Foundation Degree in Educational Studies

Foundation Degree in Educational Studies

What are the main features of this course?
This course is intended for those who are currently employed in a support capacity within a primary school classroom. It aims to improve the confidence and effectiveness that you bring to your work, and prepare the ground for progression into a teaching career.
Like any Foundation Degree, the course will provide recognition for the expertise you have already developed and enable you to share experience and ideas with the professionals leading the course and fellow-students. It will also focus on your needs as a learner and develop independent study skills.
Topics will include:
- Language, literacy and numeracy
- Learning and ICT
- Communication skills
- Education in pratice
- Science in the curriculum
- Assessment and evalutation
- Extending subject knowledge
In addition to these topics you will have the opportunity to develop areas of specific interest through action-based studies and individual study modules.

Hours of lesson per week:
3 years part time (4 hours at College each week)

How is the course assessed?
Assessment will be through a range of strategies such as portfolios, presentations, written reports and assignments, work-based studies and interviews with tutors.

Who should study this course?
There must be evidence of prior learning and qualifications, usually at least five GCSEs (including English and mathematics) at grades A to C, or equivalents including NVQs, GNVQs, Access Courses, Open College Network Credits and other awards. Applicants should have at least two years experience in a relevant working context. Relevant prior learning and experience will be taken into consideration and, where appropriate, given accreditation. Please contact the college in order to arrange an appointment to discuss your qualifications and experience.

Where can I go next?
A Foundation Degree is a qualification in its own right, and progression onto the final year of a BA degree is possible at the end. It will therefore give you the academic recognition that your professional skills deserve, and should enable you to enjoy more responsibility and job satisfaction on your role as a teaching assistant. In addition, it is expected that many graduates from this course will go on to seek Qualified Teacher Status and begin a teaching career.