Level 5 Cert Ed in Post-Compulsory Education and Training

Please note: the cutoff date for applications is 3 September 2025.

Course Specification

This course is designed for those who want to teach in a Further Education College, a Sixth Form College, a work-based learning setting, adult and community education sector or in public sector training such as Police, Fire Service, Health Service or Prison Service. The equivalence of QTLS and QTS also offers a route into teaching in the secondary sector, particularly the 14-18 curriculum.

You should have:

• A Level Three qualification in your specialist subject, that is clearly part of the further education training curriculum;
• A minimum of GCSE in English and Maths, at Grade C/4, or Level 2 equivalent.

You will need: 

• Access to 150 hours teaching practice and access to a subject specific mentor (with 20 hours experience in another subject area).
• A current DBS

It is not required that you have accessed a placement or voluntary work in a Further Education College, before starting the programme, however such experience would be welcome. What is required is a clear awareness of the sector so think about your experience and use that in your application.

All applicants will be required to attend an interview to determine eligibility.

International Students: You will need to have reached a certain standard of speaking English. [courses/preparation-routes/855-esol-16-18]Please see our ESOL course. International applicants require a current IELTS 6 score, with no single skill being below 5.5.

The course provides a variety of content and experience which will give you a range of skills and knowledge in the Further Education and Training sector. The course has been validated against the Professional Standards introduced by the Education and Training Foundation in 2014 and updated in 2022. The course will be delivered in the first year on Wednesday mornings and in the second year on Wednesday afternoons. In addition, you will need to undertake 3-4 hours teaching per week (a minimum of 150 hours over the 2 year programme, with 20 hours experience in another subject area).

The course consists of the following modules:

• Teaching Learning and Assessment in PCET – 40 Credits at Level 5
• Curriculum Design for Inclusive Practice - 20 Credits at Level 5
• Action Research into Subject Specialist Pedagogy - 20 Credits at Level 5
• Develop Own Professional Competence and Knowledge - 40 Credits at Level 5
  
  

The course is delivered through a number of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. All tuition is face to face with tutors, although online resources and use of a virtual learning environment is part of the course. You will be allocated a personal tutor to support you.

There are no exams. Assessment consists of coursework e.g. reports, presentations, reflective accounts as well as observations of professional practice supported by portfolios of evidence. You will be assessed at Levels 4 and 5. You must pass all modules to achieve the award.

£9,000 for UK and EU applicants, £12,250 for International students. Financial support is available through student loans. www.gov.uk/teacher-training-funding.

How do I apply?

Complete an online application form. You will only be selected for interview if you fully complete the online application form to include details of your qualifications, personal statement and provide two referees. Please apply early, this is a popular course.

This is a link to Staffordshire University (for further information):https://www.staffs.ac.uk/course/post-compulsory-education-training-certificate-education-ushr

Please click the Apply button at the top of this page and fill out a short form in order to receive your Staffordshire University application link and a guide on applying.

If you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring Admissions on 01743 653111 / 653333 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.