What is a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training?
A Level 5 diploma in Education and Training (DET) is a qualification for teaching, education and training. It is usually a one-year-long programme and an in-service qualification designed for those who are already working or are willing to work as qualified teachers and trainers in the UK. However, to ensure better opportunities, a degree or diploma for teaching, learning and assessment would be an added advantage, since many recruiters do look for it.
The DET (Diploma in Education and Teaching) was formerly referred to as the DTLLS or the Diploma to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. The Level 5 DET is an equivalent to the second-year bachelor’s degree in the UK. It is a popular and recognised course of study pursued by prospective teachers who wish to opt for a career in higher education and further studies in the field. Even those, who are already been teaching decide to enrol for the DET course to enhance their knowledge and skills necessary for educating others.
A Level 5 diploma course would typically last for 1-2 years. You can choose your desired college or university-led pre-service training programme. If you pursue a university-led DET programme, the qualification might be termed as Professional Certificate in Education (PCE) or as a Certificate in Education (CertEd). Both of these qualifications align with the requirements of a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.
After you have completed your training programme, you can apply for the Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which would allow you to work in state schools as a qualified teacher.
Qualities Gained After Successful Completion of a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
After completing a recognised Level 5 DET course, a candidate would be able to have the following qualities:
- theoretical, practical and technological knowledge of his/her field of study. He or she will be able to have a clear understanding of his/her subject and roles at work.
- capabilities of finding out ways to deal with complex problems and broadly-defined matters.
- the ability to interpret, analyse and evaluate all relevant concepts, ideas and information.
- awareness of the nature and scope of his or her field of study, at work or other teaching or training institutes. This also means that the candidate would be familiar with the theories, principles and models of his/her chosen career line.
- understanding the various models in education, along with the approaches, perspectives or schools of thought and the reasons behind each.
- the ability to deduce, adapt to and use the right methods to address complex problems with ease. However, he or she is also expected to utilise his or her practical and cognitive skills to solve these broadly-defined issues.
- analytical skills to evaluate methods, actions and results. He or she will be able to take a practical and analytical approach to every aspect of planning, assessing and delivering a positive training and learning environment.
- The ability to apply various theory principles in performing assessment in education and training. In a way, the holder will also be able to demonstrate these approaches and theories in their practice.
- capability to contribute towards the quality improvement approaches and promote the need for quality assurance within his/her educational or training institute or organisation.
Entry Requirements for a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
To be able to apply for a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training courses and programmes, you must meet the following minimum entry requirements –
- You must be having at least 100 hours of teaching experience.
- You must have achieved Level 2 English or Mathematics skills. If you are taking certain units in teaching numeracy or literacy, you need to achieve Level 3.
- As per the norms of certain training programmes, you may be required to complete specific tasks before admission, which help to demonstrate and analyse appropriate numeracy and literacy levels, as well as ICT skills.
- You also need to meet certain non-academic requirements, which include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as well as a declaration of criminal convictions.
Courses Other than Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
To get a qualified certificate in education and training routes, you may also look for other career options, such as the Level 3 Award and the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training. The features of both of them are described below:
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) – This course is designed to provide the candidates with the necessary knowledge and confidence to teach or train in the post-16 sector of education. The candidate, in this course, might either be a trainer at a private training institute or act as a teacher or lecturer in further education. The Level 3 AET qualification replaces the former PTLLS course.
- Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) – This is the first stage of attaining a teaching qualification, which helps the candidates to have a fundamental understanding of the various roles and responsibilities they would be having as a teacher or trainer, as well as legal regulations applicable during the teaching job.
There are various levels of qualifications that you might wish to achieve before you start your teaching career. Do a thorough research before deciding which course to go for. Check Mont Rose College–a high-end college in the United Kingdom.
