Posted by: CTC Training
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT) and the PGCE are both initial teacher training qualifications used to progress into a teaching career. They are two separate qualifications, each with their own price, duration, advantages and disadvantages, but both will be recognised by employers as valid teaching qualifications.
Which qualification you choose to earn will depend largely on personal preference. In this article, we take a look at the differences between the DIT and the PGCE to help you make the right decision.
What does the DIT allow you to do?
The Diploma in Teaching (DIT) provides you with all the skills you need to become a teacher in post-16 education. It also allows you to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which is equivalent to qualified teacher status (QTS) and will allow you to teach in schools.
What does the PGCE allow me to do?
The PGCE is a postgraduate qualification that gives you qualified teacher status (QTS).
Essentially, the DIT leads to QTLS status and the PGCE leads to QTS status. The QTS and the QTLS are equivalent and will allow you to teach in schools.
How long does it take to achieve the DIT?
The DIT takes approximately one year to complete if doing full time or two years to complete if doing part time. The course also requires a teaching placement of at least 250 hours, with at least 150 hours dedicated to teaching practice. A minimum of 80 hours of this should be face-to-face teaching and a minimum of 20 hours should be remote delivery.
How long does it take to achieve the PGCE?
The PGCE takes approximately one year to complete if doing full time or two years to complete if doing part time. The course requires a minimum of 100 hours of teaching practice and to be observed eight times in the classroom.
How much does the DIT cost?
The Level 5 DIT typically costs in the region of £1500-£2500.
How much does the PGCE cost?
The PGCE typically costs around £6000.
Is there an advantage to choosing one over the other?
The main advantages of earning the DIT are the time and money saved compared to earning a PGCE. The DIT is considerably cheaper and does not require you to have earned the Level 3 AET or the Level 4 CET before enrolling.
Plus, PGCEs tend to be studied on campus on a set schedule, whereas the DIT can be completed from home on a schedule that suits you.
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT) can be earned through CTC Training’s online learning platform. At CTC Training, we provide competitive prices, tutor support and a 24/7 student portal that allows you to access course content and upload assessments on a schedule that suits you.
Unlock your potential today. Enrol on the Level 5 DIT today or contact our team for more information.
About CTC Training
CTC Training provides professional development and education courses for businesses and individual learners. They are market leaders in online learning. CTC Training's wide range of courses offer valuable qualifications in areas such as education, assessment and vocational training.
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