About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: X190
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: a minimum 40 from at least one full A-level or three GCSE at grade C or above
- Department: Education
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: 2 years
- Delivery: Full-time status (while working in an Educational setting)
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Helen Bovill
Introduction
Who is the course aimed at?
This course is designed for teaching assistants and other educational support workers.Currently the course has attracted professionals working in early years, primary, secondary, special schools and Further Education colleges. A range of education support staff are welcome to apply - contact us to find out whether you are working in an appropriate setting for this course and if your entrance criteria are sufficient.
Why do the course?
The course allows you to gain knowledge, skills and understanding about your role as a teaching assistant or education support worker, to meet with others working in similar situations and to gain a higher education qualification. This course is for students who wish to study on a regular day per week allowing them to continue in employment or voluntary work and who wish to follow a vocational route to a degree.
This course has full-time status as it links directly to the workplace, and you gain credits through completion of work based tasks. Students must be in paid work in the educational sector of a minimum of 16 hours per week. If you have relevant voluntary work in the educational sector you may be able to gain access to this programme. Attendance at university is usually one day/evening per week. Progression opportunities to a full BA (hons) programme is currently offered to successful students wishing to progress.
Find out more about courses for school support staff at UWE.
Structure
Content
This Foundation Degree comprises 100 credits at level one, plus a further 140 credits at level two.
What does the course cover?
As well as the Graduate Development Programme the following modules will be studied:
Level one
Academic Writing Skills
Introduction to Education Policy
Voice of the Learner
Thinking and Learning
Further Academic Writing
Behaviour for Learning
Level two
Education for Sustainable Development
Understanding Equality and Diversity
Professional/Reflective Practice
Safeguarding
Contributions to Social Cohesion
Multi-Agency Working
Teaching and learning
Depending on which modules you choose to study attendance at University is usually one afternoon and/or evening per week during term time. Tasks are work-based which is why you need to be employed in an educational setting.
Find out more about our academic staff, their teaching expertise and research interests.
Assessment
Assessment requirements vary for each module but normally include a written assignment on a topic negotiated with the module leader. Other approaches include five minute presentations, reflective journals, portfolio of tasks and poster presentations.
Special Features
Study facilities
The Department of Education provides a pleasant environment in which to study. Its modern, purpose-built facilities provide high quality teaching rooms with state-of-the-art technology available. The Department has excellent IT facilities and houses an Open Learning Area with the latest equipment including an interactive whiteboard, CD burners, scanners and a range of equipment that can be booked out and borrowed, including digital cameras and laptops, with friendly staff on hand to help when needed.
Find out more about our facilities
Careers/further study
Achievement of the DipHE or a Foundation Degree in a related area of study, will ensure you can progress onto the BA(Hons) Education in Professional Practice.
This degree can enable progression onto PGCE Primary QTS though this is not guaranteed.
Hear from past UWE students about how studying here has enhanced their career prospects and opened up new opportunities
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: a minimum 40 from at least one full A-level or three GCSE at grade C or above
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 2 credits in maths and English language.
Entry requirements
Normally you will need to have completed two years' work with children or young people in an educational setting and have achieved a qualification in English/literacy and mathematics/numeracy, equivalent to at least Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework.
You should be employed in a suitable educational setting for at least 16 hours per week, and your employer needs to support you in undertaking this course as your study will link back to the work you do in the classroom or setting. In certain circumstances you can study this course while working in a voluntary rather than paid role, but please contact the course leader who will assess your suitability.
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011