Foundation Degree in Education

Course Specification

Please note that this course has four hours of teaching per week (currently 17.00-21.00).

The Foundation Degree in Education is suitable for those working or volunteering in education who wish to build on their knowledge and experience through study at a higher level, it is also ideal for Level 3 students wanting to progress on to higher education. Successful completion of the award enables direct progression onto a top-up BA (Hons) Degree in Education.

Please note that this course is awarded by Staffordshire University.

All applicants are individually assessed on their qualifications, skills and experience. However, you would normally:

• Have a clear Enhanced DBS check which confirms that there are no reasons why a candidate should not work with children
• Be in employment (either paid or voluntary) within an educational setting for at least four hours a week
• Have 64 UCAS points or hold an appropriate Level 3 with suitable work experience
• Have GCSE qualifications in English and Maths or demonstration of a level 2 competence
• Have achieved an IELTS score of 6.0 or above if English is not your first language

This course which is awarded by Staffordshire University will give you a deeper understanding of: up to date developments in the education sector; how to apply key theories and principles of education to your professional practice to meet the specific needs of your employer and your own personal development; wider professional and academic skills development to help secure your current employment and broaden your future career options. The course therefore has the following overall aims, which focus on developing your career aspirations and opportunities to: become a ‘discipline expert’ in education; develop your professionalism; develop your wider professional practice; develop your independent thinking skills.

The course consists of 8 modules, the first 4 of which are assessed at Level 4, with the rest at Level 5. Of these, 4 are 40 Credit modules with 400 learning hours attached to them, and 4 are 20 Credit modules with 200 learning hours attached to them. Total learning hours per module are made up of scheduled teaching and learning activities, placement hours, and independent study. Each module relies on work-based reflection and development, targeting personal and professional improvement throughout in order to help you to reflect and act on your career aspirations. The modules covered on the course are:

Level 4

• Personal and Professional Development (20 Credits)
• Learning and Holistic Development (40 Credits)
• Safeguarding and Developing Educational Practice (40 Credits)
• Supporting Learning and Inclusion  (20 Credits).

Level 5

• Professionalism and Career Development (20 Credits)
• Behaviour for Learning (40 Credits)
• Assessment for Learning – guided research in Education (40 Credits)
• Leadership and Teamworking (20 Credits).

Work-based reflection and development form a major part of the overall course content and assessment. Throughout the course, you will therefore engage in: work-based tasks; creation of resources to support learning; observation of the practice of professionals; reflection on organisational practice; wider understanding of sector practice; work placement research. Successful graduates will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Arts from Staffordshire University and you will be entitled to add FdA after your name.

Your work will be continually assessed throughout the course. The assessment will depend upon the particular module being studied. Typical assessment methods include assignments, developing portfolios, and presentations. Please refer to the Course Specification for information on assessment for this particular course.

The offer of a place is dependent upon a satisfactory DBS check (formally CRB) which confirms that there are no contra-indications to you working with children and vulnerable adults. There will be a charge for this.

Please note the tuition fee advertised is the annual fee.

At Shrewsbury Colleges Group we do our best to make HE study as easy as possible for you and that includes making living away from home for the first time an exciting prospect, rather than a cause for concern. If you’re planning on studying at a higher level at Shrewsbury Colleges group, student accommodation is now available in the centre of Shrewsbury. For more information please follow this link: http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/shire-services/mardol-house-student-accommodation/

To join this course you will first have to register with UCAS at www.ucas.com and then apply through UCAS. (Choose: Sign In–Students–Undergraduate–Apply–Register and follow the instructions.) You will then receive a confirmation email from UCAS and the college will be in contact with an interview date. Current Shrewsbury Colleges Group students should seek support from their tutor before applying.