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Further education lecturer

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Career outlook for further education lecturer

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£24,000

Experienced

£40,000

Currently employed in Scotland

9,000

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would help teenagers and adults learn new skills and get qualifications to improve their job prospects.

You could work in colleges, community centres, prisons and the armed forces.

You would teach students over the age of 16. You might also work with some 14 to 16 year-olds studying work-related subjects.

There are different types of courses taught by further education lecturers, for example:

  • Academic subjects, like maths and English - often leading to qualifications such as standard grades or Highers
  • Vocational courses that train students for careers such as catering, construction or childcare - often leading to qualifications
  • Diplomas offered in colleges or partner schools
  • Leisure and hobby courses, such as photography

Depending on the subject you teach, you would use a variety of teaching methods, such as seminars, tutorials and demonstrations.

You would:

  • Plan and prepare lessons or seminars
  • Set and mark assignments, tests and exams
  • Monitor and assess students’ progress
  • Develop new courses and teaching materials
  • Keep records and carry out other administrative tasks
  • Go to meetings, professional development courses and workshops
  • Interview prospective students
  • Act as personal tutor - supporting students and helping with problems
  • Supervise practical work, work placements or field trips

You could teach full-time, part-time (day or evening) or day release courses.

You’d need to have patience and a sense of humour and be able to relate well to students of all ages and abilities.

Working conditions

Hours

You would usually work up to 37 hours a week, with about 25 teaching hours. You could also be on a permanent contract to teach for part of the week (known as ‘permanent fractional’) or do part-time non-permanent work, like teaching evening or daytime leisure courses.

Environment

You could be based in a classroom, workshop or laboratory, depending on the subject you teach.

Travel

You might need to travel during your working day, for instance to accompany students on field trips or assess students in the workplace.

UK employment status

Full-time

57%

Part-time

37%

Self employed

5%

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  • Supporting
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Empathising
  • Respecting
  • Social conscience
  • Ethical
  • Coaching
  • Mentoring
  • Motivating others

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

Your route into this job will depend on the subject you intend to teach:

  • If it is an academic subject then a degree is required (SCQF level9/10).
  • If it is a vocational subject then a related degree, or Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) is expected together with industry or commercial experience.

Many lecturers start their careers on a part-time basis before gaining full time employment.

It is recommended by the Scottish Government that college lecturers gain relevant professional qualifications such as the Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE); you usually require a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) or equivalent qualifications for entry.

Once in the job you can gain a Professional Development Award (PDA) in Teaching Practice in Scotland's Colleges (SCQF level 9) if you do not already have relevant qualifications.

Useful subjects

Most courses require:

  • English
  • Maths
  • ICT
  • Science subjects

You will also need

To pass a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure check

Helpful to have

A teaching qualification is useful but not essential.

Qualifications and experience that show training, presention or teaching skills such as a in Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Learning and Development (SVQ level 3/4) may be of value.