Program Overview
Learning and Teaching (FDLT)
Key Facts
- UCAS Code: 73X7
- Level: Undergraduate UG FdA
- Duration: 2 years full time
- Starting: September
- Fees UK 25/26 >: Full Time: £9,535
- Location >: Waterside
Overview
The Foundation Degree in Learning and Teaching (FDLT) is designed for support staff who are currently working in schools and who wish to gain a recognised qualification specific to their role. The course aims to broaden and deepen teaching assistants’ understanding of children’s learning and to develop their ability to support teachers in raising pupil achievement. Participants are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of their work by analysing it in the context of relevant principles and research.
Highlights
- Employment-based course to fit with your schedule.
- Recognised qualification for support staff working with children, young people and adults
- Exemption from certain modules if you have relevant prior qualifications
- Highly experienced and supportive tutor team
- Progression to honours degrees and teacher training programmes, as well as other roles within education
- HP Laptop and software included with this course for eligible students.
Entry Requirements
- Level 3 qualification, for example Level 3 diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, NVQ Level 3, A levels (EE) or BTEC Diploma (PP), HLTA status or relevant professional development courses at HE level.
- At least 12 months experience working as a TA or other learning support role within a school or comparable educational setting.
Course Content
- Stage 1
- PDT1066 Introduction to SEND, Diversity and Inclusion (20 Credits)
- PDT1076 Using Digital Technology to Inspire and Support Learning (20 Credits)
- PDT1079 Planning and Pedagogy (20 Credits)
- PDT1080 Development of Children and Young People (20 Credits)
- PDT1081 Work-Based Practice: The Reflective Practitioner (40 Credits)
- Stage 2
- PDT2021 Curriculum and Assessment (20 Credits)
- PDT2022 The Hidden Curriculum (20 Credits)
- PDT2023 School and Society (20 Credits)
- PDT2024 Independent Research Project (20 Credits)
- PDT2019 Work-Based Practice: Reflective Practices (40 Credits)
Fees and Funding
- 2025/26 Tuition Fees
- UK Full Time: £9,535
- UK Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
- Additional Costs: There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2025.
Staff
- Abbie Deeming - Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)
- Adam Chapman - Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)
- Dominic Murphy - Senior Lecturer in Education
- Devon Rossetti - Senior Lecturer in Education (SEN and Inclusion)
- Korrin Smith-Whitehouse - Senior Lecturer in Education
- Alexia Achtypi - Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)
Careers and Employability
- This course gives you the opportunity to progress onto an honours degree and can provide a route to Qualified Teacher Status including through an employment-based scheme or similar.
- Progression Courses
- Learning and Teaching Top-Up BA
Related Courses
- Learning & Teaching (SEN/D and Inclusive Provision) FdA
- Learning and Teaching (top-up) BA (Hons)
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
- Primary Education 5-11 (QTS) BA (Hons)
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Foundation Degree in Learning and Teaching (FDLT) is designed for support staff currently working in schools who wish to gain a recognized qualification specific to their role. Participants are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of their work by analyzing it in the context of relevant principles and research. Students are introduced to concepts and frameworks that support curriculum planning and the complexities of coming of age in the digital age.
- PDT1066 Introduction to SEND, Diversity and Inclusion (20 Credits): This module explores the concepts of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), diversity, and inclusion in educational settings.
- PDT1076 Using Digital Technology to Inspire and Support Learning (20 Credits): This module focuses on the effective use of digital technology to enhance learning and support students.
- PDT1079 Planning and Pedagogy (20 Credits): This module examines the principles and practices of effective teaching and learning, including curriculum planning and assessment.
- PDT1080 Development of Children and Young People (20 Credits): This module explores the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and young people.
- PDT1081 Work-Based Practice: The Reflective Practitioner (40 Credits): This module encourages students to critically reflect on their own practice in the workplace and apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
Stage 2:
The second year aims to provide a broader understanding of the role of the student's setting and their role as a practitioner aiming to provide transformative learning opportunities for children and young people. Students have the opportunity to lead their own research project, preparing them for a dissertation if they choose to progress to a BA Learning and Teaching (top-up). The role of the setting in supporting families and the community is also explored.
- PDT2021 Curriculum and Assessment (20 Credits): This module examines the principles and practices of curriculum design and assessment in educational settings.
- PDT2022 The Hidden Curriculum (20 Credits): This module explores the informal and implicit messages and values that students learn in school settings.
- PDT2023 School and Society (20 Credits): This module examines the relationship between schools and the wider society, including issues of social justice and equity.
- PDT2024 Independent Research Project (20 Credits): This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct their own research project, developing their research skills and critical thinking abilities.
- PDT2019 Work-Based Practice: Reflective Practices (40 Credits): This module builds upon the reflective practice skills developed in Stage 1, encouraging students to further analyze and improve their practice.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Practical projects
- Presentations
- Assignments
- Research
- Portfolios of work practice
Teaching:
The program is taught one day per week over two years, with the remaining time spent in the workplace. Teaching methods include:
- Face-to-face sessions
- Online materials
- Work-based practice
- Personal tutoring
Careers:
The FDLT provides a pathway to an honors degree and can lead to Qualified Teacher Status, including through employment-based schemes. Potential career paths include:
- Teaching
- Educational leadership
- Support roles in education
Other:
- The program is offered at two locations: Waterside Campus (Northampton) and Leicester.
- The program is employment-based, designed to fit with students' schedules.
- Students receive a laptop when they begin the course (UK fee payers only).
- The University of Northampton offers a Northampton Employment Promise, which aims to support students in securing employment or further study after graduation.
2024/25 Tuition Fees Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UK – Full Time: £9,250 UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module Students who wish to complete this course in two years will be classed as full time even though attendance is only required one day a week. 2023/24 Tuition Fees Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UK – Full Time: £9,250 UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module Students who wish to complete this course in two years will be classed as full time even though attendance is only required one day a week. Additional Costs
University of Northampton
Overview:
University of Northampton is a public university located in Northampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as continuing professional development courses. The university is known for its focus on social impact and its commitment to creating a better society through its students, research, and engagement with the wider world.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus halls of residence are available for students.Employment Promise:
The university offers an employment promise to help students find work after graduation.Student Perks:
Students receive various perks, including laptops, trips, and internships.Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students, including academic, wellbeing, and accessibility support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University of Northampton can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university has a modern campus with a full range of integrated learning environments, including a 24/7 library and learning zone. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and societies, and there are numerous events and activities throughout the year.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Social Impact Focus:
The university is committed to making a positive impact on society through its research and engagement.Modern Campus:
The university has a new, modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities.Employment Promise:
The university's employment promise helps students find work after graduation.Student Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Programs in various fields, including business, sport, nursing, law, psychology, computing, and design.Master's:
Programs in various fields, including business, education, health, and social work.Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
Courses designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge.Other:
The university has a strong focus on research and has several research institutes and centers. It also has a strong commitment to equality and inclusion and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
Entry Requirements:
- Level 3 qualification: This could include a Level 3 diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, NVQ Level 3, A levels (EE), BTEC Diploma (PP), HLTA status, or relevant professional development courses at HE level.
- Experience: At least 12 months experience working as a TA or other learning support role within a school or comparable educational setting.
- Reference: Positive reference from the Headteacher (or equivalent).
- GCSE English and Maths: Not required but recommended.
- Alternative Entry: An applicant who does not meet these criteria may be considered, depending on their ability to demonstrate their suitability for admission, e.g. by completion of a written task in lieu of qualifications.
- APL: Students may use APL to apply for entry onto the programme as described in the University’s APL policy. Specifically, students who have achieved Higher Level Teaching Assistant status from a recognised provider may receive APL for the first year work-based practice module, PDT1081.
- Direct Entry to Year 2: Applicants with 120 Level 4 credits from a programme similar or equivalent to Foundation Degree in Learning and Teaching may be considered for direct entry to Year 2 of the FDLT. Applications are considered individually depending upon applicants’ individual situation and combination of credits and experience achieved.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Minimum standard: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) for study at undergraduate level.
- International and EU students: All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements.
