The College’s policy on access to this qualification is aligned with that of Pearson, the awarding body:

• they should be available to everyone who is capable of reaching the required standards
• they should be free from any barriers that restrict access and progression
• there should be equal opportunities for all those wishing to access the qualifications.

The College is required to recruit learners to this qualification with integrity and to demonstrate good practice in the use of initial assessment and learning needs analysis. The College will review the applicant’s prior qualifications and/or experience, considering whether this profile shows that they have the potential to achieve the qualification. We recommend all applicants hold a level 5 or higher qualification. Please note applicants with level 3 or 4 in a specialised area may be considered, however, this will impact their teaching placement opportunities and further employment.

Those wishing to join this qualification programme will undertake an interview and an online entry test to assess their level of English and ICT skills. Applicants will be provided with relevant information and advice to make sure the qualification meets their needs.

For learners with disabilities and specific needs, the assessment of their potential to achieve the qualification will identify, where appropriate, the support that will be made available to them during delivery and assessment of the qualification.
Please note that all DET students must be able to meet the requirement for 100 hours of teaching practice plus the requirement for observation and assessment of performance and must realise that, without this, it is impossible to achieve successful completion of the Diploma in Education and Training.

Please note that all DET students must be able to meet the requirement for 100 hours of teaching practice plus the requirement for observation and assessment of performance and must realise that, without this, it is impossible to achieve successful completion of the Diploma in Education and Training.

All applicants are therefore expected to find suitable employment to match their career intentions of teaching students aged 16 plus, in order to be enrolled. The work may be paid or unpaid. The college may agree to provide unpaid employment for suitable candidates intending to teach in the higher education (HE) sector.

In order to work in the education sector, you may require Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and you will be responsible for arranging this. You will not get DBS clearance if you have a criminal record and so are unlikely to get employment in the education sector now or in the future. You must declare all criminal convictions to the college otherwise we cannot advise you properly.

3: Entry Procedure

All applicants must submit all relevant documents in the following checklist to the College with the completed online application form:

• Completed Application form which has been signed on the back
• Passport size photo
• An up-to-date CV
• Passport or other official photo ID
• Qualification certificates
• Next of Kin/ emergency contact phone number and address
• Proof of address which includes your full name and current address
• Proof of residency if you are a non-UK passport holder.

*Recommended- a letter from your employer confirming you are in suitable employment to start your logbook for your teaching hours.

After all the documents have been checked you will be invited for an interview. After the interview, all components of the process are considered, and the student will be informed of the decision, normally within 48 hours.

Applicants to the DET programme should note that your employer must be willing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the college so responsibilities and expectations are agreed upon and clear (more information about this can be found by contacting the admin department).

4: Additional Costs

It is vital that all students have their own up-to-date computer/ laptop and internet for blended learning/assessment/access to online college resources.

All applicants are advised that the fees paid cover the cost of tuition for programme delivery, but there may be additional costs to cover, for example, books if required, stationary, awarding body registration fees, professional body registration fees, and travel costs to events.

See the ‘What happens after completing the DET?’ section below for information about the costs involved in gaining Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS).

5: How is the DET delivered?

The full-time course is delivered as weekly classroom sessions and independent study. Sessions are currently twice a week during the day for eight hours in total.

The part-time course is also delivered as weekly classroom sessions and independent study. Sessions are currently once a week in the evening for three hours.

6: What are the guided learning hours for the DET?

The total guided learning hours for the DET course is 360 plus 100 hours teaching. Full-time students should complete the DET in 12 months, and part-time students should complete in two years.

7: What about my existing qualifications?

At The City College we have a variety of course options available depending on the prior knowledge of our learners. If you feel you already hold a certificate that would mean you were exempt from completing a part of the DET Diploma, our course advisers will be able to confirm this for you.

8: What happens after completing the course?

Once you have completed the DET Course, your portfolio will be sent for a final external verification. Once this process has been completed you can become employed in a full-time teaching role and apply for your Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS) with the Society for Education & Training (SET).

You need to become a member of the SET to apply for QTLS status. There is a fee for membership of the SET and a fee for applying for QTLS, both of which you will need to pay. Further information can be found at https://set.et-foundation.co.uk/