Training to teach in further and higher education

The further education and skills sector includes further education (FE) colleges, independent training providers, the third sector (charities and social enterprises), adult and community learning and offender learning. There are several teaching qualifications available if you wish to teach students beyond the age of compulsory education; your choice will depend on the type of teaching role you wish to pursue.

Look at teacher training in Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales for information on the FE sector in the rest of the UK.

What qualifications do you need to teach in FE?

It is possible to gain a lecturing job without a teaching qualification, but your prospects of gaining a position and of progression once in the sector are likely to be greatly enhanced by possessing an appropriate qualification, as well as having experience in the area you wish to teach.

Qualifications may be undertaken in FE colleges, with training providers or in universities - often on a part-time basis.

You can take qualifications at various levels, including:

Level 3 award in education and training
This introductory course is for those who would like to work, or currently work, within FE, which you can take without the need to have a placement or be employed as a teacher.

Level 4 certificate in education and training
This course develops practical teaching skills and includes a minimum of 30 hours' teaching practice.

Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills)
This is the full teaching qualification for the FE sector offered at a level 5 by awarding organisations, or by higher education institutions at levels 5, 6, and 7. You will need to be employed in a teaching role or be able to organise your own placement for teaching practice. Course titles vary and can include:

• Certificate in Education (CertEd) if at level 5
• Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PgCE) if at level 6
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) if at level 7.

Learning and Skills Teacher apprenticeship
The apprenticeship combines paid work with part-time study for a Level 5 qualification and takes around two years to complete. You can search online for available apprenticeships.

Further information is available from Teach in Further Education .

Where do you find FE teacher training courses?

Applications are usually made directly to the FE training provider. Check the websites of individual institutions for details and additional information. It is also possible to contact the Education and Training Foundation for details.

Some FE PGCE courses can be found on the Department for Education’s search tool for postgraduate teacher training courses . A list of FE colleges across the UK is available at the Association of Colleges .

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements for post-compulsory teacher training courses vary depending on the course provider, subject and level you want to teach. For Level 5 training routes, you will usually need a minimum level 3 qualification in your specialist subject. Having industry experience is valued as a prerequisite for teaching vocational subjects. GCSE maths and/or English may also be required.

For the Level 6 or 7 training routes, you will need a degree (usually a 2.2 or above in the subject you wish to teach).

Popular post-compulsory teaching courses fill up quickly, so applying early is recommended. You will need a minimum of a Level 2 English and mathematics qualification to join the course.

FE teacher training bursaries are available for certain subjects.

Qualified teacher learning and skills (QTLS) status

If you achieve a recognised teaching qualification at level 5 or above, you may be able to apply for qualified teacher learning and skills (QTLS) status with the Society for Education and Training (SET). You also need to have SET membership and literacy and numeracy qualifications at level 2 or higher. You will need to complete a six-month period of professional formation leading to QTLS.

For more information on eligibility for QTLS, see the Education and Training Foundation website.

What does it really mean to be a further education lecturer? See our lecturer (further education) job description for more information.

How do you become a higher education lecturer?

To become a university lecturer, you normally need to study for a masters or PhD qualification in the specialist subject area you want to teach.

You're not always expected to have a teaching qualification before you begin, but you can study for teaching qualifications once in post. Advance HE accredits university teaching and learning CPD (continuing professional development) courses and offers fellowship for those working in the field.

University lecturers will usually be expected to achieve one of the four categories of fellowship once in post:

• Associate Fellowship
• Fellowship
• Senior Fellowship
• Principal Fellowship

What does it really mean to be a higher education lecturer? See our lecturer (higher education) job description for more information.

Written by Cathy Taylor, University of West London, July 2024

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