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The Learning Institute

The Learning Institute

Learning and Education

Please note, we are no longer accepting applications for this course.

Having knowledgeable and effective practitioners working in an education environment is vital if children and young people are to develop their learning and achieve their potential.

Whilst studying this foundation degree you will explore some of the factors that can influence learners’ progress, exploring specific influences on the learner as well as how the environment and curriculum support their development. As a result, you will have the knowledge and skills needed to make a significant difference to learners’ outcomes.

You will study with like-minded people across a range of other related professional roles based in your own community. As work-based practice is a key part of this course you have the potential to earn while you learn.

Course delivery

This foundation degree (FdA) is accredited by the University of Worcester. It is delivered using a blended learning approach, which combines face-to-face learning, live online learning, tutorials, work-based learning and independent study. Students will require a basic level of ICT competence and access to a computer with a secure Internet connection.

There will be a weekly learning session (one day per week, 1.00 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.). This will be delivered either face-to-face in a local venue or live online, enabling you to balance study, work and home demands. This day will remain the same for the duration of the foundation degree.

Students on each course will also meet and work together at a twice yearly student conference that will run Friday evening and Saturday daytime in one central location. Specialist modules specific to individual degrees will be delivered online and during these student conferences. These conferences usually take place in November and February.

What will I study?
 

Level 4
- Supporting academic skills
- Human growth and development
- The contemporary curriculum
- Practitioner enquiry
- Promoting the enabling environment

Level 5
- Understanding our personal and professional selves
- Learners and their motivations
- Meeting the needs of the individual
- Assessment, evaluation and planning of learning
- Practitioner enquiry in action
- Supporting learning within the curriculum

These modules are indicative, and subject to change

Assessment
 

The course provides opportunities to assess understanding and learning informally through the completion of formative tasks.

Each module has one or more summative assessments, which are graded and count towards the overall module grade. Assessment methods include essays, reports, critical reflections, portfolios and presentations.

Employability
 

The course could provide you with the self-confidence, skills and knowledge to develop your career working with children and young people. This work-based approach to learning can put you at an advantage over other degree courses as you will be in a position to show your understanding of practices that can promote effective learning for children and young people.

You will be well prepared to work in education settings, children’s centres or additional care provision in statutory, voluntary and private organisations. The majority of students on similar courses complete a top-up year to gain a full honours degree with some moving on further into masters level study. This course also provides an excellent route to progress to teacher training.

Entry requirements
 

We consider applications from individuals from a wide range of prior educational and employment experiences. For all applicants, current or recent experience of working with learners, such as employment or work in a voluntary capacity within a work setting, is desirable.

Standard entry: 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.

Non-standard entry: The University of Worcester and The Learning Institute are committed to providing education to all those who can demonstrate the potential to benefit and succeed. We welcome applicants who hold qualifications or experiences that are different to those shown above, and who can demonstrate the ability to benefit from the course and show their potential to complete the course successfully. Please contact us for more details.

Evidence of level 2 literacy is required, for example key skills or functional skills at level 2 or GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above. As an alternative, students whose first language is not English may present evidence of a minimum standard of English at IELTS level 6 (with no less than 5.5 in each element). If you do not have evidence of literacy at level 2 or above then you will be expected to complete a written task to demonstrate competence in written English.

Course requirements
 

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this course, and students will need to register for the DBS Update Service. Students will not be able to commence practice until clearance is confirmed. Students who are already signed up to the DBS Update Service may not need a new DBS, the University of Worcester will confirm on an individual basis.

Applicants should note that the course requires students to be working or volunteering in an appropriate work placement, accruing hours each and every study week across both years of study.

Fees
 

Annual tuition fee for 2 year foundation degrees that commenced in September 2022 is £9,250.

Student loans are available to fund tuition fees and contribute towards the cost of living. Full details of loans and grants available can be found at www.gov.uk/student-finance.

Other course-related costs (not included in fees) 

  • Access to a computer with a secure Internet connection
  • Purchase of key text books and other resources such as stationery
  • Travel costs (e.g. to your placement for work-based learning and/or your venue for taught sessions)
  • Accommodation, travel and some meals when attending student conferences
  • You may need to pay for an Enhanced DBS Check and to register for the DBS Update Service