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Key details

Course area
Teacher Training
Student type
University Level
Course type
Part-time University Level course
Course level
Level 5
Start date
Thursday 24th September 2026
Time
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Fees
£4,125.00
Course code
Parent course code:C051500 Child course code: Q051502

Course introduction

This course is designed for anyone who is teaching post-14 learners, paid or voluntary, in a further education (FE) setting, training establishment, special school, academy, prison or young offender institution.

The teaching will build on your experiences, enabling you to put new ideas into practice. The course is also suitable for those who are trainers as part of their role.

You will study at our Basford campus, however this may change to an alternative campus.

You will study the following modules:

  • Exploring the FE Teaching Role
  • Professional Practice 1
  • Learning Theories Applied
  • Professional Practice 2
  • The Curriculum Examined
  • Core Pathway: Examining Subject Pedagogy.

Please note that our modules are subject to change. The content of courses is reviewed regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and prospects.

You will learn through a mixture of coursework, observations of teaching practice, self-evaluation, reflective tasks, written assignments, presentations and some group tasks. Throughout the course, you will also deliver at least 50 hours of teaching.

Timetable (subject to change)

The current timetable is as follows but this is subject to change:

  • Tuesday 09:00 – 17:00
  • Plus self directed study

Please note: Some classes may be delivered online.

Duration: 2 years.

Course information

2 years

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

You must have:

  • A Level 3 qualification in the subject you will be teaching.
  • A Level 2 English and maths (English and Mathematics Level 2 equivalency qualifications will be accepted if recognised by the Society for Education and Training's QTLS eligibility.
  • At least 75 hours teaching per year, external applicants must have their teaching at Nottingham College.
  • A subject specialist mentor.
  • Photo ID
  • A copy of your DBS

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.

After you have completed this course, this 120 credit Level 5/6 qualification enables you to achieve a full qualification to teach in the FE and skills sector (Post 14).

If you achieve a Level 5 Certificate of Education and wish to progress to graduate status, you may be able to top up with our BA (Hons) Applied Education Studies.

This qualification is awarded by the University of Derby.

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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.

Further Education Teaching Professionals

Potential Earnings

£49,527.59

Average Earnings

£33,258.71

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Teaching and Lecturing

People in these occupations teach classes, give lectures, assist students, and provide training and instruction services.

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