Education, Early Childhood & Youth

Qualify as a teacher working in education within the learning and skills sector (including 14-19 year olds). After this, you will be able to apply to the Institute for Learning for a full License to Practice (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status).

With 150 hours of teaching practice, you develop your knowledge, understanding and capacity to impact on adult learners’ development. And you develop strong links between theory and practice, making steady progress as a practitioner.

Learn about the roles and responsibilities of teachers, theories, principles and models of classroom practice and the wider issues associated with diverse educational contexts within the sector.

What you study

You study a range of modules which takes you from preparing to teach through to more advanced practice skills. You also study a range of wider issues which affect the lifelong learning educational sector, such as educational policy, quality assurance and your own personal and professional development needs.

How you learn

You learn in a variety of ways. Generally you are taught through seminars, lectures and workshops. A range of specialist tutors contribute to the lecture and seminar sessions which are supported via the virtual learning environment where you can access a range of resources to support the activities on the course.

The course has a substantial element of teaching practice, which is vital to your learning and development as a practitioner. In addition to this you will be encouraged to develop your teaching skills through observations of experienced practitioners, use of simulations and/or training classes and by watching good practice video footage. You will be provided with a practice mentor who will support your time at placement and help you develop reflective practice skills as an aid to your learning and professional development. The course will also help to develop your employability skills.

How you are assessed

You are assessed by a combination of written assessments, reflective teaching journals and teaching portfolios, and by observations of your teaching practice.

Professional placements

You must complete a minimum of 150 hours of teaching practice in an appropriate teaching environment.

Professional accreditation

This qualification has been endorsed by Standards Verification UK as meeting the national requirements for practitioners carrying out the full teaching role.

On completion of the Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector module, you will have met the national requirements for Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) and will be in a position to apply for a Threshold License to Practice.

On completion of the full certificate you will have met the national requirements for the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) and will be in a position to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS).

Career opportunities

Appropriate careers are practising in the full teaching role in Learning and Skills Sector educational contexts.

Entry requirements

You will need a minimum of an NQF level 3 qualification in your occupational area. You will be expected to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau check.

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