Foundation Degree Supporting Teaching and Learning

Modules may include

Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to reflect upon your professional experience and engage in evaluative and analytical thinking. In addition, you will develop your research and academic writing skills. These qualities and transferable skills are necessary for employment and progression to other qualifications. The new competences that you acquire will enable you to assume greater confidence and responsibility within your workplace.

The assessments utilised on the programme have been designed with the changing role of supporting teaching and learning in education at the forefront. Observations and planning for children and young people’s learning are skills that are required for teaching assistants to acquire, as well as effective communication skills with a range of people.

Case studies enable students to look holistically at a case and evaluate interventions, initiatives and strategies to raise the achievement of children and young people. They then can plan and make suggestions for future sessions and individual learning plans for children and young people.

Presentations develop students’ confidence in speaking to others. These also enable students to share research and findings with each other and develop this practice within their workplace.

Students will take part in discussions, seminars, peer reviews and evaluations on an on-going basis. They are encouraged to share good practice from their work placement opportunities with their peers in group work, discussions and seminar groups. There are opportunities to share these with their mentors and colleagues at work and reflect upon their learning, thus building essential reflective and reflexive practitioner skills. Over the course of the study programme these skills will enable students to develop their levels of responsibility and autonomy working within the required levels of supervision for the job role involved.

A typical offer is likely to consist of:

A Levels: 2xD grades one of which to be in a relevant subject

BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP in relevant subjects 

Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit grade in a relevant subject

T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject

GCSE English: English Language Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

GCSE Maths: Maths Grade C or above is desirable (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

GCSE Science: Science GCSE at Grade C or above is desirable (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards).

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.

Part Time Applicants: Students for part time study are required to hold a full level 3 qualification or the equivalent experience in a relevant subject and will need to be working in the sector.

Placements: Full time students will need approx. 10-12 hours a week, voluntary or paid placement in a suitable placement on-going throughout their study.

Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.*21 years and over at the start of the course.

RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

DBS checks: Students will also be required to complete the Disclosure and Barring Service process (DBS) prior to commencement on placement.

Interview: A successful interview required.

Reference: An appropriate reference required.

Progression may include a top-up degree, or specialist teaching qualifications such as a PGCE.

Job opportunities may include

• Learning mentor
• Personalised support worker
• Teaching assistant
• Higher level teaching assistant
• Educational and behavioural support worker
• Progress coach
• Special educational needs & disabilities coordinator
• Promotion in teaching assistant roles

For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the course handbook for this course at Leeds please click here.

For the latest version of the course handbook for this course at Keighley College please click here.

For the latest version of the Leeds City College regulations please click here.

For the latest version of the Staff Profiles please click here.

As part of this course, you will be required to have an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and will be expected to pay any fees associated with this. Fees are estimated to be around £60.