Teaching English in the Further Education & Skills Sector - Certificate of Higher Education*
Summary
This programme will prepare you to start a career in teaching in the further education & skills sector. It will ensure that you have strong English skills and also help you understand how and why students in the Further Education and Skills (FES) sector are challenged by English.
If you do not already hold a teaching qualification, then you may be able to access a bursary when you take your CertEd following successful completion of this programme. This will be £10000 for English teachers (in 2026/27).
Entry Requirements
You are required to hold a vocational or academic qualification at level 3 or above.
In addition, you need GCSE grade 6/B or above in English (or grade 4 or FS Level 2 plus an assessment to show knowledge is grade 6 and above). Plus GCSE maths at grade 4 or above.
If you are not able to provide evidence of GCSE above grade 4 you will be able to take a level 3 short course in the January-June preceding entry in September. This will give you sufficient English knowledge & skills to access level 4. Successful completion of this, will give you guaranteed access to this CertHE.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration / Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
13 Sep 2027
|
Bispham Campus
|
1 Year
/
£0
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
This programme gives you the opportunity to develop your own skills in English alongside developing an understanding of how and why students in the FES sector often find this subject challenging. On successful completion of this programme you will be guaranteed a place on the level 5 Cert Ed which will qualify you to teach in further education colleges, training providers, adult education or prison education. You may also be able to teach in secondary schools post-14.
If you already hold a teaching qualification; this programme will give you the opportunity to seek a role teaching English in the sector related to your teaching qualification.
Other study options
There is a complementary pathway which supports teaching maths in the Further Education & Skills Sector
Employment Opportunities
You will be able to teach in further education colleges, training providers, adult education or prison education. You may also be able to teach in secondary schools post-14.
Key information
Extra costs and equipment
There are no other additional study costs.
What will I learn?
You will embark on a dynamic, interactive, and reflective learning journey that combines your growing knowledge of English with cognitive science-based and evidence-informed pedagogical strategies to deliver curriculum content to students within the FES sector. This experience will thoroughly prepare you to excel in assessments that measure both the depth and breadth of your knowledge and skills in local and national contexts. Our teaching approach will stimulate academic engagement, encourage challenging yet constructive discourse, and promote reflective practice on your performance, preparing you for a successful career in Further Education (FE).
Essential skills: English and Maths
See admissions' criteria for detail
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
You will observe teaching sessions in a range of settings as part of the programme.
How will I learn?
Engaging learning methods include exploring real-life examples from FES teaching through the opportunity to observe in classrooms and engaging with case studies facilitating the application and evaluation of a wide variety of theories, and perspectives. Participating in peer learning workshops and role play sessions promotes collaborative, active social learning, promoting the co-creation of knowledge and the sharing of best practices, which helps clarify ideas, arguments, and perspectives. Lectures keep you updated with the latest developments in the FES sector, including practices, processes, theory, empirical research, and the broader socio-political context, enhancing your understanding of the diverse perspectives that influence the industry. Additionally, sessions with guest speakers provide valuable insights into the sector and help develop useful employment links.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 192 | 0 | 0 |
| Independent | 968 | 0 | 0 |
| Placement | 40 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1200 | 0 | 0 |
How will I be assessed?
There are 4 modules, 2 of which focus on developing your understanding of teaching in the sector, whilst the other 2 support your own maths development and help you recognise the challenges and develop strategies when teaching maths in the sector.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 57% | 0% | 0% |
| Exam | 12% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |