Further education lecturer
Career outlook for further education lecturer
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£24,000
£24,000
Experienced
£40,000
£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
Environment
Travel
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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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.