Extended Diploma in Teaching (with QTLS)

If you want to become a qualified teacher in further education, adult learning or work-based training, this is the qualification that gets you there. By the end of this programme, you will hold a full Level 5 teaching qualification recognised across England and be eligible to apply for QTLS status, which carries the same legal standing as QTS.
 
The programme starts by building your academic foundation, exploring how education works, what the research says about how people learn, and how policy and legislation shapes the classroom. From there, you move into the professional teaching stage, where theory meets practice. You will develop your skills across lesson planning, assessment, inclusive teaching, digital delivery and subject-specific pedagogy, all while gaining real experience in a live teaching environment.
 
By the time you complete, you will have a portfolio that demonstrates your competence as a teacher, a professional discussion with your assessor, and a nationally recognised qualification that opens doors across the FE and Skills sector: colleges, training providers, community education, workplace learning and more.
 
We deliver the full programme online. We will support you throughout the process of understanding and meeting your teaching practice requirements, but you will need to source and arrange your own placement; whether that is a school, college, training provider or community organisation where you can teach learners aged 14 and above.
 
On completing the qualification, you can apply for QTLS through the Society for Education and Training. You may also progress directly into the final year of a BA (Hons) Education degree at a range of UK universities.

240 credits – equivalent to first two years of a UK degree · Both Level 4 and Level 5 in one enrolment · Direct entry to final year of a BA (Hons) Education degree · No exams – all assignment based · Save £200 versus enrolling separately · Awarded by TQUK

What does QTLS actually mean and why does it matter?

QTLS stands for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills. It is the professional teaching status for the further education and skills sector and is recognised in law as carrying the same standing as QTS - the status held by school teachers. Once you hold this qualification and gain QTLS through the Society for Education and Training, you are a fully qualified teacher. Many colleges and training providers will require or strongly prefer it when hiring.

Do I need to already be working as a teacher to enrol?

Not at all. You do not need to be in a teaching role when you start. However, as you progress into the practical stage of the programme, you will need access to a setting where you can teach learners aged 14 and above and log your required practice hours. We will guide you on exactly what this looks like and what counts - but arranging that placement is your responsibility.

What kind of placement do I need and how do I find one?

Your placement needs to be a setting where you can teach or train learners aged 14 and above. This could be a further education college, a private training provider, a community organisation, a workplace training programme, or similar. Some learners are already working in such a setting and use their current role. Others approach local colleges or providers directly. We will advise you on what meets the requirements - you will not be left to figure it out alone.

How much time do I need to commit each week?

This is a substantial professional qualification and should be treated as such. Across the programme you will have around 395 guided learning hours plus independent study and teaching practice on top of that. Most learners find that committing around 8 to 12 hours per week alongside their teaching placement keeps them on track. The fully online delivery means you can fit your study around your existing commitments.

I already work as a teaching assistant - does my experience count?

Your experience is valuable and will enrich your assignments and reflections throughout the programme. However, this is a qualification you complete in full - there are no automatic exemptions based on prior experience alone. If you hold a relevant prior qualification at Level 4 or above, contact us before enrolling and we can advise whether any recognition of prior learning may apply.

Is this qualification recognised by employers?

Yes. The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, awarded by TQUK. It is the nationally recognised full teaching qualification for the FE and Skills sector and is the standard expected by colleges, training providers and adult learning organisations across England.

Can I progress to a degree after completing this?

Yes. On completing this programme you will have accumulated 240 credits - equivalent to the first two years of a UK honours degree. This gives you direct entry into the final year of a BA (Hons) Education at a range of UK universities, including programmes in Education, Early Childhood Studies, and related fields.

What happens if I already have a Level 4 education qualification?

If you already hold a relevant Level 4 qualification, you may not need to complete the full programme from the beginning. Get in touch with us before enrolling and we can advise on the most appropriate route for you.

How is the course assessed?

There are no exams. Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence built up over the duration of the programme - written assignments, reflective accounts, teaching observations and professional practice evidence. At the end of the Level 5 stage there is also a 30-minute professional discussion with your assessor. Your portfolio is assessed internally and then quality assured externally by TQUK.

What do I need before I can start?

You need to be 19 or above, hold a Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience in your subject area, and have at least a Level 2 in both Maths and English. A reasonable level of digital confidence is also important as the programme is delivered and assessed entirely online. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, just get in touch - we are happy to have that conversation before you commit.