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
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
Effective Reflective Practice for Practitioners
Theories of Teaching and Learning
Assessment in Practice
Pedagogical Content Knowledge
How you’ll be assessed
How you'll study
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
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.
What our students say

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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.
Careers
Everything you need to know about building your career in education
What could a University Diploma Principles in Learning and Teaching Level 5 course do for my career?
What job roles can I consider with a University Diploma Principles in Learning and Learning Level 5?
What skills will I get from a University Diploma Principles in Learning and Learning Level 5 course to help my career?
What can I study after a University Diploma Principles in Learning and Learning Level 5?
Careers Advice Service
FAQs
A selection of popular questions
Is a Level 5 diploma equal to a degree?
What is QTLS?
What the difference between QTLS and QTS?
Take the next step, apply today
Next application deadline: 26th March 2026