Foundation Degree in Teaching Assistants - University of Chester

Start Date: 19/09/2012 Day(s) of Week:Wednesday Times: 3:45 PM - 9:00 PM Duration:3 Years Fee: £3930

Course fees are per year.
Financial support could be available through Student Finance Direct
Course Content: Summary

If you work as a Teaching Assistant or would like to become a Teaching Assistant at Level 4/5 and develop your

professional knowledge and understanding while still working, then the Foundation Degree in Teaching Assistance may

be for you.

The FdA in Teaching Assistance is a flexible employment-related degree which combines traditional university study,

with learning that takes place at work. It is equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree and has been

designed specifically to equip you with relevant practical and transferable key skills. Once you have successfully

completed your Foundation Degree, you can progress to other professional qualifications or to the final year of an

honours degree programme.

Programme Structure and Delivery Pattern

The Foundation Degree in Teaching Assistance comprises of 240 credits: 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at

Level 5. Each module is worth 20 credits and you will study six modules at Level 4 across Year 1 and Year 2, Semester

1. You then study six modules at Level 5 across Year 2, Semester 2 and Year 3.

Modules:

Year 1

• Practice Based Enquiry

• Personal and Collaborative Learning

• Promoting Positive Relationships

• Safeguarding Children

Year 2

• Assessment and Learning

• Effective Learning Environments

• Creativity and Learning

• Children and Young People’s Health and Well-being

Year 3

• Practice based Enquiry (2)

• Inclusive Practice

• Special Needs and Inclusion

• Thinking through Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Exit Awards

The accumulation of the appropriate number of credits can lead to the following exit award:

• Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits at Level 4)

Higher Level Teaching Status

The University of Chester is an approved provider of Higher Level

Teaching Assistant Status (HLTA) Preparation. Backed by a long tradition of excellence in the field of education, the

University provides high quality resources and expertise to support candidates in gaining HLTA status. Students may

engage with the preparation for HLTA status whilst undergoing the FdA in Teaching Assistance at the University of

Chester.

Learning and Teaching Strategies

Learning and teaching strategies include lectures, presentations, group-work activities, case study, guided reflection,

tutorial support and independent study. A vital aspect of the Foundation Degree is the invaluable learning which takes

place in the workplace setting. Through exploring theoretical perspectives students will be able to reflect upon and

share their experience in practice settings and relate this to current thinking.

Assessment

Assessment is through a variety of forms and includes: a reflective portfolio, presentation, analysis of work-place

scenario, reflective essay and case study. The assessment strategies adopted are designed to enable students to

demonstrate their achievement of module learning outcomes and the relationship between work based learning and

academic study.

Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL)

If you already have a relevant sector-endorsed Level 4 qualification then you may be able to apply for advanced credit

on this programme.

Fees are payable by instalment and are subject to annual review.

Course Fee for 80 credits per year £3930

Please see additional information sheet regards funding.

How to apply

Application forms and advice are available from the college

Contact Lyn Ashton for an application form on 0161 908 6692.

Once it has been returned to college you will be invited into College for an interview. You will also need to complete an

online application from University of Chester

We particularly welcome applicants from ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

Who can I contact for more information?

Entry Qualification: • An NQF/QCF Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject

• English and (ideally) Mathematics a GCSE (or Equivalent), grade C or above

• Approximately 2 years experience of working in a relevant setting either voluntarily or employed

• Support of their employer to undertake the programme with a satisfactory reference

• A recent CRB check. There is currently a fee of approx. £44 that must be paid by the applicant.

Evidence of qualifications

You must provide evidence of your qualifications, photocopies are not acceptable. Your centre of study will make

arrangements to see your original certificates before you can be formally enrolled.

Please state precisely which course you are interested in

[Please note that all course titles, module titles and other information supplied may be subject to change.]

Course Format: First year Monday Night 5.00 - 9.00pm or Tuesday 1.00 – 5.00pm Subject to demand.

Structure of the Course

The Certificate in Education and Professional Graduate Certificate in Education are structured around modules each

worth 15 credits

There are eight 15 credit modules as follows:

Year 1

Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector/Planning and enabling Learning

Theories and Principles for planning and Enabling Learning

Technology Enhanced Learning, Teaching and Assessment

Continuing Personal and Professional Development 1

Year 2

Wider Professional Practice

Curriculum Development for Inclusive Practice

Contemporary Issues in the Lifelong learning Sector

Continuing Personal and Professional Development 2

A range of teaching methods and learning resources will be utilised to respond to individual needs and to ensure that

differentiated learning takes place

The two-year part-time In-Service route is for those in paid employment as a teacher/trainer who wish to enhance their

qualifications. Voluntary teaching is allowable when undertaken on behalf of a charity registered with the Charities

Commission or through organisations who met the criteria of the University

Progression: Careers

This programme is central to the Government’s desire to create both a professional career structure (including graduate

practitioner status) for those working in Education and Children’s Services and to improve routes into the teaching

profession. Other programmes within the Faculty could facilitate progression from a Foundation Degree to honours

degree and Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).