Aspiring FE Teachers
Individuals preparing to teach in further education colleges, training centres, adult learning or community education settings.
Professional FE Teacher Training
Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) (RQF)
Develop the professional knowledge, practical teaching skills and confidence required to plan, deliver and assess inclusive learning within the Further Education and Skills sector.
Qualification Level
Level 5 (RQF)
Total Credits
120 credits
Study Mode
Online plus teaching practice
Duration
Up to 12 months
About the Qualification
Build Your Future as a Further Education Teacher
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching is designed for individuals seeking to become qualified teachers within the post-16 Further Education and Skills sector.
This comprehensive qualification combines educational theory with substantial teaching practice. You will develop the ability to plan inclusive programmes, deliver engaging lessons, assess learner progress and evaluate your professional practice.
You will also explore contemporary teaching methods, digital pedagogy, subject-specialist delivery, curriculum planning, professional responsibilities and strategies for supporting diverse learner needs.
Who Should Enrol?
Who Is the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching For?
This FE teacher training qualification is suitable for aspiring and practising educators who want to strengthen their professional teaching competence.
Existing Practitioners
Tutors, trainers and educators already working in the sector who require a formal Level 5 teaching qualification.
Industry Professionals
Experienced professionals moving into teaching, training, workplace learning or vocational education.
Knowledge and Professional Skills
What You Will Learn
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching develops advanced knowledge of teaching, learning, assessment and professional practice within Further Education.
Teaching methods and curriculum planning
Inclusive teaching and learner engagement
Planning and delivering structured learning
Assessing learner achievement and progression
Digital and online teaching approaches
Subject-specialist teaching strategies
Developing and organising learning resources
Reflective practice and professional development
Supporting English, maths and digital skills
Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
Qualification Structure
Units You Will Complete
Learners must successfully complete the required units and achieve a total of 120 credits.
| Unit Title | GLH | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Teachers and Teaching | 60 | 15 |
| Professional Practice | 180 | 30 |
| Learners and Learning | 60 | 15 |
| Effective Digital and Online Pedagogies | 60 | 15 |
| Teaching My Subject | 60 | 15 |
| Developing, Using and Organising Resources in a Specialist Area | 50 | 15 |
| Inclusive Practice | 50 | 15 |
| Total | 520 | 120 |
Expected Learning Outcomes
Professional Competence You Will Develop
- Understand the responsibilities, values and professional ethics of an FE teacher.
- Plan and deliver inclusive learning that responds to individual learner needs.
- Apply contemporary theories of teaching, learning and assessment.
- Incorporate English, maths, digital skills and sustainability into professional practice.
- Develop subject-specific resources and learning programmes.
- Assess learner achievement and provide constructive feedback.
- Reflect on teaching performance and plan continuing professional development.
- Promote inclusive, respectful and supportive learning environments.
Practical Teaching Requirement
Teaching Placement and Professional Practice
This is a practical teaching qualification. Learners must have access to an appropriate teaching placement and complete the required professional practice hours.
250 Placement Hours
A minimum of 250 placement hours must be completed within an appropriate educational or training setting.
150 Teaching Hours
The placement must include at least 150 hours of genuine teaching practice.
100 Subject Hours
At least 100 teaching hours must relate directly to the trainee's subject-specialist area.
Important: Learners must secure or already
have access to an appropriate teaching placement. HHF Training
will provide guidance on placement evidence and suitability,
but learners remain responsible for arranging access to
genuine teaching practice.
Two Teaching Locations
Trainees are normally expected to experience teaching or professional practice across two different locations or contexts.
- The second placement must include at least 20 hours.
- It may include wider professional practice as well as direct teaching.
- Where a second provider is not available, appropriate variation may include a different subject, learner group or venue with the same provider.
Digital Teaching Practice
Learners must develop experience of digital and online pedagogy as part of their professional teaching practice.
- Online or remote lesson delivery
- Digital learning resources
- Virtual learner engagement
- Structured digital learning activities
- Online assessment and feedback methods
Professional Practice Activities
Activities That May Contribute to Placement Time
Professional practice includes wider responsibilities connected to the role of a teacher, not only classroom delivery.
Planning and Preparation
Lesson planning, schemes of work, curriculum planning and development of learning resources.
Assessment Activities
Assessing learner work, providing feedback, reviewing progress and maintaining appropriate records.
Professional Engagement
Team meetings, observations, mentoring, progress reviews and continuing professional development.
Mentoring and Workplace Support
Required Mentoring Arrangements
Subject-Specialist Mentor
The trainee must have access to a mentor with suitable experience in the subject area being taught.
- Provides approximately 30 minutes of support each week.
- Supports subject-specific teaching development.
- Contributes to relevant observations and assessments.
Pastoral Mentor
A pastoral mentor provides wider guidance, support and oversight throughout the trainee's professional development.
- Provides approximately 30 minutes of support each week.
- Supports progress reviews.
- Helps maintain communication with the training provider.
Entry Requirements
What You Need Before Enrolling
Be at least 19 years old
Hold Level 2 English and maths or equivalent
Have suitable digital and computer skills
Have access to an appropriate teaching placement
Have opportunities to teach learners aged 14 or above
Have access to suitable subject and pastoral mentors
Assessment Method
How You Will Be Assessed
The qualification is assessed through a portfolio of evidence supported by genuine teaching practice and professional observation.
Written Evidence
Complete written assignments, reflective accounts, professional development plans and evaluations.
Teaching Evidence
Submit lesson plans, schemes of work, resources, assessments and evidence of learner engagement.
Observed Practice
Demonstrate teaching competence through observed sessions completed in an authentic teaching environment.
Flexible Online Study
How Online Learning Works
Course theory is delivered online, allowing you to organise your studies around your teaching placement, employment and personal commitments.
- Access structured online course materials
- Study independently at a manageable pace
- Complete assignments through the learning platform
- Receive feedback from your tutor and assessor
- Complete practical requirements in your placement
Tutor Support
Guidance Throughout Your Qualification
HHF Training provides accessible academic and assessment support throughout the course.
- Email support with responses normally within 24 hours
- WhatsApp support from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Support available Monday to Saturday
- One-to-one online tutorials where required
- Guidance on assessment and placement evidence
Certification and Recognition
Receive a Recognised Level 5 Teaching Qualification
On successful completion of all required units, teaching practice and assessments, and once your assessor has confirmed that you have met the required assessment criteria, your achievement will proceed through the required quality assurance and certification process.
Your assessor's confirmation is followed by Internal Quality Assurance and, where applicable, External Quality Assurance and awarding-organisation approval. Additional evidence or clarification must be provided where requested before certification can be finalised.
The qualification certificate is issued by an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation.
Career Opportunities
Where This Qualification Can Lead
Further Education teacher
Adult education tutor
Vocational trainer
Workplace learning practitioner
College or training-provider tutor
Curriculum or programme coordinator
Learning and development trainer
Education and training consultant
Professional Progression
Progression Routes After Completion
QTLS Progression
Successful completion may support progression towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status, subject to the current eligibility and professional formation requirements set by the Society for Education and Training.
Higher-Level Study
Progress to relevant Level 6 or Level 7 qualifications in education, teaching, leadership or professional practice.
Career Development
Progress towards senior teaching, curriculum development, mentoring, assessment or quality assurance responsibilities.
Why Choose HHF Training?
Flexible and Supportive Professional Teacher Training
Experienced Teacher Trainers
Learn with experienced education professionals who understand Further Education teaching and professional practice.
Flexible Online Delivery
Study online while completing genuine teaching practice within an appropriate education or training environment.
Personal Tutor Support
Receive ongoing guidance, assessment feedback and support by email, WhatsApp and online tutorials.
Refund Policy
Learners may be eligible for a full refund within 14 days of purchase where course materials have not been accessed and learning activities have not commenced.
Refunds will normally not be available after course materials have been accessed, assessments have been submitted or learning activities have commenced.
Full policy information is provided during learner induction and through the applicable HHF Training terms and conditions.
Certificate Delivery
Printed qualification certificates are posted free of charge to addresses within the United Kingdom.
International learners are responsible for applicable courier charges, together with the stated service and bank transaction fee for international certificate processing and delivery.
Any required delivery payment must be completed before the certificate is dispatched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Level 5 Diploma in Teaching FAQs
What is the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching?
It is a professional teaching qualification designed for individuals teaching or preparing to teach within the Further Education and Skills sector.
Can I complete the course fully online?
The theory and academic work are delivered online. However, the qualification also requires genuine teaching practice, observations, mentoring and placement evidence.
How long does the course take?
Learners normally have up to 12 months from the payment date to complete the qualification. Earlier completion may be possible where all required evidence and teaching practice have been completed.
How much does the course cost?
The total course fee is £1,250.
Do I need a teaching placement?
Yes. Learners must have access to a suitable placement that allows them to complete the required teaching and professional practice hours.
How many teaching hours are required?
The qualification requires a minimum of 250 placement hours, including at least 150 hours of teaching practice and 100 hours within the trainee's subject area.
Can I apply for QTLS after completing the course?
The qualification may support progression towards QTLS. Applicants must separately meet the current eligibility and professional formation requirements established by the Society for Education and Training.
How is the qualification assessed?
Assessment includes written assignments, reflective accounts, lesson plans, schemes of work, teaching resources, learner evidence and observed teaching practice.
What tutor support is available?
Learners receive email and WhatsApp support, assessment feedback and online tutorials where appropriate.
Is the qualification recognised?
The qualification is awarded through an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation and sits at Level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
Begin Your FE Teaching Journey
Enrol on the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching
Build the knowledge, practical competence and professional confidence required to teach and support learners throughout the Further Education and Skills sector.
Official Qualification Resources
Further Education Teaching and Qualification Guidance
You can verify regulated qualifications through the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications . The register provides official information about regulated qualifications and awarding organisations in England and Northern Ireland.
For further information about the national expectations for this teaching qualification, read the Department for Education Diploma in Teaching qualification framework .
You can also explore official guidance about teaching careers, qualifications and subject requirements through the Department for Education Teach in Further Education service .