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The Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector is designed for those already in a full teaching role, as defined by DIUS regulations, 2007, or intending to enter the profession in that role. The qualification is appropriate for teachers, tutors and trainers who may be working within an FE college, Adult and Community Learning Centre or Learning Provider and for those delivering work based training such as within voluntary, community, private and public organisations. Those who achieve this qualification can use it to claim Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS).

The Diploma gives the learner the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills needed in order to effectively fulfil the full teacher role. This includes the planning and delivering of schemes of work and sessions, exploring a range of different teaching and learning strategies, curriculum development, assessment practices and professional development. Additional optional units are available allowing the candidate to explore areas directly relevant to their own teaching role. 

Teaching practice is a requirement of this qualification.

There are several features of the diploma making it appropriate to the target candidates:

§         OCNW-devised assessment strategy and tasks designed to cover all the assessment criteria within the units

§         The assessment strategy, a combination of the Personal and Professional Practice File (3PF) and assessment tasks, is a distinctive and holistic approach to the assessment requirements of the Diploma and highly relevant to candidates working or intending to work within a wide range of learning environments in the lifelong learning sector

§         Centre-devised assessment tasks are permissible provided they are approved by OCNW before commencement of delivery

§         Can be achieved by pre-service or in-service candidates, part-time or full-time.

To achieve the Diploma there must be evidence of achievement of all the assessment criteria for the appropriate units, according to the rules of combination, together with at least 150 hours of teaching practice, of which there must be at least 8 observations totalling a minimum of 8 hours. Any single observation session must be a minimum of 30 minutes.

Part of the OCNW-devised assessment strategy is the Personal and Professional Practice File (3PF), detailed in the Mandatory Unit booklet.   This is a dynamic document that encourages a holistic approach to the Diploma programme and develops incrementally as the candidate progresses through the Diploma programme.   Units of assessment have been mapped to the 3PF and assessment tasks are included within some units covering all the assessment criteria of the unit and the normal expectation is that these would be completed by candidates. The 3PF and the assessment tasks are designed to meet the needs of candidates working or intending to work within a wide range of learning environments within the Lifelong Learning Sector. Centre-devised assessment tasks are permissible, providing there is a rationale for these; they will need to be approved by OCNW prior to delivery.