Foundation Degree in Educational Practice (FdA)

• A Foundation Degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A-levels, BTEC National or equivalent
• Foundation Degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working
• UCAS introduced a new tariff for courses from September 2017. This means the points you will be asked for are different to previous years but the grades you receive have not changed
• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 32-48 points, based on your level 3 studies
• Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications
• We welcome applicants with relevant work experience

You will also need to undertake a paid or voluntary placement in a relevant setting in a school environment (minimum two days per week) for the duration of the course. You should ideally arrange your own placement but the course team will also be able to assist you in this.

The course aims to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding of teaching assistants, with reference to the continuous demands of classroom practice and changes in the curriculum. You will take on more responsibility for the support of teaching and learning, and will need to be equipped with curriculum knowledge, greater knowledge about pedagogy, the way children learn, and the different approaches to teaching and learning.

During the course you will study the following units:

Year 1 (3 terms)

• Introduction To Higher Education Study (EDC018-1) Compulsory (30 credits)
• Developing Learning (EDC058-1) Compulsory (30 credits)
• Inclusive Practice (EDC059-1) Compulsory (30 credits)

Year 2 (3 terms)

• Developing English And Mathematics (WBL) (EDC060-1) Compulsory (30 credits)
• Environments For Learning (EDC073-2) Compulsory (30 credits)
• Developing Mathematics (EDC076-2) Compulsory (30 credits)

Year 3 (2 terms)

• English: Theory And Practice (EDC029-2) Compulsory (30 credits)
• Reflections On Practice (EDC035-2) Compulsory (30 credits)

All units are assessed by a variety of methods including written assignments, presentations, short timed examinations and reflective logs. You will develop the skills of reflective practice and the writing of a reflective journal, and commitment to personal and professional development is a requirement of this Foundation Degree.

On successful completion of this course you will have enhanced your knowledge of education and to help develop your career or move into a teaching-related role.

You can also progress on to a third year top-up degree, delivered at the University of Bedfordshire, to achieve a BA Applied Education Studies. With further study you can also enter teacher training and gain Qualified Teacher Status.

There is 1 evening per week of taught sessions. 2 days per week are designated for placement (students can organise which days to do this themselves). Learners should put aside 1-6 hours per week for private study time throughout the course.