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Key details

Course area
Teacher Training
Student types
Courses for 19+ studentsUniversity Level
Course type
Full-time University Level course
Course level
Level 5
Start date
Monday 14th September 2026
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Fees
£8,250.00
Course code
Parent course code:C059176 Child course code: Q059177
UCAS course code
FESC
UCAS institution code
N30
Fast Track Apply
UCAS Apply

Course introduction

Train to Teach Post-14 Learners – No Degree Required

This programme is designed for aspiring teachers, trainers and professionals who want to work with post-14 learners across the Further Education and Skills sector. You do not need a degree to enrol, making this an ideal route for career-changers, vocational specialists, and practitioners seeking a university-validated teaching qualification.

Typical teaching settings include further education colleges, sixth forms, training providers, adult and community learning, academies, special schools, prisons and young offender institutions.

The Level 5 Certificate in Education is delivered by the College and validated by the University of Derby, providing a highly supported, practice-focused route into teaching, enabling you to gain practical experience and professional skills from the outset.

A major advantage of this course is the opportunity to undertake teaching placements within the College, where appropriate. This gives trainees:

  • Hands-on teaching experience from day one
  • Exposure to diverse post-16 learners
  • Guidance from experienced subject specialists and mentors
  • Strong professional identity in an FE setting

You will become an integral member of a teaching team while developing practical skills and confidence in the classroom.

Course structure (full-time)

  • 2 days per week in college for taught sessions
  • 2 days per week in teaching practice
  • A minimum of 150 hours of teaching practice across the year

Teaching practice runs alongside modules to ensure that theory and practice are fully integrated.

What you will study

The programme develops you as a reflective, confident and inclusive FE practitioner, preparing you to teach effectively across a range of learners.

Modules may include:

  • Exploring the FE Teaching Role
  • Learning Theories Applied
  • Examining Subject Pedagogy
  • Professional Practice modules linked to teaching placement

Module content is reviewed regularly and may be subject to change.

Teaching practice and support

Teaching practice is central to your learning and is supported by:

  • A named subject specialist mentor in your placement
  • College tutors providing structured feedback
  • Observations, reflective tasks, and developmental guidance

Non-teaching professional activities, such as lesson observation, assessment planning and reflective practice, are also integral.

Course information

1 year

Certificate in Education Post 14 Further Education and Skills (Level 5)

Applicants will normally need:

  • No degree required
  • Relevant level 3 qualification in the subject you wish to teach and professional or vocational experience
  • GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)
  • A commitment to teaching and learning in the FE sector

All applicants require a teaching placement or contract, a satisfactory interview, and an Enhanced DBS check.

You’re required to undertake research and write in an appropriate academic style using Harvard Referencing systems. All assessments require you to apply theory to your own practice and you will engage with learning theory. You will be observed on your professional practice and take part in group and individual presentations, as well as formal academic writing.

On completion, you will be ready to teach in the FE and Skills sector. Many trainees secure employment with their placement organisation. You may also progress to a Level 6 study in a related area.

Why this course works for career-changers:

The Level 5 Certificate in Education provides hands-on, practice-led training, college-based placements, and a university-validated qualification, making it an excellent stepping stone into FE teaching or a foundation for further professional development.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)

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