Frequently Asked Questions
General questions
How long does it take?
The Diploma in Education and Training takes around 12 months (starting September and completing the following summer). The QTLS part of the course takes a further 6 months.
What support do you provide?
We appreciate that for some people, returning to study can be daunting, and it might have been a while since you’ve had to take notes and complete coursework. We provide as much support throughout your course as you need; you can email or set up a call with the course tutor whenever you need help. Our past students always rate the course support really highly.
Can I study from outside the UK?
Our virtual course is available to anyone who is able to attend the weekly seminars - all that’s required is a good internet connection, as well as fulfilling the general eligibility requirements. You may need to check your international qualifications against a UK equivalent - you can do this through UK ENIC.
What are the hours/ expectations to attend the course
The hours depend on the course you select - for the virtual programme you’re expected to attend the live seminars every Tuesday evening during term time. For the London course, you need to be able to attend the seminar days on the stated weekends. Please check the course pages for more details. As well as attendance at seminars, you will need to spend at least 3 hours per week on independent research and study.
When does the course start?
All courses begin in September.
What is covered in the diploma?
The virtual and in person courses follow the same curriculum; with each half term being dedicated to a different area:
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Identifying needs
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Planning learning
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Facilitating learning
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Assessing learning
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Evaluating learning
During the course, your teaching practice will need to be observed by a mentor at the place where you are completing your teaching. You’ll need to put into practice things you’re learning on the course and reflect on your practice. There will also be assignments to complete during throughout the course.
How does the course prepare me for teaching?
Our diploma gives you a great underpinning in theory and practice for teaching. Where other courses teach the texts of prominent educators and authors like Matt Bromley and Andy Griffith, we have them teaching their own material directly to you. You can ask them questions and they’ll be able to respond to real challenges you're experiencing in your teaching.
Will I get any 1:1 support?
Yes, you’ll have termly 1:1 tutorials, and have the opportunity to ask any questions along the way. Additionally, if you’re choosing the QTLS + support programme, you will get guided support through your professional formation.
Eligibility
Am I eligible?
Please check our eligibility for the most up to date information. If you have any queries about your qualifications, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
I’m an international student - are my qualifications acceptable?
You don’t need to have UK qualifications to be accepted on the course, but you may need to obtain a UK ENIC certificate to show that your qualifications are equivalent to the requirements of the course.
I don’t have a degree, can I do a teacher training course?
Yes! To register on our Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, you don’t need to have a degree, nor is a degree a requirement to gain QTLS.
QTLS
Will I be qualified to teach in any school?
QTLS status gives legal parity with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), meaning once you hold the status you can teach learners at any age on equal terms and conditions to those with QTS. To continue appearing on the professional register, you need to continue membership with the Society for Education and Training who award QTLS.
Is QTLS as good as QTS?
We don’t consider one to be better than the other. What really matters is the quality of your initial teacher training, and how you prepare and put into practice what you learn through your professional development. We strongly believe we have created a great diploma programme that allows you access to some of the best teacher trainers in the UK and worldwide, and from whom you can learn how to be the best teacher you can be.
Virtual Course
How is the virtual course taught?
The course is taught via live lessons once a week during term time (this means there are no lessons during one week in October, two weeks over Christmas, one week in February, two weeks over Easter, one week in May and no classes during July and August). Each term has a theme and seminars will be delivered by different expert instructors. There are assignments to complete between seminars, as well as independent study, teaching observations and tutorials, much like the in person course. Assignments can be downloaded, live lessons rewatched and work uploaded onto our online learning platform, Canvas.
What’s an online lesson like?
We use a dedicated platform called Canvas for delivering our virtual classroom, which is unlike using online meeting software. You can view both the presenter, what they’re presenting, as well as see other people in the classroom at the same time.
London Course
How does the London course work?
Over the course of the academic year, you’ll be invited to our centre in Canary Wharf, London, to spend the whole weekend in seminars and group work. This is when the majority of the teaching happens. In between weekends, you’ll be able to study and complete homework and module tasks. This is a great option if you work full time and/or have commitments which mean you can’t participate in weekly seminars.
Do you provide accommodation?
No, we don’t provide accommodation or food during the seminar weekends. It’s up to you to book travel, accommodation and purchase food for the duration of your weekend.
Do you provide sponsorship for me to come to the UK to study the London programme?
Unfortunately we cannot provide sponsorship for visas to the UK to study our course. Our aim is to provide high quality teacher training worldwide through our virtual programme.
Studying
How do I submit homework/ module tasks
Homework can be uploaded to our learning management software, Canvas. On Canvas you can see what seminars and lectures are coming up, view past classes and presentations, download and upload module tasks.
Will I be required to do additional reading and research?
Yes, we recommend at least 3 hours of independent study per week, to complete research and write assignments. You’ll have access to Perlego throughout your study - a library of texts you can read on and offline, with handy study tools.
How much time do I need each week to study?
You’ll need to attend the 2.5 hour weekly classes (if studying the virtual programme) or be able to attend the weekend seminars (if taking the London programme). Plus an additional 3 hours a week for independent study.
