How to become a further education lecturer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You can do a further education (FE) teaching qualification at university, with a higher education institution or on a work-based training programme.
Qualifications include:
- certificate in education
- postgraduate diploma in post-compulsory education and training
- postgraduate certificate in the lifelong learning sector
- postgraduate certificate in further education and training
If you want to teach work-related courses in FE, like apprenticeships, you'll need experience and a technical qualification in your chosen subject, as well as your teaching qualification. This should be at level 3 standard (national diploma or equivalent) or higher.
To teach academic qualifications, such as A levels, you'll usually need a degree in the subject.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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College
You can do a teaching qualification at college. Qualifications include:
- Certificate in Education
- Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
- Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training with a specialist pathway for teaching literacy, numeracy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), or teaching disabled learners
You'll be expected to have experience and a qualification in the subject you want to teach.
You'll also need to organise some time for teaching practice, though training providers can often help with this.
Entry requirements
You'll need:
- GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
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Apprenticeship
You can complete a learning and skills teacher higher apprenticeship.
You'll need a qualification in the subject you want to teach. Employers will be looking for relevant up-to-date industry experience.
You'll also need to show ability in English, maths and IT.
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Work
You may be able to apply directly for job vacancies if you have several years' experience and qualifications in a trade, for example plumbing or hairdressing.
You can then train for a teaching qualification on the job, if you have your employer's support.
Volunteering
Direct Application
You can apply directly to work in further education if you have relevant experience, knowledge and skills in a technical or academic subject.
You can also teach some subjects in further education if you have a background in schools teaching and hold qualified teacher status (QTS).
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Career tips
You can get qualified teacher learning and skills status while you work, once you have a minimum of a level 5 teaching qualification.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in further education from Teach in further education and Get Into Teaching.