Course Overview
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training offers you a first step toward teaching at post-16 adult level, or to a career in the training sector.
Are you considering a career teaching adults, or do you train others as part of your role at work, in the community, or in a voluntary capacity? With our Level 3 Award in Education and Training* online course you will discover how to plan, deliver and assess effective learning to engage and inform adult learners.
Our Level 3 Award in Education and Training course uses online materials that enable you to explore the latest best practice in planning, delivery, assessment and record keeping. You’ll build a portfolio of evidence that includes learning plans, observations and evaluations. You’ll prepare a video and a learning session which will be marked by your tutor.
You don’t need to be working in a training/education role to complete our Level 3 Award in Education and Training online course, as it focuses on your personal experience of teaching and learning.
Our Award in Education and Training Level 3 online course is ideal if you:
- want to work in post-16 teaching, or adult education
- would like to pursue a career in the training sector
- are not yet in a teaching role (pre-service) or have just begun a role
- prefer a qualification that does not require teaching practice
- have training responsibilities at work and want to improve your approach
- coach or train people at a sport, voluntary or community club
- want to understand key techniques and best practice in education and training.
If you need a flexible training solution that fits around your lifestyle and leads to a nationally-recognised qualification, take the first step on your journey to teaching and training adults.
* The Level 3 Award in Education and Training replaces Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS).
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Distance learning that fits around you
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1:1 tutor support
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Nationally recognised qualification
Level 3 Award in Education and Training at a glance
If you’re an aspiring adult education teacher or trainer the Level 3 Award in Education and Training opens up a pathway of TQUK courses (part of the RQF Framework), which will enable you to progress in this rewarding field.
This course is accredited by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK)
- A good command of basic English.
- At least 19 years of age.
- A relevant vocational or academic qualification of at least the level above that of the learners you plan to teach.
- Ideally, a minimum of a Level 3 qualification in your chosen area of specialism.
- An ability to read and write in English.
No additional set texts required.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to six months from your date of enrolment.
Your progress will be evaluated through four assignments, including a microteach session.
You will create a portfolio of evidence using different formats including:
- learning plans
- observation
- evaluation
- practical observation by video
You need to complete the micro-teach assessment in order to gain the full TQUK qualification. If you are unable to meet the micro-teach requirements, you can gain TQUK unit accreditation for units relating to:
- Section 1): Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships
- Section 2): Assessment in Education and Training
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 48-61 study hours, plus assignment time.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Optional extras:
This course is entirely self-contained so no additional textbooks are required. However, you may find it helpful to purchase the following text for additional reading:
Achieving Your Award in Education and Training: A Practical Guide to Successful Teaching in the Further Education and Skills Sector, by M Francis and J Gould, SAGE Publications Ltd, Third Edition (12 August 2014).
This course is accredited by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK)
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 48-61 study hours, plus assignment time.
You will create a portfolio of evidence using different formats including:
- learning plans
- observation
- evaluation
- practical observation by video
You need to complete the micro-teach assessment in order to gain the full TQUK qualification. If you are unable to meet the micro-teach requirements, you can gain TQUK unit accreditation for units relating to:
- Section 1): Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships
- Section 2): Assessment in Education and Training
No additional set texts required.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to six months from your date of enrolment.
Your progress will be evaluated through four assignments, including a microteach session.
- A good command of basic English.
- At least 19 years of age.
- A relevant vocational or academic qualification of at least the level above that of the learners you plan to teach.
- Ideally, a minimum of a Level 3 qualification in your chosen area of specialism.
- An ability to read and write in English.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Optional extras:
This course is entirely self-contained so no additional textbooks are required. However, you may find it helpful to purchase the following text for additional reading:
Achieving Your Award in Education and Training: A Practical Guide to Successful Teaching in the Further Education and Skills Sector, by M Francis and J Gould, SAGE Publications Ltd, Third Edition (12 August 2014).
This course is accredited by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK)
- A good command of basic English.
- At least 19 years of age.
- A relevant vocational or academic qualification of at least the level above that of the learners you plan to teach.
- Ideally, a minimum of a Level 3 qualification in your chosen area of specialism.
- An ability to read and write in English.
No additional set texts required.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to six months from your date of enrolment.
Your progress will be evaluated through four assignments, including a microteach session.
You will create a portfolio of evidence using different formats including:
- learning plans
- observation
- evaluation
- practical observation by video
You need to complete the micro-teach assessment in order to gain the full TQUK qualification. If you are unable to meet the micro-teach requirements, you can gain TQUK unit accreditation for units relating to:
- Section 1): Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships
- Section 2): Assessment in Education and Training
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 48-61 study hours, plus assignment time.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Optional extras:
This course is entirely self-contained so no additional textbooks are required. However, you may find it helpful to purchase the following text for additional reading:
Achieving Your Award in Education and Training: A Practical Guide to Successful Teaching in the Further Education and Skills Sector, by M Francis and J Gould, SAGE Publications Ltd, Third Edition (12 August 2014).
Why study the Award in Education and Training
Future opportunities
- Working as an ‘Associate Teacher’ at post-16 level.
- Working towards a full PGCE qualification.
- Progressing to other teaching, training, assessment and quality assurance qualifications with TQUK, at Certificate or Diploma level.
The Award in Education and Training Level 3 taster
This free PDF taster provides an example of a topic from the course.
Download your free taster today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about the course.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £629 (excl. registration fee) |
| Deposit | £62.90 |
| Amount of credit | £566.10 |
| Monthly payment | £47.18 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £629 (excl. registration fee) |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor.
All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
Talk to one of our course advisors
Unsure whether online self-study is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you.
If you’re planning to apply to university, and doing this course as part of your preparation, please be aware of application deadlines.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
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