Program Overview

Education Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education

The Education Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education is a one-year course designed to provide students with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a career in education or prepare them for a full degree in the field.

Entry Requirements

• Entry tariff: 4864 UCAS points (or equivalent)
• UCAS code: X3FS
• Start date: September 2026

Modules

The course consists of the following modules:

• Academic Skills and Communication (foundation students only)
  • Credits: 30
  • Description: Develop core academic and integrated English language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • Teaching and learning: On-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week, with lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, and presentations.
  • Assessment: Group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework, and reports.
• Data Analysis and Research Skills
  • Credits: 30
  • Description: Develop research, numeracy, and information technology skills, including investigating primary and secondary research and conducting a research project.
  • Teaching and learning: On-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week, with lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, and presentations.
  • Assessment: Group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework, and reports.
• Learning and Child Development
  • Credits: 30
  • Description: Explore the principles, theories, and practices underpinning learning and child development, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
  • Teaching and learning: One three-hour lecture and one two-hour seminar per week, with additional online support.
  • Assessment: Reflective journal (50%) and informative poster (50%).
• Education Policy and Professional Ethics
  • Credits: 30
  • Description: Examine the relationship between education policies and ethical practices, including safeguarding, equality, and SEND frameworks.
  • Teaching and learning: One three-hour lecture and one two-hour seminar per week, with additional online support.
  • Assessment: Policy review (40%) and school-based intervention pitch (50%).

Skills

The course aims to provide students with the education skills that matter most to employers, including:

• Basic understanding of using English for academic purposes
• Thorough grounding in academic study skills, such as essay structure, exam technique, referencing, journal, and library research
• Education terminology, concepts, ideas, and transferable and lifelong learning skills

Learning

Students will be taught via lectures, seminars, and workshops by passionate and committed academic staff, with regular contact with academic guidance tutors and face-to-face and online careers and study support.

Assessment

The course features a wide range of assessments that prepare students for life beyond university, including:

• Online tests
• Presentations
• Essays

Career

The Education Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education will prepare students for a profession in education or for studying an undergraduate degree, with careers support available from the start of studies.

Fees and Funding

• UK students: Ł9,790 (September 2026 entry)
• International students: Ł17,628 (September 2026 entry)

Undergraduate Courses

Students can apply to the following undergraduate courses after completing the Education Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education:

• Early Childhood Studies (BA)
• Education and Youth Studies
• Primary Education Studies