What are the advantages of studying a DET course?
What is a DET Course?
DET course or Diploma in Education and Training, formerly known as the DTTLS (Diploma to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector), is a Level 5 professional course that is developed and accredited by the SET (Society for Education and Training). It is designed for candidates who are performing a full-time or part-time teaching role. After the successful completion of the course, a candidate will be able to gain a Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills or QTLS status. This is a full teaching award achieved in lifelong learning and is recognized nationally.
The DET qualification is similar to the Certificate in Education that is within the FHEQ (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications). It is regarded as a Level 5 award having 120 credits. This diploma course consists of Part 1 and Part 2, and one must have completed at least 100 hours of teaching before applying for the DET program.
A candidate will be assessed over the two years of study on a continuous basis. Each of the modules will be assessed through assignments, including projects, reports, case studies and essays. You will be producing a professional development portfolio that focuses on an enhanced teaching or training practice that involves performing lesson observations. The 2nd year would be a mix of classroom attendance as well as online work.
Who Can Study a DET Course?
A DET qualification is most beneficial for –
- Those who are passionate and eager to move ahead with their working career as a trainer or teacher in further education or the skill sector.
- Candidates who are capable of working with their learners in face-to-face interactive sessions.
- Students who have recently started their career as a teacher or trainer.
- Teachers or trainers who are seeking a suitable career in their field of work.
- Applicants who are assessors and are willing to achieve training or teaching qualifications.
After the successful completion of a DET course, a candidate will be able to do the following –
- Provide professional teaching, learning, and assessment in training and education.
- Propagate theories, principles, and models in education and training DET course.
- Develop comprehensive professional knowledge and skills with practice in education and training.
Entry Requirements of a DET Course
The minimum entry requirements for a DET course include:
- a minimum of 100 hours of teaching experience
- GCSEs in English language and/or in Mathematics at Grades 9-4 or A*-C.
- Level 3 skills or equivalent in case he or she is taking some units in teaching numeracy or literacy.
- Level 3 personal skills in English and Level 2 skills in Mathematics.
- good IT skills and you must be familiar with the major Office tools like Word Processing, Presentation, etc.
- name and contact details of an experienced or senior professional who would be able to act as the subject specialist mentor of the candidate throughout the course duration. The role of the mentor is to support the growth and development of the candidate’s subject specialist teaching skills. This would include performing a teaching assessment and observation for the candidate each year.
- There are some non-academic requirements as well, in which a candidate needs to undergo a current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. An applicant also needs to provide a declaration of his/her criminal convictions.
Additional Entry Requirements
- The candidate must have access to 50 paid teaching hours each year (voluntary would also be considered). One would be teaching a minimum of 5 groups (on an occasion of 12 or more) of mixed learners of varying abilities and levels. Ideally, a candidate is expected to have been an active tutor for a minimum of 3 months before he/she joins a DET course.
- You must have completed the application form, with valid evidence of your qualifications.
- You have completed the reference and support form and have submitted a letter from your employer.
- You have attended an information or interview session wherein you will be provided with an initial literacy assessment.
Career Opportunities after Completing a DET Course
A DET course will provide you with a minimum of 120 credits, which is divided into four primary units. If a candidate already has CTLLS or CET qualifications, then he or she will be required to do only three of the following four units.
- Developing teaching, learning, and assessment in education and training.
- Teaching and learning along with assessment in education and training.
- Principles, models, and theories in education and training.
- Development and a broader professional practice in education and training.
After you complete the course, you will be able to develop skills that would enhance your teaching and learning skills. You will also be capable of using constructive reflection to improve your continuing professional development.
The topics covered by the Level 5 Diploma course include –
- Identifying, supporting, and meeting individual learner’s needs
- Learning theories
- Curriculum design
- Economic and political influences in the lifelong learning sector
- Behavior management
- Effective assessment
- Reflective thinking
After completing a DET course, you will be able to teach in the lifelong learning sector and make some really good income. There are opportunities to get into the post-16 sector without having a teaching qualification, but most employers do expect one. The DET course is considered in the UK and equivalent to the 2nd year of a Bachelor’s Degree.
You will also have the chance to apply for QTLS status through the Education and Training Foundation. An individual having a QTLS status and an Education and Training Foundation membership is automatically recognized as a qualified teacher. You will also be able to move ahead towards obtaining a BA Hons or a Master’s degree in education.