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Course at a Glance
Qualification
Accredited Level 5
Study Method
Online, Tutor Support
Assessment
Assignments, Observations, Portfolio of Evidence & Professional Discussion
Duration
Up to 2 years
What is the Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills)?
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills), often shortened to DiT, is a teaching qualification for people working or preparing to work in the further education and skills sector.
It supports teaching roles in colleges, adult education, workplace training, offender education and independent training organisations.
You’ll develop your ability to plan, deliver and assess learning in your specialist subject, support different learners and evaluate your teaching practice. The course combines online study with practical experience, helping you connect educational theory with your day-to-day teaching.
The DiT replaces the previous Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET). It can also meet the teaching-qualification requirement for a separate application for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.
Entry Requirements
To enrol, you must:
Be aged 19 or over.
Be qualified and/or experienced in your specialist subject.
Hold Level 2 qualifications in maths and English.
Demonstrate the ability to study at Level 5.
Have suitable digital skills for online study and teaching.
Have access to a suitable placement and the required mentoring support.
Unsure whether your qualifications or teaching role are suitable? Contact us before enrolling.
What You'll Learn
The course covers 11 units, bringing together the following six areas of teaching practice.
01
Teaching Methods & Curriculum Planning
Explore different teaching approaches and plan learning programmes with clear objectives, relevant content and suitable assessments.
02
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Recognise barriers to learning and develop approaches that promote equal opportunities, respect diversity and support participation.
03
04
05
06
Developing & Using Teaching Resources
Select, create and adapt accessible resources that engage learners and support your teaching objectives.
Understanding Your Learners
Explore how people learn, identify individual needs and adapt your teaching to support their progress.
Working With Others
Build effective relationships with colleagues, employers and other professionals to support learners and improve learning opportunities.
Developing Your Teaching Practice
Put your learning into practice by planning, delivering and assessing teaching sessions in your specialist subject.
07
Reflection & Professional Development
Evaluate your teaching, learn from feedback and identify opportunities to develop your skills and subject knowledge.
08
Professional Responsibilities & Inclusive Teaching
Understand your responsibilities as a teacher and create a safe, respectful learning environment where everyone can participate.
09
10
11
Assessment & Feedback
Choose suitable assessment methods, monitor learner progress and provide constructive feedback that supports improvement.
Managing Behaviour
Set clear expectations, encourage positive behaviour and respond constructively to challenges that affect learning.
Digital Teaching & Learning
Use digital tools and online teaching approaches to create accessible, engaging learning experiences.
How the course works
Enrol & Get Started
Confirm that you meet the entry and placement requirements, then enrol and access your course through MKLC’s Moodle learning platform. Start whenever you're ready and study at times that suit your schedule.
Study & Develop Your Teaching
Work through the online materials and assignments while completing your placement. Build your portfolio with support and feedback from your tutor and placement mentors.
Achieve Your Qualification
Successfully complete your assignments, placement requirements, teaching observations and professional discussion to achieve your TQUK Level 5 Diploma in Teaching.
Teaching Placement & Practical Requirements
Your placement is an essential part of the qualification. It gives you opportunities to develop your teaching and experience the wider responsibilities of an FE professional.
Placement & Teaching Hours
You’ll need at least 250 placement hours, including:
150 hours of teaching practice.
At least 100 teaching hours in your specialist subject.
At least 80 hours of face-to-face teaching.
Experience of online and remote teaching.
Your remaining placement hours can include professional activities such as lesson planning, team meetings, learner interviews, assessment meetings, observing other teachers and continuing professional development.
Experience in a Second Setting
You’ll need experience in two teaching locations, including at least 20 non-teaching hours in the second setting.
Where a second organisation is not feasible, an alternative may involve a different subject area, department or venue within the same provider. Discuss your proposed arrangements with MKLC before enrolling.
Placement Mentors
You’ll need support from two staff members at your placement, alongside your MKLC tutor.
Subject Specialist Mentor
Supports your subject knowledge and teaching approaches, contributes to assessment and provides approximately 30 minutes of support each week.Local Pastoral Support Mentor
Provides broader professional guidance and maintains contact with MKLC about your progress. Approximately 30 minutes of support each week is recommended.
Both mentors must be willing to complete any training needed to support you.
Teaching Observations
You’ll complete at least 10 teaching observations, each lasting a minimum of 45 minutes, spread throughout the programme.
Observations should normally involve groups of at least 10 learners. They provide feedback on your development and evidence that your teaching meets the required standard.
MKLC completes two observations during your course, with the remaining observations undertaken by an appropriate subject specialist or placement mentor.
Up to two observations may involve live remote teaching, with one additional session observed remotely.
Professional Discussion
You’ll also take part in a professional discussion to explain your teaching decisions, reflect on your development and demonstrate how you meet the required professional standards.
Why Study With MKLC Training
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Dedicated Support
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Frequently Asked Questions
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No. You do not need a degree, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET), or the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) before starting.
You must meet the Diploma’s entry requirements, including relevant subject qualifications and/or experience, Level 2 maths and English, and the ability to study at Level 5.
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Yes, provided your role allows you to meet the course’s placement, teaching-practice, observation and mentoring requirements.
Suitable settings can include further education colleges, adult education, workplace training and independent training providers. Contact us before enrolling so we can check whether your role and available support meet the requirements.
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No. The Diploma in Teaching and the Certificate in Education (CertEd) are separate qualifications that can prepare you to teach in further education and skills settings.
MKLC’s course leads to the TQUK Level 5 Diploma in Teaching, rather than a university-awarded CertEd. Both can meet the teaching-qualification requirement for QTLS, provided the qualification meets the relevant framework and eligibility criteria.
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The Diploma can meet the teaching-qualification requirement for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.
QTLS is not awarded automatically. You must apply separately through the Education and Training Foundation, meet its full eligibility criteria and successfully complete professional formation.
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The Diploma itself does not award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It prepares you to teach in the further education and skills sector.
After completing the Diploma, you may be eligible to work towards QTLS. Teachers who achieve QTLS and maintain the required professional membership may be eligible to work as qualified teachers in schools in England.
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The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) replaced the Diploma in Education and Training (DET) for new programmes from September 2024.
Both are Level 5 qualifications, but the DiT has updated course content and different placement, mentoring and assessment requirements. This explains why colleagues who studied the previous DET may have followed different requirements.
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Ready to Get Started?
Take the next step in your professional development with flexible online learning and support from MKLC Training.
Enrolling multiple staff members? Contact us to discuss group enrolments and training requirements.