Bradford College

Enrolment Dates

Course Overview

This is a one year full-time course that meets the qualification requirements for QTLS (Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills) status and is 120 Credits. The qualification contains within it the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Sector (DTLLS), which is the nationally-recognised qualification for working in the lifelong learning/post compulsory sector. It is endorsed by the Institute for Learning the professional body for teachers and trainers. You will be assigned a mentor who will help guide you and support you in developing your teaching and learning skills. You will be observed teaching by your tutor and your mentor and the feedback you receive will further improve your practice and build your confidence. You can achieve progress onto a BA in Lifelong Learning which takes a further 3 years part-time.

If you are intending to become a Skills for Life Tutor teaching Numeracy, Literacy or ESOL you can incorporate the Level 5 Additional Diploma alongside the Postgraduate Diploma. This is the specialist qualification you need to teach in these subject areas.
 

Course Structure

Full details of the course structure will be provided at the interview stage and this is meant as a guide only. You will normally be expected to attend formal taught sessions between one and two evenings per week. The academic year will start with a three week block of full-time study to give you the grounding you need to begin a teaching practice placement. In addition you will need to be available for at least three days per week to fulfil the requirements of your teaching practice. Your teaching contact time will increase as the academic year progresses, starting at four hours per week and ending up at between eight and ten hours per week.

Modules Covered

Core Modules:

• Preparing to Teach and Planning for Learning in the Lifelong Learning Sector.
• Theories and Principles for Planning and Enabling Learning.
• Assessment for Learning.
• Developing Professional Practice.
• Curriculum Design for Inclusive Practice.
• Teaching a Specialist subject.
• Work based Practice.
• Level 5 Additional Diplomas (Numeracy, Literacy and ESOL).

If you decide to undertake study for an Additional Diploma in a Skills for Life subject you will take three Specialist Modules rather than choosing from the above Optional Modules.

Learning Methods

We use a strong element of work-based learning to make sure your studies can be directly applied to your teaching practice. For the first part of the course we focus on the development of teaching and learning skills and developing knowledge of your sector. This will equip you with the necessary skills to enter the classroom with confidence. A personal tutor will offer you support and guidance, along with the course tutor and team.

Teaching Methods

You will be taught in classroom sessions using a variety of teaching methods but with the emphasis on active learning. These sessions will help you to work with other teachers. Specific Modules will also demand workplace-based assessment tasks, for example, the observation of an experienced teacher.

 

Assessment

Each Module has its own unique assessment which can take many different forms including essays, individual and group presentations or portfolios. These will draw upon your experience and knowledge gained as part of your work placement as well as your own studies. All assessments are supported by your module tutor. Additional learning support is offered to develop your writing and study skills.

 

Work Placement/Fieldwork

Placement will vary according to your chose specialist subject. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced lecturers and you will have a mentor who will provide you with advice and support. Placements will be negotiated with the manager responsible for where you will be working but you would normally be expected to be available for up to three days per week for teaching practice in addition to your academic study time.
 

What`s Next?

You can continue academic study with a part-time BA in Lifelong Learning sector. You will have a full teaching qualification which will enable you to apply for jobs in the sector.

Did You Know?

Your future career will be built on a solid foundation of the highest academic standards of teaching and learning – as many of our teaching staff are experts in their fields.

We also offer a PCET Postgraduate Diploma in Training for Teachers and Lecturers in Further and Higher Education for Honours graduates.
 

Additional Costs

For those taking the Additional Qualification in Numeracy, Literacy or ESOL there is an additional cost for one module.
 

Entry Requirements

Level 3 qualification in the subject you intend teaching.You should also have significant work experience in the area in which you wish to teach. This depends on the subject/vocational area.

You should have Level 2 qualifications in English or Literacy and a good level of spoken English. You should also ideally have a level 2 Numeracy or Mathematics qualification although you can achieve this while on the course if necessary.

If you wish to teach Literacy, Numeracy or ESOL you must have have a Level 3 qualification in that subject area (A level or Level 3 Key Skills) and a further assessment of your personal skills will be required.

Ideally you should have some voluntary experience of teaching and the ability to communicate with and motivate your learners. You must pass an interview selection process which will demonstrate a proven commitment to teaching adults as a career.

Did you know?

We were delighted that the QAA's Integrated Quality and Enhancement Review (IQER), carried out in January 2010 concluded that they had 'Confidence' (the highest judgement possible) in the quality of our Higher Education provision.

For further details read the summary report