Diploma Further Education and Skills at Canterbury Christ Church University

Programme overview

The Level 5 Diploma in Further Education and Skills is a two-year, part-time qualification designed for professionals already working in the further education and skills sector. Whether you're employed or volunteering, this programme enables you to gain a nationally recognised teaching qualification while continuing your role in colleges, adult and community learning, offender learning, professional training, or the voluntary sector. Co-designed by further education colleges and university educators, and delivered by partner institutions across London and the South-East, this diploma will equip you with the practical skills, confidence, and subject expertise to thrive as a teacher or trainer of young people and adult learners.

Faculty: School of Social Work, Education, and Teacher Education | Department: Teaching, Education and Childhood | Duration: 2 years (Part-time - Capital City College - Tottenham); 2 years (Part-time - South Thames College); 2 years (Part-time - Orchard Hill College); 2 years (Part-time) | Study mode: part-time | Intake: September 2026, September 2027 | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Develop practical teaching strategies to engage and inspire learners. Enhance your subject knowledge whilst addressing diverse learning needs. Core modules include Year 1: The Enquiring Teacher, The Inclusive Teacher; Year 2: The Reflective Teacher, The Independent Teacher.

Career pathways

After qualification, a wide range of career opportunities is available to teachers in the further education and skills sector. Graduates typically secure roles in colleges, private training providers, and awarding bodies, with some progressing into higher education or taking on teaching and training positions within large companies, public sector organisations, and charities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You need to hold a minimum of a Level 3, or industry equivalent, in the subject or vocational area you will teach. In the case of vocational subjects, you will also need to demonstrate relevant professional experience. In exceptional circumstances, candidates without a Level 3 qualification, who have been recommended to the course by their employer, will provide evidence of industry qualifications and/or substantial professional experience. You need to hold a minimum of a Level 2 in both English and Maths. Your employer will need to confirm your suitability to train to teach and your suitability to teach your specialist subject. If you are self-employed, please speak to the Course Director for an alternative assessment. You will need a minimum of 250 hours paid or unpaid work-based placement, that includes 150 hours of teaching or training, in a suitable setting over the duration of the course. You will also need a suitable subject specialist mentor and, ideally, a pastoral mentor. This will be confirmed at interview by the employer.

Domestic applicants: GBP 3,750 a year (2026/27). Part-time annual tuition fee (UK) Source

International applicants: GBP 3,750 a year (2026/27). Part-time annual tuition fee (overseas) Source

Intake: September 2026, September 2027

Duration: 2 years (Part-time - Capital City College - Tottenham); 2 years (Part-time - South Thames College);

Apply through the official page: https://www.capitalccg.ac.uk/course/teaching-further-education-and-skills-fes-level-5-diploma-canterbury-christ-church-university/42687/

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