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Learning and Teaching (FDLT)

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Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    73X7

  • Level

    UndergraduateUG FdA

  • Duration

    2 years full time

  • Starting

    September

  • Fees UK 25/26 >

    Full Time: £9,535

  • Location

    Waterside Campus (Northampton) or Leicester

Updated 19/12/2024

Apply Now Open Days

Updated 19/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

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Overview

The Foundation Degree in Learning and Teaching (FDLT) is designed for support staff who are currently working in schools and who wish to gain a recognised qualification specific to their role. The course aims to broaden and deepen teaching assistants’ understanding of children’s learning and to develop their  ability to support teachers in raising pupil achievement. Participants are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of their work by analysing it in the context of relevant principles and research.

We also offer this programme with a SEND and Inclusive Provision pathway.

21st for Satisfied with Teaching for Education –The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Education League Table)

Highlights

  • Two locations to study from based on student numbers.
  • Employment-based course to fit with your schedule.
  • Recognised qualification for support staff working with children, young people and adults
  • Exemption from certain modules if you have relevant prior qualifications
  • Highly experienced and supportive tutor team
  • Progression to honours degrees and teacher training programmes, as well as other roles within education
  • HP Laptop and software included with this course for eligible students.*  (* See eligibility criteria, terms and conditions apply)

Entry Requirements

Level 3 qualification, for example Level 3 diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, NVQ Level 3, A levels (EE) or BTEC Diploma (PP), HLTA status or relevant professional development courses at HE level.

At least 12 months experience working as a TA or other learning support role within a school or comparable educational setting.

  • Positive reference from the Headteacher (or equivalent).

    GCSE English and Maths are not required but are recommended.

    An applicant who does not meet these criteria may be considered, depending on their ability to demonstrate their suitability for admission, e.g. by completion of a written task in lieu of qualifications.

    Students may use APL to apply for entry onto the programme as described in the University’s APL policy.  Specifically, students who have achieved Higher Level Teaching Assistant status from a recognised provider may receive APL for the first year work-based practice module, PDT1081.

    Applicants with 120 Level 4 credits from a programme similar or equivalent to Foundation Degree in Learning and Teaching may be considered for direct entry to Year 2 of the FDLT.  Applications are considered individually depending upon applicants’ individual situation and combination of credits and experience achieved.

    For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  • All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent)
      for study at undergraduate level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

  • As this is a Foundation Degree there is a high proportion of work based learning and this is reflected in the assessments. The program is designed to embrace the working situation of those supporting learning and teaching. The structure reflects your individual, professional and occupational context. It acknowledges the benefit that is to be gained from sharing common experiences and concerns. It involves you in broadening and deepening your understanding of your role, set in a specific professional and social context. It also reflects the need to assess your development of the skills, knowledge and understanding, professional values and attitudes applicable to your role at work.

    The programme is designed to be completed within two calendar years, with the taught components arranged to accommodate the needs of those working in schools and other affiliated educational contexts.

    • The first year introduces you to what it means to be an undergraduate student, whereby you are supported through how to construct an undergraduate assignment as well as how the technology we use at the University will aid this process. Furthermore, you are introduced to concepts and frameworks that support the process of planning with your curriculum and the complexities that surround coming of age in the digital age.

      To compliment this, you will undertake module PDT1081 Work-based practice: the reflective practitioner, which aims to provide you to be more critical regarding your own understanding of your practice in the workplace. You will undertake this module throughout the year as your knowledge and understanding develops over the course of the academic year.

      You will be assigned a Personal Tutor and a Visiting Tutor who is directly involved in the work-based visits that inform your learning within the work-based practice modules across both years.

      • PDT1066 Introduction to SEND, Diversity and Inclusion (20 Credits)
      • PDT1076 Using Digital Technology to Inspire and Support Learning (20 Credits)
      • PDT1079  Planning and Pedagogy  (20 Credits)
      • PDT1080 Development of Children and Young People  (20 Credits)
      • PDT1081 Work-Based Practice: The Reflective Practitioner  (40 Credits)

      Students must take all modules

    • The second year of the course aims to give you a broader understanding of the role of your setting and consequently, your role as a practitioner aiming to provide transformative learning opportunities for children and young people. You will be given the opportunity to lead your own research project, which aims to prepare you for your Dissertation should you choose to progress to BA Learning and Teaching (top-up). You will also look at the role of your setting in supporting not just children and young people, but families and the community in which they are situated.

      • PDT2021  Curriculum and Assessment     (20 Credits)
      • PDT2022 The Hidden Curriculum  (20 Credits)
      • PDT2023 School and Society (20 Credits)
      • PDT2024 Independent Research Project (20 Credits)
      • PDT2019 Work-Based Practice: Reflective Practices (40 Credits)

      Students must take all modules

  • At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

    If you join our full-time FDLT degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

    Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

    To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

    * UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details)

  • Do I need to be employed in a school?

    Yes, you need to be employed in a school for a minimum of 2.5 days a week. You need to have the support of your headteacher in a reference in your UCAS application and in an Employer’s Declaration Form. This will be sent to you by the university when you accept a place on the course.

    How much experience do I need?

    You will need at least 12 months of experience working in educational settings. This could be made up from volunteering and paid employment in a range of contexts and age groups.

    How will I be taught?

    Sessions are taught one day per week and your face-to-face teaching will be consolidated with online materials, work-based practice and personal tutoring.

    You will spend one day per week at the University over two years, spending the rest of your time in your workplace, consolidating your academic studies and building experience.

    How will I be assessed?

    There are no exams. Instead, assessments include practical projects, presentations, assignments, research and portfolios of work practice.

    Can I use my HLTA status to be exempt from part of Year 1?

    Yes, you can apply to be exempt from the two work-based modules in Stage 1 (40 credits). This would make you a part-time student for the first year.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,535*
  • UK Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module

Students who wish to complete this course in two years will be classed as full time even though attendance is only required one day a week. Students need to apply for funding as a full time student with Student Finance.

* The 2025/26 annual tuition fee for undergraduate courses has not yet been confirmed by the Department for Education but is expected to be £9,535 for year one. UON will adjust fees annually in line with government policy.

  • There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2025 entry.

  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module

    Students who wish to complete this course in two years will be classed as full time even though attendance is only required one day a week. Students need to apply for funding as a full time student with Student Finance.

Staff

Placeholder image for Abbie Deeming, Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)

Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)

Abbie Deeming
Adam Chapman, Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)

Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Adam Chapman
Dominic Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)

Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Dominic Murphy
Devon Rossetti, Senior Lecturer in Education

Senior Lecturer in Education
Learning and Teaching (FDLT)

Devon Rossetti
Korrin Smith-Whitehouse, Senior Lecturer in Education (SEN and Inclusion)

Senior Lecturer in Education (SEN and Inclusion)
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Korrin Smith-Whitehouse
Alexia Achtypi, Senior Lecturer in Education

Senior Lecturer in Education
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Alexia Achtypi

Careers and Employability

This course gives you the opportunity to progress onto an honours degree and can provide a route to Qualified Teacher Status including through an employment-based scheme or similar.

Progression Courses

The University of Northampton is proud to offer a wide range of education courses that you can progress on to after completing your Learning and Teaching FdA award, on the basis you meet the minimum requirements.

Is this course for you?

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