Diploma in Teaching (Further Education & Skills) - Level 5

This Level 5 Diploma in Teaching benefits a wide range of learners and career positions in the education and training sectors.

• Further Education Teachers
• Learning and Development Specialists
• Curriculum Developers
• Education Consultants
• Training Managers
• Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teachers

This course prepares trainee teachers to teach in a wide range of contexts and requires observation and assessment of practice. Teaching practice is a requirement of the qualification. It meets the needs of a range of teachers, including:

• Planning and developing schemes of work
• Delivering learning sessions
• Developing teaching and learning strategies
• Assessment practices

Candidates who successfully complete this qualification will take an analytical and practical approach to all aspects of planning, delivering and assessing inclusive teaching and learning. Whilst doing this, candidates will embed theories and principles in education and training and demonstrate them in their practice.

You will need access to a PC with Internet connection or WIFI device which enables Microsoft Teams calling. You'll need to show commitment to attend face-to-face and/or online workshop sessions at regular interviews and to review progress (regular - being pre-arranged between teacher and student). You will need 20 hours within a second placement - to be discussed at interview.

The non-teaching practice hours should be spent completing professional activities, such as:

• Team meetings
• Planning
• Interviews
• Assessment meetings
• Observations
• CPD activities. These activities provide the learners with experience of the wider role of a teacher on a day-to-day basis.

Academic reading will be required and APA referencing will need to be used as part of all assignments. Average time commitment recommended for study is 10 hrs per week (this includes scheduled lesson content, assignments and academic reading).

Unit based qualification made up of both mandatory and optional units. 120 credits must be achieved across the qualification. Optional units will be chosen to suit candidates' current working situation and will be discussed at Interview stage.

You will need:

• To be aged 19+ at the commencement of this qualification
• Maintain a current teaching role with a minimum of 250 hours of practice, of which 150 hours should be teaching time throughout the duration of the two-year course
• A full level 3 qualification in your chosen subject area
• Level 2 English and maths
• A copy of a current clear DBS check
• A subject specialist mentor
• Suitable level of digital competency to ensure you can meet the requirements of the qualification.

How long is this course?

2 years, part-time

When does this course start?

15/01/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Blended learning model. Inductions are 17:30-20:00 Thursday 15th January 2026 and Thursday 22nd January 2026. It will then be once a month on Teams. The course has 2 starting points throughout the year, please make enquiry via emailing tlp@cwa.ac.uk for the next start date.

What can I do after this course at CWA?

Following the successful completion of the course; you would be a fully qualified teacher within the Further Education & Skills sector and eligible to apply for Qualified Teacher of Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.

Fee information

How is my course assessed?

Academic reading will be required and APA 7th referencing will be used as part of all assignments. Average time commitment recommended for study is 17.5 hours per week (this includes scheduled lesson content, assignments and academic reading).

Unit based qualification made up of both mandatory and optional units. 120 credits must be achieved across the qualification. Optional units will be chosen to suit candidates' current working situation and will be discussed at Interview stage.

In general, it requires 100 study hours per 10 credits. This equates to 600 hours per year, 1200 hours in total.

You will be assessed on Written assignments, Observations, Reflective Journals, Case Studies, Checklists, Online Assessments, Presentation, Portfolio of Evidence, Professional Discussion and Questions - Written and Oral.