Foundation Degree: Professional Practice In The Lifelong Learning Sector

This programme will not run in the academic year 2012/13. TBC for 2013/14.

This programme will:

• develop your existing knowledge and experience
• enable you to gain credit for work-based learning
• fulfil the ongoing requirements for continuing professional development (CPD)
• engage critically with concepts, theories and research that are relevant to working in the lifelong learning sector
• increase your confidence in the use of study skills, independent learning, academic literacy and ICT
• identify and analyse links between experience, theory and research
• encourage you to reflect critically on your own practice in the lifelong learning sector.

Features

This programme provides the opportunity to:

• integrate your work-based experience with academic study
• research aspects of your professional work as part of the assessment process
• progress to degree-level study and then on to masters-level study and beyond
• benefit from a comprehensive, supportive tutorial system.

Who is this programme for?

Anyone working in the lifelong learning sector: for example, lecturers, teachers, mentors, teaching assistants, support staff and library assistants.

Entry requirements

Normally a Level 3 qualification, eg A level, BTEC or equivalent. However, we look at the complete profile of all applicants with the intention of accepting any student we feel will be capable of completing the degree and benefiting from it. You should currently be working in the lifelong learning sector and have the support of your employer in undertaking the programme.

If you have accreditation from previous learning experiences, such as a Certificate in Education or a DTTLS qualification undertaken in the past five years, you may be offered a 'fast track' pathway.

How are you assessed?

By coursework assignments.

Attendance

Mixed mode, including face-to-face evening sessions, optional weekend workshops, and online learning.

Careers information

Applicants should currently be working in the lifelong learning sector in some capacity. Recent participants include those employed as mentors, administrators and Lecturers in a range of areas including holistic therapies, Sports Science and Hair, Beauty and complimentary therapies.For more information, see IOE Careers Guidance.

This programme helps participants to understand their work world meaningfully and on successful completion, many take advantage of the opportunity to convert their foundation degree into a BEd/BA Honours Degree by enrolling on a 'top up' programme. The award of these qualifications comes through recognition of the combination of a high level of academic thinking and practical expertise and enables participants to further advance their employment prospects and career progression.

More information

You may be eligible to receive additional government funding for this programme. Please see the SEN support scholarship information sheet (pdf, 0.1mb). Please note that the scholarship application period is from 30 April - 17 May 2012.

If you have further queries regarding the scholarships, please contact Gill Brackenbury or Tina Catchpole.