working in education and need a formal qualification
- ✓ You want to gain QTLS status (equivalent to QTS)
- ✓ You want a career teaching adults or 16+ learners
After this course, you can…
- → Apply for QTLS status through the Society for Education and Training
- → Teach in FE colleges, adult education, and training providers
- → Progress to senior lecturer or curriculum management roles
You'll need…
- • Access to a teaching placement (minimum 100 hours)
- • Access to a computer or tablet with internet
- • GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
- • A willingness to be observed teaching
What you'll study
The Teaching (FE & Skills) Level 5 covers the key topics you need to succeed.
Develop core teaching skills including lesson planning, delivery techniques, and assessment strategies. Learn to create engaging learning experiences for diverse groups of adult and post-16 learners in FE settings.
Build on your teaching practice by exploring innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Evaluate and refine your methods using learner feedback, peer observation, and reflective practice.
Explore the key theories, principles, and models that underpin effective teaching and learning. Apply theoretical frameworks to your own practice and understand how learners learn.
Examine the wider context of the FE and skills sector, including policy, regulation, professional standards, and your role within the broader educational landscape.
Plan and carry out a small-scale action research project to investigate and improve an aspect of your teaching practice. Develop skills in research methodology, data collection, and analysis.
Understand and apply inclusive teaching approaches that support equality, diversity, and the needs of all learners. Address barriers to learning and create accessible learning environments.
6 modules · Approximately 15 hours per week study time
How you'll learn
Online Materials
Study at your pace with interactive content
Instant Study Support
Ask a question any time — get a clear answer in seconds, 24/7
Expert Tutors
Qualified humans mark your work within 5 days
Flexible Schedule
Learn around your life, work, and family
Mobile Friendly
Study anywhere on any device
Regular Feedback
Know exactly where you stand at all times
Where this course takes you
What achieving your Teaching (FE & Skills) Level 5 qualification can open up for you.
Salary range for FE teachers and lecturers in the UK
Gain Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status — equivalent to QTS
Hours of observed teaching practice built into the course
Career progression
Your professional pathway after completing the Teaching (FE & Skills) Level 5 qualification.
Now: Level 5 Diploma in Teaching
Gain your professional teaching qualification through Qualvera. Build 100+ hours of observed teaching practice and develop your skills with expert support.
Next: QTLS Status
Apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status through the Society for Education and Training (SET). QTLS is legally equivalent to QTS and recognised across both FE and schools.
Then: FE Teacher / Senior Lecturer
Teach in FE colleges, sixth forms, adult education, and training providers. Progress to senior lecturer, curriculum lead, or education management roles. Salaries range from £25,000 to £40,000+.
Support included with your subscription
Ask a question at midnight, get a clear answer in seconds. And if you ever need deeper help, your named human tutor is never more than a business day away.
| What you need | How it works | Response time |
|---|---|---|
| Quick question about your coursework | Intelligent study assistant | Instant — 24/7 |
| Feedback on practice work | Instant review with detailed notes | Instant — 24/7 |
| Stuck on a complex concept | Step-by-step explanation with examples | Instant — 24/7 |
| Need human guidance or reassurance | Your named, qualified tutor | Within 1 business day |
| Formal assessment marking | Human tutor reviews and grades | Within 3 business days |
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You'll need access to a teaching placement where you can deliver a minimum of 100 hours of teaching. This can be in an FE college, training provider, or adult education setting. We can help you find a placement if needed.
QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) is the professional status for teachers in the FE and skills sector. It is legally equivalent to QTS. After completing this Level 5 diploma, you apply through the Society for Education and Training (SET).
The Teaching (FE & Skills) Level 5 Diploma costs £69 per month or £699/year (save 15%). This includes all course materials, instant study support, tutor guidance, and assessment fees. There are no hidden costs.
QTLS holders have parity of esteem with QTS holders and can be employed in state-maintained schools in England. However, routes into school teaching typically also involve a school-based induction.
Start your teaching career today
Gain the professional qualification that opens doors in further education.