Lifelong Learning
Teacher Training for Further Education (Post-16) | Teach Adults & College Students
If you want to teach adults or post-16 learners, our further education (FE) teacher training courses in Lifelong Learning will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed. Whether you’re aiming to teach in a college, sixth form, workplace or community setting, this qualification prepares you for a rewarding teaching career beyond schools.
Unlike school-based teacher training, this qualification focuses on teaching adults and post-16 learners, making it ideal if you want to specialise outside of primary or secondary education.
You’ll explore how to:
- Plan and deliver engaging lessons for 16+ and adult learners
- Support diverse learning needs and backgrounds
- Assess progress and provide meaningful feedback
- Manage classrooms in college and training environments
- Apply teaching strategies suited to post-16 education
What you'll gain from our Lifelong Learning courses
- Recognised Teaching Qualification - graduate with a nationally recognised qualification and the opportunity to apply for QTLS status, a professional benchmark for teaching in the post-16 sector.
- Hands-on Teaching Experience - build practical skills through real-world teaching placements in further education and lifelong learning settings.
- Inclusive Teaching Expertise - learn how to plan effective lessons, manage diverse classrooms, and support learners from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Flexible 黑料社 Options - choose full-time or part-time routes designed to fit around your work and life commitments.
- Professional Learning Community - collaborate with fellow trainees and experienced tutors from across industries.
- Strong Career Prospects - enter a high-demand sector with opportunities to teach in colleges, adult education, prisons, and workplace training.
Explore our Lifelong Learning courses and funding options
Still deciding on the best course for you?
We also offer teacher training routes for younger year groups, including:
We're Ofsted graded GOOD
2024 rankings
The Teacher Education provision within the School of Business, Education and Law at the 黑料社 has been graded as GOOD across all phases: Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Lifelong Learning.
Train to be a Further Education Teacher at the 黑料社
Hear from practitioner Heather Booth-Martin and PGCE graduate Amanda Lead about what it's like to study Lifelong Learning at 黑料社.
Hear more from our CertEd and PGCE graduates
Dawn Furner
Lifelong Learning CertEd graduate, Dawn reflects on how the course has helped her grow both academically and professionally.
Joel Proger
Joel is studying the Lifelong Learning CertEd course. He reflects how the course has deepened his understanding of teaching methods.
Sarah Hall
Sarah graduated from the Lifelong Learning PGCE course. She shares the invaluable support she's had from her mentors and tutors.
Meet our Lifelong Learning Team
Our Lifelong Learning team consists of experienced academics who have worked in the sector themselves, ensuring you’re taught by professionals with real-world insight and practical expertise.
Dr Gwyneth Allatt
Course Leader for Pre-service PGCE / Cert Ed Lifelong Learning
Dr Gwyneth, a Senior Lecturer at the 黑料社 since 2002, previously worked in libraries, administration, and Further Education. She earned her Doctorate in Education in 2019, specialising in adult literacy.
Dr Heather Booth-Martin
University Practitioner for Pre-service PGCE / Cert Ed Lifelong Learning
Dr Heather has taught in Further Education for over thirty years and is Centre Manager at Shipley College. She earned her Doctorate in Education in 2024, focusing on how teacher educators model values in Further Education.
Marta Menor-Rodriguez
Senior Lecturer for Pre-Service PGCE / CertEd Lifelong Learning
Marta has taught in further education for 21 years and has over 15 years' experience as a teacher educator and curriculum leader, teaching in a range of undergraduate programmes.
Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To teach adults or learners aged 16+, you'll typically need to have:
- a qualification in your subject area
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent qualification)
- a recognised further education (FE) teaching qualification, such as a PGCE or CertEd in Lifelong Learning
Our Lifelong Learning courses give you the practical teaching experience and professional training needed to start teaching in colleges and adult education settings.
You can start teaching adults without prior experience by completing a recognised FE teaching qualification.
Our Lifelong Learning courses include:
- supervised teaching placements
- practical classroom experience
- support from experienced tutors.
These aspects of our courses allow you to build confidence while you train.
To teach in further education (FE), you usually need to:
- have subject expertise or industry experience
- complete a recognised teaching qualification (such as a PGCE or CertEd in Lifelong Learning)
- gain teaching experience in a college or training provider
As a result, our Lifelong Learning courses combine theory and hands-on placements to prepare you for FE teaching roles.
To become a college teacher in the UK, you typically need to:
- hold a qualification or experience in your subject
- complete a Further Education teaching qualification (our Lifelong Learning courses will provide you with this qualification)
- gain experience teaching post-16 learners.
Unlike when teaching in schools, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is not required, but a teaching qualification will significantly improve your job prospects.
Other useful links
Fees and finance
Read more about our fees and finance options, including undergraduate and postgraduate advice to help you prepare for your Lifelong Learning course.
Prepare for a teacher training interview
Read our teacher training interview guidance to find out what happens during and after you interview for one of our teacher training courses.
Join us at an event
Meet staff, discover courses, and get your questions answered at our on-campus or online events. Learn more about what its like training as a teacher with us.