Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training
The Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training is a comprehensive UK-regulated qualification designed for individuals seeking to develop or enhance their careers in teaching and training. This diploma equips learners with the essential knowledge, pedagogical understanding, and practical teaching skills needed to deliver effective learning in a wide range of post-16 education and training contexts.
Awarded by Qualifi, an Ofqual-recognised awarding body, this qualification provides both theoretical foundations and hands-on teaching experience, ensuring learners are prepared to meet the professional standards expected within the education and training sector. It is suitable for those teaching in further education colleges, adult education centres, private training providers, workplace learning programmes, and community-based education initiatives.
Why Choose this Qualification
The Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training offers a well-rounded and professionally recognised route into teaching and training within further and adult education. Whether you’re just beginning your teaching journey or already working in the education sector, this qualification provides the tools and recognition you need to grow. Here’s why this diploma is a valuable choice:
• UK-Regulated and Globally Recognised
Awarded by Qualifi, and regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), this diploma is widely respected by employers, training providers, and academic institutions around the world.
• Comprehensive and Practical Curriculum
The qualification blends educational theory with real-world application, covering areas such as:
• Principles of teaching and learning
• Inclusive and differentiated instruction
• Curriculum and course planning
• Assessment of learner progress
• Reflective teaching and continuous improvement
• Professional Teaching Practice
Learners complete a minimum of 30 hours of real teaching and are observed in practice, ensuring they gain first-hand experience and confidence in leading learning environments.
• Suitable for Diverse Education Settings
This diploma prepares you to teach in various post-compulsory settings, such as:
• Further education and sixth form colleges
• Adult education and community centres
• Corporate and workplace training
• Private and vocational training providers
• Flexible Learning Options
Offered through online, blended, and face-to-face formats, this qualification is accessible to full-time professionals, part-time learners, and individuals balancing work and study.
• Clear Pathway for Career Progression
Graduates can:
• Take on roles such as lecturer, adult educator, or workplace trainer
• Progress to the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
• Work towards QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status via professional bodies like the Society for Education and Training
• No Requirement for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Unlike school-based teaching, this diploma allows you to teach in many education sectors without requiring QTS, making it a more accessible route for many aspiring educators.
• Develops Essential Teaching Competencies
You’ll gain critical skills in:
• Lesson planning and delivery
• Managing diverse classrooms
• Motivating and supporting learners
• Evaluating learning outcomes and adapting strategies
• Enhances Employability and Credibility
Holding a formal teaching qualification significantly improves your professional profile and opens doors to more stable and higher-paying roles in education and training.
• Supportive Learning Environment
Learners benefit from:
• Expert tutor guidance
• Practical teaching support
• Structured feedback and reflection tools
• Access to high-quality learning materials
Choosing the Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training not only equips you with the qualifications to teach but also empowers you to become a thoughtful, adaptable, and impactful educator ready to contribute meaningfully to the world of learning.
Course Overview
Ofqual Regulated Qualification
Course Level: 4
Average Completion Time:
6-12 Months
Study Units: 9 Units
Evidence & Assignment Based
Qualification Structure
The Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training qualification consists of 6 mandatory units of 120 credits for the completed qualification.
- Fundamentals of Education and Training
- Design of Education and Training Resources
- Engaging Learners
- Developing a Work Plan
- Programme Evaluation in Education and Training
- Professional Development and Reflective Practice
Who Should Take This Course
The Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training is tailored for individuals who aspire to build a career in teaching or training, as well as those already involved in education who seek a formal, regulated qualification to enhance their skills and credentials. This course is especially suited for:
• Aspiring Teachers and Educators
Those who are new to the field of education and wish to gain a recognised qualification that provides the foundational knowledge and teaching practice required to begin a career in further or adult education.
• Current Teaching Practitioners
Professionals already working as instructors, trainers, or tutors who want to formalise their experience with a regulated UK teaching qualification and enhance their classroom effectiveness.
• Vocational and Industry Experts
Skilled professionals from fields such as IT, business, healthcare, engineering, or trades who wish to transition into teaching or training roles within their area of expertise.
• Corporate and Workplace Trainers
Employees responsible for delivering internal training, onboarding, or professional development in corporate, government, or non-profit settings who want to strengthen their instructional skills.
• Adult and Community Learning Facilitators
Individuals working in adult education programmes, literacy initiatives, or community learning environments who seek structured teaching methodologies and formal qualifications.
• Freelance Tutors and Private Educators
Tutors providing one-on-one or small group instruction who wish to develop a deeper understanding of educational theory, learner assessment, and inclusive practices.
• Career Changers
Professionals looking to switch to a rewarding career in education and training, and who want a practical, recognised entry point into the teaching profession.
• International Educators
Teachers and trainers outside the UK seeking to gain a UK-regulated diploma that enhances their global teaching qualifications and employment prospects.
Whether you are entering education for the first time or looking to strengthen your teaching practice, the Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training offers a solid academic and practical platform for long-term professional growth in the education sector.
Course Benefits
The Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training offers a powerful combination of academic theory and hands-on teaching experience. It is designed to prepare educators to confidently plan, deliver, and assess effective learning across a wide variety of education and training environments. This diploma supports both personal development and professional advancement. Key benefits of the course include:
• Globally Respected UK-Regulated Qualification
Awarded by Qualifi and regulated by Ofqual, this diploma holds strong recognition across the UK and internationally. It demonstrates to employers and institutions that you possess credible, standardised teaching competencies.
• Strong Foundation in Teaching and Learning
Learners develop essential teaching skills such as:
• Lesson and curriculum planning
• Assessment and feedback methods
• Creating inclusive learning environments
• Motivating and managing learners
• Adapting instruction to meet diverse learning needs
• Real-World Teaching Practice
With a minimum of 30 hours of practical teaching experience, learners apply what they learn in actual classroom or training settings. Teaching observations ensure learners can perform confidently and professionally in front of a group.
• Flexible Study Options
The qualification is available in online, blended, or in-person formats, making it ideal for full-time workers, parents, or career changers seeking to study at their own pace.
• Suitable for Diverse Education and Training Settings
This diploma prepares learners to work in:
• Further education colleges
• Adult education centres
• Vocational and skills-based training institutes
• Private training organisations
• Workplace learning and professional development programmes
• No Requirement for QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
Unlike school teaching qualifications, this diploma does not require QTS, making it accessible to those who wish to teach in non-compulsory education sectors.
• Boosts Employability and Career Growth
Holding a regulated Level 4 teaching diploma enhances your CV and opens doors to roles such as:
• Trainer or Instructor
• Adult Education Teacher
• Vocational Skills Tutor
• Teaching Assistant or Learning Facilitator
It also provides a foundation for future progression to Level 5 or even a teaching-related degree.
• Encourages Reflective and Inclusive Practice
The course helps you become a thoughtful and inclusive educator, capable of adapting your methods to support learners from different backgrounds, abilities, and needs.
• Supports Personal Fulfilment and Confidence
By equipping you with effective teaching tools and a deeper understanding of how people learn, this diploma builds your confidence, effectiveness, and satisfaction as an educator.
• Pathway to Higher-Level Teaching Qualifications
After successful completion, learners can progress to the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, which can lead to QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) recognition.
Whether you’re stepping into the teaching profession or building on existing experience, the Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training gives you the qualifications, confidence, and capabilities to lead learning successfully and professionally.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure that learners are well-prepared for the academic and practical aspects of the Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
• Minimum Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrolment.
• Academic Qualifications
Candidates are typically expected to hold:
• A Level 3 qualification (such as A-Levels, NVQ Level 3, or an equivalent diploma)
• A high school diploma or international equivalent may also be accepted, depending on the institution
• English Language Proficiency
Since the course is taught and assessed in English, learners should be able to demonstrate sufficient English language skills through one of the following:
• IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent qualification
• Previous education delivered in English
• Internal English assessment conducted by the training centre (if applicable)
• Teaching Practice Requirement
Learners must have access to a real teaching environment and meet the following conditions:
• Deliver a minimum of 30 hours of teaching during the course
• Be observed for at least 3 teaching sessions by a qualified assessor
• Engage with actual learners in a recognised learning or training setting
• Subject Knowledge or Professional Experience
Applicants should possess a reasonable level of knowledge or experience in the subject or vocational area they intend to teach. This helps ensure that learners can plan, deliver, and assess subject-specific content effectively.
• Commitment and Motivation
As this is a professional-level qualification, learners are expected to:
• Be motivated and organised
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in education and training
• Commit to meeting deadlines and completing teaching requirements
• Additional Documentation
Some training centres may request:
• A personal statement
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• References or proof of professional experience (especially for mature learners)
Meeting these eligibility criteria ensures that learners can successfully engage with both the theoretical and practical components of the diploma and gain the full benefit of the programme. Individual training centres may have specific entry processes or additional support services to assess learner readiness.
The Qualification Process
The Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training follows a structured qualification process designed to equip learners with theoretical knowledge, practical teaching experience, and professional skills necessary to deliver effective instruction in post-compulsory education and training environments. The qualification process includes the following key stages:
• Application and Admission
Learners begin by applying through an approved Qualifi training centre, where they are required to:
• Submit academic qualifications (typically Level 3 or equivalent)
• Provide evidence of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5 or equivalent)
• Present a personal statement and/or CV
• Demonstrate access to a teaching or training environment for completing the practical components
• Enrolment and Orientation
Once admitted, learners are officially enrolled and provided with:
• A course handbook or welcome pack
• Access to learning platforms and digital resources
• An overview of course units, assessment methods, and tutor support
• Guidance on how to complete the 30 hours of required teaching practice
• Programme Delivery
The course is delivered through various learning formats including:
• Online, blended, or face-to-face classes
• Tutor-led sessions and webinars
• Independent study and reading
• Group discussions and peer feedback
Throughout the course, learners study a range of core units such as:
• Roles, responsibilities, and relationships in education
• Planning to meet the needs of learners
• Delivering education and training
• Assessing learners
• Managing behaviour and maintaining a safe environment
• Tutor Support and Learning Materials
Learners receive support from qualified tutors, along with:
• Learning guides, assessment templates, and academic resources
• Feedback on assignments and teaching practice
• Opportunities to engage in reflective practice and professional development
• Teaching Practice Requirement
A crucial part of the qualification involves practical teaching. Learners must:
• Complete at least 30 hours of teaching in a real educational setting
• Plan and deliver structured sessions
• Use inclusive teaching strategies
• Maintain a teaching log and gather learner feedback
• Teaching Observations
Learners are observed teaching by a qualified assessor on at least 3 occasions. Observations are used to evaluate:
• Lesson delivery and planning
• Learner engagement and interaction
• Classroom management and use of resources
• Adaptation to learner needs
• Assessment and Coursework
Assessment is based entirely on coursework, with no formal written exams. Learners are required to:
• Complete written assignments and reflective journals
• Submit lesson plans, teaching materials, and assessment records
• Compile a comprehensive portfolio of evidence documenting their learning and teaching practice
• Internal and External Quality Assurance
All submitted work is:
• Internally assessed and verified by the training provider
• Externally reviewed and quality-assured by Qualifi, ensuring compliance with Ofqual standards and consistent assessment practices
• Certification and Award
Upon successful completion of all units and teaching requirements, learners are awarded the Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training, a recognised qualification on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
• Progression Pathways
Graduates of this diploma can:
• Advance to the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
• Work toward QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status
• Apply for roles such as lecturer, vocational tutor, corporate trainer, or adult education instructor
• Pursue further academic qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree in education or training
This qualification process is designed to develop reflective, competent, and confident educators equipped to meet the challenges of modern teaching environments across diverse sectors.
