Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training

What is this qualification?

The overall aims of the Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training is to develop a learner’s practical teaching skills and prepare them to work in a wide range of educational and training contexts.

The Level 4 qualification has a total of 120 credits. Completing the Level 5 Extended Diploma has a value of 240 credits. This is equivalent to a Foundation Degree and as such allows access to the final year at one of our university partners for a related Honours Degree.

The Level 4 units introduce relevant education and training principles and practices. These units include both theoretical and practical content, and learners will be able to gain knowledge and skills in the areas of education and training programme design, learner engagement, and planning and monitoring their own work as well as evaluating the quality of education and training provision. They will also learn about the importance of reflecting on their current practice, identifying their own learning needs and professional development.

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 4 diploma suits people who already teach or train and want a recognised qualification with assessed practice in education and training.

Level 4 is equivalent to Year 1 of a UK bachelor's degree (Certificate of Higher Education).

• Study fully online with tutor support from Education Training, with no fixed timetable.
• Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.
• Each level leads directly to the next: Level 3 Award, Level 4 Certificate, Level 5 Diploma.

Qualification structure and units

The qualification totals 120 credits. Unit details are published in the Qualifi specification.

Source: Qualifi qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 610/3647/X.

How you study

Standard study plan: 6 Months; extended plan: 9 Months.

At Education Training the qualification is delivered online: you receive the materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit work when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

Where the qualification requires teaching or assessment practice, you complete the hours in your own workplace or on an agreed placement and log them in your portfolio.

How you are assessed

Units are assessed through written assignments and, where the qualification requires it, observed teaching or assessment practice. Work is marked by the centre and externally verified by Qualifi. There are no examinations.

Entry requirements

It is envisaged that learners entering the Level 4 Diploma will have a Level 3 qualification. Learners entering the Level 5 Diploma will have a Level 4 qualification.

Qualifi publishes its full entry requirements for this qualification on its own page.

Fees and payment plans

A £10 enrolment fee is paid with the application. Fees include tuition, learning materials, assignment marking and the awarding-body certificate. Prices correct as of 23 October 2026.

Refund policy · Complaints procedure

What is included

Progression and career routes

QUALIFI Level 5 Diploma in related areas.

QUALIFI Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (603/6055/0)

Bachelor’s degree second year.

Employment in an associated profession.

Related job profiles on the National Careers Service (pay, hours and entry routes are published there):

• Further education lecturer
• Training manager

How this qualification compares

Figures below come from Education Training's own catalogue and enquiry records, not from estimates; each carries the date it was calculated.

Level 4 Education and Training qualifications compared (as of 23 October 2026)

Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: 36 credits, TQT hours, 12 units; Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training: 120 credits, TQT hours, 6 units

Education and Training progression ladder (Levels 3–5) (as of 23 October 2026)

Level 3: Level 3 Award in Education and Training → Level 4: Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training / the qualification → Level 5: Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training / Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training

Mandatory and optional units across Level 4 Education and Training qualifications (as of 23 October 2026)

Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: 6 mandatory, 6 optional; the qualification: 6 mandatory, 0 optional

Regulated qualifications offered by Education Training, by level (as of 23 October 2026)

Level 2: 1 qualification; Level 3: 7 qualifications; Level 4: 14 qualifications; Level 5: 13 qualifications; Level 6: 3 qualifications; Level 7: 4 qualifications (42 in total)

Awarding body and regulation

This qualification is awarded by Qualifi, an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual. Its qualification number is 610/3647/X — view the entry on the Ofqual register. Education Training is an approved centre: we deliver and assess the qualification, Qualifi verifies our assessment decisions and issues the certificate. Read about Qualifi recognition.

How to apply

Pay the £10 enrolment fee when you submit your application (separate from the course fee).

1. Apply online
   Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Tell us about your current role and qualifications; pay the £10 enrolment fee to complete enrolment when prompted.
2. Course activation
   Once you enrol, we email your course activation link within 24 hours.
3. Course fee
   Admissions email a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan (usually within one working day). There is no fixed intake date.

Progression path

1. Level 3 Award
2. →
3. Level 4 Diploma
4. →
5. Level 5 Diploma

Related pages

• Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training Management
• Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
• Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

Browse every Education and Training qualification or all Level 4 qualifications.