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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
2 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Foundation
Major
Early Childhood Education | Special Education
Area of study
Education
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


FdA Education in Practice

Why study this course

Continue working or volunteering while pursuing your degree, providing you with valuable practical experience alongside your academic studies


National Student Survey in 2022 revealed an impressive satisfaction rate of 96.85% among students in professional studies programs, highlighting the quality and effectiveness


Opportunity to study with the support of a research-active team, ensuring you receive the latest insights and developments in this field


Clear career progression opportunities in the education sector, including TA roles, and the option to pursue top-up degree programs that enhance career prospects


Course summary

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people? Our innovative Foundation Degree programme in Child Education is tailored to individuals working in primary, secondary, and further education (FE) institutions, who are keen on advancing their careers while maintaining their current roles. This programme offers a unique blend of practical experience and on-campus learning, designed to accommodate your work or volunteer commitments.


Key facts

  • Award: FdA
  • UCAS code: X902
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Mode of study: Full time
  • Start date: September 2025
  • Award: Bishop Grosseteste University
  • Institution code: B38

About this course

With just one weekly on-campus session, you can seamlessly continue your career journey while enhancing your skills and knowledge over a two-year period. It's essential to note that this Foundation degree serves as the first two years of a full-time degree programme, providing you with a strong educational foundation.


During the first year, you will embark on a transformative journey into higher education, gaining a deep understanding of learning principles. You will also delve into the intricate relationship between practical experience and effectively meeting the diverse needs of children. This exploration will help you better define your role within the education sector, supporting your professional growth and development.


In the second year, we will guide you through the critical concepts of inclusion, equality, and diversity, equipping you with the essential tools to foster an inclusive learning environment. You will also study modules on learning and assessment, providing you with a comprehensive skillset to excel in your career. Moreover, you will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with peers from various related courses, including those involved in early childhood and youth services. This collaboration will broaden your perspectives and increase your employability, enriching your understanding of working with children and young people.


Many of our students in this programme are employed as Teaching Assistants, actively contributing to educational settings alongside qualified teachers. They play a pivotal role in facilitating formal learning opportunities for children and often take on responsibilities such as leading entire classes or providing targeted support to children with specific needs. Our Foundation Degree is frequently viewed as a stepping stone towards a teaching career, enabling you to progress within your role as a TA and explore opportunities for senior positions in the sector. Furthermore, this programme offers several top-up degree options, empowering you to pursue your long-term goals in the field of child education.


What you will study

  • Tools for Learning: Learning in Higher Education
  • Tools for Learning: Supporting Children and Young People
  • Key Thinkers Past and Present
  • Individual in Society
  • Empowering Relationships
  • Supporting Health and Well-being
  • Inclusion and Participation
  • Supporting Learning in Formal Education
  • Assessment and Learning in Formal Education
  • Practitioner Research

Entry requirements

  • Typically, a minimum of one year's experience in practice.
  • Minimum of two days a week (minimum of 12 hours per week accumulating to 360 hours per year of study in a relevant role, either as an employee or a volunteer).
  • Typically a Level 3 Diploma, NVQs, access to HE programmes, subject/vocational qualifications.
  • Written support from the head teacher/workplace manager in which the applicant works or volunteers.

How you will be taught

This work-focused degree is a combination of practice-based learning and campus-based sessions which run once a week, so that you are able to continue in employment throughout the course. The degree is designed to improve and develop your personal and professional communication skills, allows you to professionalise your approach and further your personal growth.


You will work with a range of experienced academic staff and be supported through peer-led groups, directed tasks and interactive web-based resources.


Academic staff

  • Dr Nyree-Anne Nicholson
  • Tara May
  • Paul Staples

Assessment

Typically, a variety of assessment methods are used including presentations, discussions, debates, poster presentations, essays, portfolios of work, case studies and reflections. All assessments allow you to reflect on your practice and theory as you evidence your learning, building on your personal strengths to develop clear communication skills to share your knowledge and understanding.


Careers & Further study

Graduate opportunities have enabled our students to attain managerial positions within their sector, to lead practice with their setting. The majority of students advance onto our Top Up Degrees to take their qualifications to honours degree level. Like the Foundation degree, these Top Up Degrees allow you to study and continue to work.


Many go on to further study to become teachers through our PTS/QTS routes, or go onto the BA (Hons) Education in Practice. Others take on professional roles in areas such as special educational needs, mentoring, subject support, school, family and welfare liaison roles in the wider educational community and with local authorities working with the full range of age groups and sectors.


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