Teaching FE & Skills Level 5 Diploma
The NCFE Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Further Education and Skills (In-Service) is the full teaching qualification for the Further Education sector.
This course is designed for teachers, trainers and tutors currently working in settings such as:
- Further Education colleges
- Adult and community learning centres
- Schools and academies (14–19 provision)
- Private training organisations
- Prison education services
- Public services including Police, Fire and Ambulance services
The qualification provides the knowledge, practical teaching skills and professional understanding needed to work effectively in a full teaching role within the FE and skills sector.
Awarding Body:
Over two academic years, you will study a range of units designed to develop your professional teaching practice.
- Teaching my subject
- Understanding learners in the further education sector
- The role of teachers and teaching
- Professional practice portfolio
- Effective digital and online pedagogies
- Developing, using and organising resources in a specialist area
- Action research
- Exploring the role of the personal tutor
You will also gain valuable practical teaching experience through observed teaching practice and professional reflection.
After successfully completing this course, you can progress to:
- Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status
- Permanent teaching and training roles
- Higher-level study in education and training
- Professional development within the FE and skills sector
Assessment is completed through a combination of:
- Written assignments and academic tasks
- Group presentations and recorded discussions
- Professional practice portfolio
- Teaching observations
- Reflective practice activities
You will complete:
- A minimum of 250 placement hours over two years
- At least 150 hours of teaching practice
- A minimum of 10 formal teaching observations
- Both face-to-face and live online teaching delivery
Students must have at least a Level 3 qualification in a subject specialism they teach in. A degree, or Level 3 or 4 professional qualification is also favourable You are expected have a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths prior to enrolment. All candidates undergo initial assessments in reading and writing to ensure your current literacy skills will enable you to complete written assessments.
- Gain a recognised full teaching qualification for the FE sector
- Develop advanced teaching, assessment and classroom management skills
- Learn from experienced teacher trainers and guest speakers
- Build confidence through real teaching practice
- Access professional resources from SET and ETF
- Prepare for QTLS and long-term teaching careers
NCFE Level 5 Diploma in Teaching FE and Skills (In-Service)
- Part-time course – 4 hours per week
- 2-year programme
- Delivered at Paddington Green Campus
- Approximately 8 hours of independent study per week required
- First-year fee shown separately; total course fee applies across both years


