Program Overview
Teaching and Learning Support FdA
Overview
The Teaching and Learning Support FdA is designed for those currently working or volunteering in primary or secondary schools who wish to explore practical routes into teaching. This foundation degree can open the door to additional qualifications, with a range of top-up options, including qualified teacher status.
Entry Requirements
- 32 UCAS tariff points
- The normal minimum entry requirement for Foundation Degree courses is the possession of 4 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) and 1 A Level (or equivalent Level 3 qualification).
- A Disclosure and Barring Service Check is required for this course.
- Candidates with non-standard entry applications will be considered on the basis of relevant work experience and attainment of skills. They will be invited to an Informal Interview with the Course Leader.
- Applicants are interviewed and invited to share their experience of working with learners. A minimum of two years' experience employed or working in a voluntary capacity within an appropriate educational setting is desirable.
Course Content
Our courses are informed by research and current developments in the discipline and feedback from students, external examiners, and employers. Modules do therefore change periodically in the interests of keeping the course relevant and reflecting best practice.
Year 1
- Preparing for Study
- Introduction to Behaviour Management
- Introduction to SEND: understanding Inclusion, Diversity and Global Citizenship
- Introduction to Pedagogy, Curriculum and Assessment
- Work Based Learning
- Introduction to Research
Year 2
- Reflecting on Self
- Safeguarding Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Pedagogy, Curriculum and Assessment
- Work Based Learning
- Work Based Research Project
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching
You will have an opportunity to engage with learning through a comprehensive range of learning and teaching strategies which include:
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Group work
- Practical activities
- Problem-based learning
Practical activities and assignments will enable you to learn and to share your knowledge and expertise with others. You will also undertake a work-based study in your second year, which supports you to focus on a particular area of your interest.
Contact Time
In a typical week you will have 6 hours of teaching. The precise contact hours may vary by semester (1 afternoon and 1 evening). Typically contact time will be structured around:
- 3 hours of lectures
- 3 hours of seminars/workshops/practical activities in groups of 15-20 students
Duration
2 years full time (all three campuses) or 3 years part-time (BMet and Halesowen College only)
Assessment
Assessment methods include:
- Written assignments
- Individual and group presentations
- Case studies
- Reflective portfolio entries
- Problem-based learning
- Learning journals / reflective journals
- Seminars
- Independent Research Projects
- Workplace investigations
- Self-evaluation / needs analysis
- Evaluations of processes and resources
- Poster/leaflet presentations / Production of workplace resources
- Literature critiques
Assessments
Year one
- 1 reflective portfolio
- 2 evaluation and annotation of an educational resource
- 3 essays
- 1 critical evaluation
- 1 reflective commentary
- 1 group presentation
- 1 workplace study plan
- 1 ethics report
- 1 poster presentation
Year two
- 1 reflective portfolio
- 4 essays
- 1 learning journal
- 1 group presentation
- 2 reflective commentaries
- 1 professional enquiry/research project
Careers
The foundation degree in Teaching and Learning Support leads into a range of potential career paths including teaching, academic support, and work with students with additional needs.
Potential careers after studying the Teaching and Learning Support FdTLS include:
- Learning support
- Learning coach and mentor
- Family support
- Welfare officer
- Personal tutor
The course provides a foundation to study a Bachelors degree level including the:
- BA (Hons) Teaching in Primary Education with recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (Top Up)
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families Top-up
- BA (Hons) Special Education Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion
Fees and Funding
Full-time tuition fees
- UK and EU students: The Government has announced that it will increase tuition fees and maintenance loans by 3.1% from the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 the standard fee for full-time home and EU undergraduate students on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees will be £9,535 per year for new and continuing students.
- International students: The standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees in the 2025/26 academic year is £16,700 per year.
Part-time tuition fees
- UK and EU students: The Government has announced that it will increase tuition fees and maintenance loans by 3.1% from the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 the tuition fees for part-time UK and EU students on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees will be £1,190.83 per 15-credit module, £1,587.77 per 20-credit module, £2,381.66 per 30-credit module, £3,175.55 per 40-credit module, £3,572.50 per 45-credit module and £4,763.32 per 60 credit module for new and continuing students.
Course-related costs not included in the fees
- Every course has day-to-day costs for basic books, stationery, printing, and photocopying. The amounts vary between courses. As this course requires it, you will need to pay for a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. You are required to be volunteering or employed in a learning support, or similar, role for the duration of the course. The expectation is that you make arrangements to attend your employment or voluntary work and meet any travel costs.
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