This career is open to graduates in all subjects relevant to FE courses.
Entry without a degree, but with relevant work experience, may be possible in some vocational areas, but most new entrants are now graduates.
All lecturers must have Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status - there are several routes to acquiring QTLS status, depending on your experience and academic qualifications.
If you have the appropriate background, it is often possible to begin lecturing and work towards gaining QTLS status by studying part time. Part of the requirement for acquiring QTLS status is registration with the Institute for Learning.
Courses leading to QTLS status are delivered at universities and FE colleges and by City & Guilds. GCSE grade A-C or equivalent in English and maths may be required for entry to training courses.
To work as a HE lecturer, undergraduate and doctoral degrees relevant to the post are required, along with: demonstrable experience of teaching; the ability to produce original research for peers; and early publication of academic work.
Entry without a degree is not possible and entry without a PhD is difficult. However, for more vocational or specialised courses, expertise in that field may be just as valuable as a PhD.