Overview

    The CertEd in Further Education is a part-time course designed for those already teaching in the further education and skills sector who do not yet hold a degree. Whether you are working in colleges, adult education, vocational training for 14+ learners, or private and public sector training, this qualification will support your professional growth.

    By successfully completing the CertEd, you’ll gain a recognised teaching qualification that can help you advance your career. It also meets one of the eligibility criteria for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which can further enhance your professional standing.

    This course takes a practical, evidence-based approach to teacher education, helping you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to support learners effectively. You will explore teaching strategies, classroom management, and curriculum development, all whilst applying what you learn directly to your teaching practice.

    Designed to fit around your work commitments, the CertEd offers a supportive learning environment where you will engage with experienced educators and fellow professionals. Whether you are looking to refine your teaching skills, boost your confidence, or take the next step in your career, this course provides the foundation you need to succeed.

    If you are passionate about teaching and want to make a real difference in further education, the CertEd is your opportunity to gain a valuable qualification and enhance your professional practice.

    You will find all partner campuses to be welcoming, safe and dynamic learning environments where you can build your skills, gain knowledge and become confident and empowered.
    Alison Blackhall, Course Director

    Why train to teach at CCCU?

    Be supported throughout

    Join our thriving CCCU community where you'll always be supported.

    Entry requirements

    Minimum standards in English, mathematics, and digital literacy

    • Candidates will have Level 2 in both maths and English. Please see approved list of Level 2 qualifications.
    • Trainees must be able to demonstrate digital skills at Level 1 as a minimum. This will be assessed by an interview task.

    Subject specialist knowledge

    • Candidates will have a qualification of Level 3 and above in the subject they wish to teach.
    • Candidates applying to teach vocational subjects should demonstrate relevant professional experience. This will be assessed at interview.
    • 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.

    For more information on English language requirements for this course, please click here to visit our dedicated IELTS web page.

    We're interested in your potential as a teacher and so each application is considered on a case-by-case basis. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to becoming an outstanding further education and skills teacher.

    Module information

    Core/optional modules

    How you’ll learn

    Your learning and development will be facilitated by a range of centre-based, work-based placement, and university-based colleagues. As well as having extensive experience in the classroom as qualified teachers, our University-based and partner college-based lecturers are all further education and skills sector specialists.

    Through each level of study, you will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, additional placement experiences and self-study. All of these are supported through Blackboard, the University's virtual learning environment.

    The use of a range of learning and teaching strategies is central to the design and planning of this course. This is because the learning you experience in the centre-based training and in your work-based placement needs to model explicitly and implicitly key aspects of subject pedagogy. Therefore, there is an emphasis on:

    • Individual and collaborative learning
    • Critical debate and discussion
    • Micro-teaching; multi-sensory learning
    • Active learning
    • Use of inclusive and diverse resources and content
    • Use of information and communication technologies
    • Technology-enhanced learning and blended learning
    • Independent learning and personal reflection
    • Critical reviews
    • Connections between research, theory and practical application.

    You will learn in a variety of ways in colleges and other further education and skills settings, including from experienced subject specialist and pastoral mentors, through observing others, and through experience.

    There is also a degree of individual learning support offered on this course, provided by mentors in settings, partner college tutors, and university tutors.

    This is a part-time course. You will be expected to attend regular taught sessions, generally weekly, and will be expected to undertake individual study outside of these sessions.

    The University-based tutors, setting-based tutors and mentors are all experienced qualified teachers.

    How you’ll be assessed

    You will be assessed in two main ways: via academic assessments and the assessment of your teaching practice.

    You will submit assignments for each academic module, gaining Level 4 and Level 5 credits as you progress through the course. A range of assessment methods will help you to evidence your knowledge, skills and behaviours.

    Your future career

    The successful completion of this course equips you for employment as a teacher in the further education and skills sector.

    This qualification also meets one of the eligibility criteria that may enable you to apply to undertake professional formation, which leads to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS). Eligibility criteria for professional formation is stipulated by the Society for Education and Training (SET) and published annually. See SET QTLS eligibility criteria for more information.

    Your teaching career can take you on to a very rewarding and exciting professional journey involving learning and teaching, leadership and management, curriculum development, research and advisory roles.

    Related courses

    Further Education

    PGCE

    Postgraduate
    September 2025

    Fees

    Tuition fees for this course 

      UK Overseas/EU
    Full-time N/A N/A
    Part-time £3,540 N/A

    Important information on tuition fees

    Tuition fees for all courses which last more than one academic year are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.

    There will be an annual inflationary increase in tuition fees for this course where the course lasts more than one academic year. For further information read the Tuition fee statements and continuing fee information.

    Advice on applying:
    Please use the drop-down menu under 'I would like to study' in the apply area to choose the specific course you want, otherwise you may send your application to the wrong institution. If you have any questions, contact our course enquiries team on 01227 928000 or by emailing us at courses@canterbury.ac.uk.

    This is a very popular programme delivered at our collaborative partner colleges so we may be able to accommodate your needs at various venues across the South East and London.

    Students must be 18 years or over. The majority of our students on these courses are mature students who are returning to learn.

    You will need to provide evidence of a DBS check prior to starting the course.

    Apply now

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    I would like to study

    Duration:

    2 years

    Location(s):

    The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London
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