Principles of Teaching and Learning Univ Dip

Undergraduate diploma

Take the next step in your education and training career with our fully online Level 5 University Diploma in Principles of Teaching and Learning. This flexible course blends academic theory, hands-on experience and professional growth to prepare you for success in teaching and training roles.

Key facts about your online degree

How you'll study

This course is studied 100% online

Course length

Study over 1 year

Start dates

Start in January, May or September

Application deadline

Our next deadline is 26th March 2026

Fees: £5,600

Payment plans available

Gold Standard Education

Gold rated for Teaching Excellence (2023)

Course overview

The Level 5 University Diploma in Principles of Teaching and Learning is designed for aspiring educators, current teaching professionals and career changers entering the education and training sector. This 100% online course offers a flexible, comprehensive route into teaching and also supports those in learning and development roles who want to enhance their instructional skills or progress towards qualifications such as QTLS. You’ll explore how people learn, how learning is assessed and how subject knowledge connects with pedagogical approaches, investigating theories of learning, curriculum design, formative assessment and feedback frameworks. Through practice-based study, reflective activities and personalised feedback, you’ll engage with current educational debates and the core values that shape the profession. You’ll also develop confidence in responding to diverse learning needs, building meaningful learner relationships and strengthening the critical and reflective thinking skills needed to thrive as an independent practitioner in a wide range of teaching and training environments.

Why choose this course?

  • Supported online learning that fits around your commitments
  • A recognised Level 5 qualification that can support eligibility for QTLS
  • Apply learning directly to your own classroom or training environment
  • Open doors to a wide range of teaching and training career paths
  • Experience Gold-standard teaching, learning and student support (TEF2023)
  • Study with the University of the Year (THE)

What you’ll gain

  • Advanced teaching methods and strategies
  • Skills in reflective practice and continuous improvement
  • Confidence in adapting to diverse learning needs
  • Strong critical and reflective thinking abilities
  • Understanding of curriculum design and planning
  • Ability to design, implement and analyse effective assessment tools

Next application deadline: 26th March 2026


Course modules and assessments

Modules

Modules are subject to change and availability.

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed using a range of creative and innovative assessment techniques including lesson plans, portfolios, audit of practice and methods, recorded presentations, coursework, written assignments, essays and may include observations of your practice.

How you'll study

100% Online study
Dedicated support

Study online and graduate on campus

Our online Principles of Teaching and Learning course is studied 100% online.

You’ll study through Canvas, our world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, PC, or tablet, both at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

On successful completion of your University Diploma, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.


Entry requirements

What you’ll need to start this course

Level 4 qualification or appropriate equivalent professional experience with substantial subject/area/vocational specialist knowledge and skills.
If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent English Language qualification as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
As a distance learner, you'll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use of our online Learning Management System (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.
Please note: Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please contact us for further information.

Fees and Funding

Fees

The full tuition fee for our online Univ Dip Principles of Learning and Teaching course is £5,600

Accredited Prior Learning may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted.

Funding

Government-backed part time student loans are available to cover the cost of studying this course. These are subject to eligibility and terms and conditions.

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.


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Awards and recognition

Gold-standard education

We're proud to have received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of university teaching standards.


Why we're rated Gold


Our course content and delivery is rated as outstanding with the review citing ‘innovative and highly effective course design and content that inspires students to actively engage and commit to their learning’.

We’re also rated outstanding in the areas of:

  • student engagement in learning
  • learning environment and academic support
  • learning resources
  • student engagement in improvement
  • approaches to supporting student success
  • intended educational gains
  • approaches to supporting educational gains.

What is the Teaching Excellence Framework?


The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national scheme run by the Office for Students that focuses on the areas students care most about: teaching, learning, and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

It has three outcomes: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

This rating was awarded in September 2023, and lasts for four years.

Be part of the University of the Year

We're proud to be the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. The prestigious THE awards honour ’exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year, and reflect ARU’s success in delivering high-impact projects during this period, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award recognises the difference we make in the region and our communities – while also acknowledging the broader impact of our world-leading research, and the contributions our students and graduates make to society.


Supported distance learning

We understand that distance learning is different to traditional campus study and if you’re new to online study you may have concerns about studying your Principles of Teaching and Learning course, and that’s natural.

To help put your mind at ease we have a dedicated Distance Learning Support Team to help and support you throughout your time at ARU, starting with your first online induction and staying with you right through to graduation. In addition, you’ll also be supported by specialist tutors who are experienced in supporting distance learning students and will provide you with the support you need throughout your studies.

Once you start your online University Diploma in Principles of Teaching and Learning, we encourage the creation of online communities and many of our learners find these connections with others invaluable, helping them to stay motivated, share concerns and make new friendships.

Visit our support page to learn more about our support services.
Visit support

Careers

Everything you need to know about building your career in education

FAQs

A selection of popular questions

Take the next step, apply today

Next application deadline: 26th March 2026

Your future, on your terms. Apply now before the application deadline.