Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: Your Path to Becoming a Qualified Teacher

Are you passionate about teaching and eager to advance your career in education? The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DIT) is a highly respected qualification designed for individuals aspiring to teach in the post-16 education sector. This comprehensive diploma equips you with the essential skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to excel in a full teaching role.

What is the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT)?

The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT) is a high-level teaching qualification intended for those who aspire to become professional educators in further education, vocational training, and adult learning. It is widely recognised and equips you with the skills needed to teach, assess, and support learners effectively. The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training is an initial teacher training qualification, studied at RQF Level 5, for teaching in Further Education (FE) and the lifelong learning sector of education in the United Kingdom.

If you want to progress in your teaching career and open up new opportunities, the Level 5 DIT is the qualification you need. This OFQUAL regulated Diploma combines online learning with practical application.

Who Should Take the Level 5 DIT?

This course is ideal for:

Aspiring teachers looking to teach in further education and adult learning
Industry professionals who want to transition into a teaching role
Assessors and trainers wanting to progress into full teaching positions
Individuals who have completed the Level 3 AET or Level 4 CET and want to advance further

With this qualification, you’ll be equipped to deliver high-quality lessons, support students effectively, and assess learning in a professional setting.

What Does the Level 5 DIT Cover?

The course focuses on:

Teaching methodologies and learning theories
Lesson planning and curriculum development
Assessment and evaluation techniques
Classroom management and student engagement
Supporting learners with different needs
Inclusive pedagogy
Curriculum design

This course is more advanced than the Level 3 AET and Level 4 CET, as it includes real teaching practice.

Course Requirements

This course is 100% online, so you can study at your own pace and conveniently. You will be required to complete assignments and apply theoretical knowledge using the Harvard Referencing Style.

Teaching Hours

As part of the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching, you will need to log 150 teaching hours in total. At least 100 hours should be within your subject area, and you must also gain experience in remote teaching. Specifically, 20 hours must be remote synchronous (live) delivery, and 80 hours should be face-to-face teaching.

Observations

You will need to complete 10 observations of your teaching, with the majority involving a group of at least 10 learners. The observations must last a minimum of 45 minutes each. Up to two observations may be of live remote teaching, and one observation can be conducted remotely with proper arrangements for feedback and discussion. All candidates will undergo 10 observations. The majority should involve teaching groups of at least 10 learners. Each observation should be at least 45 minutes long. Up to two observations may be delivered remotely. In addition to support from the ATC Training tutor, candidates must have access to two workplace mentors. An observation report must be completed by a mentor or qualified observer in the workplace.

Read also: High School Diploma Jobs

Work Placement

The candidate must source a work placement of at least 250 hours. At least 150 hours of this should be teaching practice. Of the 150 teaching hours, at least 100 hours must be in the candidate’s subject area. The 20 hours at the second placement are not specified as teaching hours and can be used for professional practice. Candidates must either be currently working as a tutor/teacher or secure a suitable work placement (paid or voluntary) for at least 250 hours, including 150 hours of teaching.

Assessments

This qualification is assessed by a portfolio of evidence that covers all assessment criteria for the units selected.

Numeracy and Literacy Skills

Candidates must demonstrate numeracy and literacy skills at Level 2. This means all trainees will have the skills to support their learners in these areas, regardless of their training route.

Course Structure and Delivery

Following enrolment onto the course, you will be contacted by your personal tutor, who will arrange an initial online meeting to introduce you to the course, it's structure and how to navigate our user friendly learning platform with ease.

During this meeting you will have the opportunity to ask any questions about the course, we will be happy guide you and answer your queries.

Read also: Navigating CDL Education

From then on, you have the option to arrange monthly online meetings with your tutor at mutually convenient times, or as and when you feel you need more support.

The content is delivered via structured videos with all questions and interactive learning activities included. These lessons cover all knowledge content and the performance evidence requirements.

Course Duration: 6 - 12 months

What will I study?

This qualification consists of seven units.

Unit 1: Teaching my subject
Unit 2: Learners and learning
Unit 3: Teachers and teaching
Unit 4: Professional Practice Portfolio
Unit 5: Effective digital and online pedagogies
Unit 6: Developing, using and organising resources in a specialist area
Unit 7: Action Research

What qualifications will I get?

Level 5: Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills)

Additionally, you will be eligible to apply to the QTLS programme upon completion. Should you wish to continue onto the QTLS programme, we will support you throughout the process. (Usually six months)

Teaching Practice - face-to-face

If you are not currently working in education, you would need to find a placement at an educational organisation in order to satisfy the face-to-face teaching practice requirement of the qualification.

One option is offer to teach on a voluntary basis, where an organisation will allow you to teach and complete your qualification whilst on your placement. (Please note that you will not be able to complete this qualification teaching children under sixth form level.)

What else is included?

24/7 Access to your personal course page on enrolment
Introduction meeting with your personal tutor
Optional monthly online meetings with your tutor
Optional rolling virtual classes
Unlimited support and feedback from your personal tutor
Video lessons
Engaging resources
Remote teaching placement (20 hours)
Full support through the QTLS process

How Can the Level 5 DIT Benefit Your Career?

Qualify for high-paying teaching roles in further education and vocational training
Boost your credibility as a professional educator
Expand your teaching opportunities in colleges, training academies, and private institutions
Increase your earning potential with a higher-level qualification

This diploma is widely recognised across the education and training sector and is a great step towards career stability and growth.

Level 5 DIT vs. Level 4 CET: Which One Should You Choose?

If you're unsure whether to take the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) or the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT), here’s how they compare:

Feature	Level 4 CET	Level 5 DIT
Teaching Experience Required	30 Hours	100 Hours
Career Progression	Trainer, Assessor, Private Tutor	Lecturer, College Instructor, Senior Educator
Salary Potential	£18,000 - £30,000+	£30,000 - £50,000+
Recognition	Mid-Level Teaching Qualification	Advanced Teaching Qualification

If you’re just starting out, the Level 4 CET is a solid foundation.

Gaining Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) Status

In addition to equipping you with the abilities to instruct in settings like adult education, community programs, or workplace training, the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training offers the opportunity to pursue Qualified Teacher Learning Status (QTLS). Comparable to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), QTLS enables you to engage in teaching within school environments. Successful completion of this teaching certificate online enables employment in a state school as teacher of the 14+ age-range. Achieving the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) will qualify you to apply for the QTLS programme.

Is This Course for You?

If you are self-motivated, able to study independently, and capable of writing assignments at an academic level, then this Level 5 teacher training course is the perfect fit for you. With a registration period of 2 years, most learners complete the course in 12-18 months. You can re-register if needed, as long as your registration is still live.

Additional Information

For flexibility, we offer an instalment plan for the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching, making the course more accessible. The full course cost is £1198, with a £198 deposit followed by 10 monthly instalments of £99. You will not receive your certificate until the final balance has been paid, but you can pay off the balance earlier if you prefer.

Here’s how Footstep stands out in supporting learners:

Outstanding tutor and assessor support - personalised feedback to guide you through each step.
Unlimited submissions until you pass - giving you space to learn without stress.
Generous registration periods, with options to apply for extensions as needed
User-friendly online learning platform - rich resources, flexible pacing, and a quality assessment environment

Why it works:

Fits around your life - study at your own pace, with expert guidance.
Reduces pressure and supports mastery with multiple submission opportunities.
Keeps you on track - but with flexibility and encouragement.

tags: #diploma #in #education #and #training #course