Understanding qualification levels in Further Education
Confused by Levels? Find out what levels you will teach in Further Education and what qualifications you can earn to become a teacher.
Qualification Levels
In Further Education (FE), you will often hear qualifications referred to by their "Level," ranging from Level 3 up to Level 8. It is important to distinguish between the levels you will be teaching to students and the levels of training you need to become a teacher.
Generally, FE teachers deliver courses from Level 3 upwards. To do this professionally, you will train for your own teaching qualification at Level 5, 6, or 7.
The FE sector is diverse. While it is best known for delivering Level 3 qualifications to 16-19 year olds, colleges also offer Higher Education (HE) courses for adults. This means you could be teaching anything from a T Level or A Level (Level 3) right up to a degree-level module (Level 6).
Level | Equivalent Qualifications (Examples) | Education Stage & Context |
|---|---|---|
3 | A levels, T Levels, Applied Generals, Advanced Apprenticeships, Level 3 Diplomas/Certificates, Access to HE Diplomas | Further Education (FE). Focuses on preparing students for HE or specific technical jobs. T Levels and A-levels are key pathways. |
4 | Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), Higher National Certificate (HNC), Year 1 of a Bachelor's degree, Higher Apprenticeships, Level 4 NVQ | Higher Education (HE). Marks the start of post-18 degree-level study. Can be offered in FE colleges as Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). |
5 | Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), Year 2 of a Bachelor's degree, Level 5 NVQ | HE (Undergraduate). Provides deeper knowledge and skills, often with a practical or vocational focus. |
6 | Bachelor's (Honours) degree (e.g., BA, BSc), Degree Apprenticeships, Level 6 NVQ | HE (Undergraduate). The final year of a standard undergraduate degree, culminating in specialist knowledge and skills. |
7 | Master's degree (e.g., MA, MSc), Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Postgraduate Diplomas, Level 7 NVQ | HE (Postgraduate). Advanced study, research, or professional specialisation. Master's degrees are a primary Level 7 qualification. |
8 | Doctoral degrees (e.g., PhD, DPhil), Professional Doctorates, Higher Doctorates | HE (Postgraduate/Doctoral). The highest level of qualification, involving significant independent research and the creation of new knowledge. |
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The qualifications you need to teach
Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills)
This is the industry-standard full teaching qualification for the FE sector. Regardless of the level you are teaching, this is the level you need to train at to become fully qualified.
To start this course, you usually need a Level 3 qualification in your own specialist subject (e.g., plumbing, coding, or business). It focuses on the practical skills of teaching and requires at least 100 hours of teaching practice. Completing this allows you to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.
Level 6 and 7 Certificates (PGCE)
If you are a graduate, you might opt for a university-led teaching qualification. These follow the same curriculum as the Level 5 Diploma but include additional academic theory.
- Level 6 Professional Graduate Certificate (ProfGCE): An undergraduate-level teaching award.
- Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate (PGCE): A Master's level award.
These are popular if you are teaching academic subjects (like A Levels) or if you wish to keep your options open for teaching in schools or Higher Education.
Level 3 and 4 (Introductory Awards)
You may also see teacher training courses at lower levels. These are stepping stones towards the full Level 5 qualification.
- Level 3 Award (AET): A short introductory course to see if teaching is right for you.
- Level 4 Certificate (CET): For those with a smaller teaching timetable who aren't ready for the full Diploma.
These are great starting points, but to have a full career as a qualified teacher, you will eventually progress to Level 5 or higher.
Do I need a degree to teach Level 3?
A common misconception is that you must hold a degree to teach Level 3 courses (like T Levels). This is not always true, especially in vocational subjects.
The standard pathway is:
Your Subject Expertise (Level 3 qualification + Industry Experience) + Your Teaching Training (Level 5 Diploma) = A Qualified FE Teacher.