Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills)

The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) – Equivalent to Cert Ed and previously DET and DTLLS – is for those intending to teach learners aged 16 and above in further education settings such as:

• Colleges
• With training providers
• In prisons, community centres, or voluntary settings
• In the workplace

This level 5 teaching qualification is ideal for anyone who want to continue their education and develop their knowledge/competencies and understanding of their role as a qualified teacher in the Further Education and Skills (FES) sector.

It has been developed in response to the Education and Training Foundation’s (ETF) qualification framework and in line with their guidance. It gives learners the opportunity to meet all the L5 Learning and Skills Teacher occupational standards.

Career Progression

Upon completion of the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) you can apply to achieve QTLS or Advanced Teacher Status. You can also progress on to completing specialist Diplomas such as: Level 5 Diplomas in Teaching English: Literacy, Teaching Mathematics: Numeracy, or Teaching Disabled Learners.

This Level 5 qualification provides learners with a range of knowledge and skills and affords them the opportunity to evidence the professional standards which they need to be able to qualify as a teacher in the Further Education and Skills sector. 

The Level 5 DIT is primarily portfolio based, and is made up of 5 mandatory, and 11 optional units. 

Mandatory

• Teaching my subject
• Learners and Learning
• Teachers and Teaching
• Professional Practice
• Effective Digital and Online Pedagogies

Optional

• Considering Unconscious Bias 
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Further Education and Skills Sector
• Teaching in Specialist Contexts in Further Education and Skills.
• Quality Assurance in Further Education and Skills.
• Inclusive Practice
• Action Research in Further Education and Skills.
• Coaching and Mentoring in Further Education and Skills.
• Empowering Learners with Complex Needs in Further Education and Skills
• Managing Behaviour That Challenges.
• Planning to Meet the Needs of Learners in Remote Education and Training.
• Recognise and Understand Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Remote Education and Training.

Course Delivery

The Level 5 DIT is delivered by Compass Skills Training through remote training, enhanced with tutor-led online workshops, and assessed with assignments and observations completed in the learner’s own time. Learners will have access to the Compass Mykademy Portal to support assignment submissions.

• Age: Be at least 19 years old.
• Subject Specialism:
  • For academic subjects: Possess a degree in the subject area.
  • For vocational or professional areas: Hold a relevant professional or industry qualification and have experience in that sector.
• Teaching Practice: While not mandatory at entry, candidates should be able to undertake teaching practice, as the qualification requires a minimum of 100 hours of teaching practice and at least 8 teaching observations totalling a minimum of 8 hours.
• English and Mathematics Proficiency: It is expected that trainee teachers have Level 2 qualifications in English and mathematics prior to completing the diploma. Some providers may require these qualifications before admission or may administer pre-admission tests in these subjects.

Our next cohort starts 29th September. Enrol by filling out the registration form below.

Registration form

Learners who register now will not need to pay anything until September 2025. Then, choose to pay a reduced rate of £1800 + vat if paying in full or use a 12 month payment plan of £160 + vat per month via direct debit.