Learning Support FdA

This career-focused course is ideal for students who are currently employed in (or have access to) a Learning Support environment and wish to further their understanding of education.

The course will develop a personal approach to practice by furthering your understanding of education.

You will be encouraged to draw upon your existing skills, knowledge and experience as well as recognise your strengths and resolve personal professional development needs. The course modules are designed to give you the necessary expertise and knowledge to confidently tackle problems in a range of working environments and to put your studies to use in the real world.

Currently, a number of Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) standards are embedded in the intended learning outcomes of some of the Year 1 modules. As such they may be used by you to support the knowledge and understanding that is required in order to achieve HLTA status. In view of recent and significant changes to HLTA nationally this embedding will be reviewed in the near future/ is now under review.

Preparation for assessment or the HLTA assessment process itself is not an element of these modules. You would be required to undertake this component with the Regional Provider of Assessment through liaison with their Local Authority.

As well as being available at the University of Worcester on a full-time basis, the programme is also available at:
Herefordshire College of Technology - full-time
Halesowen College - part-time
South Worcestershire College – full or part-time

Where can I find out about funding?

Factfile
Entry requirements
Course content
Student views

UCAS code

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Learning Support FdA X300 C E FdA/LSpt

This course is run in partnership with the Herefordshire College of Technology (C) and South Worcestershire College (E).

For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

Study options

The course is also run at the University of Worcester and also in association with South Worcestershire College (Evesham campus) and Herefordshire College of Technology on a full-time basis and at Halesowen College on a part-time basis.

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Gwenda Scriven
Tutor, University of Worcester
01905 855404
g.scriven@worc.ac.uk

Jean Bourne
Tutor, Herefordshire College of Technology
bournej@hct.ac.uk

60 UCAS Tariff points, plus current/recent experience of working with learners, minimum two years and employed within an appropriate educational setting

A Criminal Records Bureau disclosure is required for this course

Applicants with no formal qualifications may be considered for Mature Student Entry Routes

Modules

Preparing for Study
Literacy & Numeracy
Science & IT
Child Development
Understanding Learning Support
Managing Challenging Behaviour
Partnerships in Education
Wider Aspects of Disability
Introduction to Research Methods
Inclusion in Theory & Practice
Supporting Additional Needs
School-based Study (double module)
Talking & Listening with Others
Meeting the National Agenda
Evaluation

Assessment

Written assignments, individual and group presentations, case studies and portfolios

Problem-based learning and workplace investigation skills

Kim McCoig-Lees

Student, Learning Support FdA

"After completing different courses for my role as a teaching assistant, the Foundation Degree in Learning Support was the next step for my continuing professional development. Although it was a little daunting to start the degree as a mature student with hardly any experience in higher education, I am pleased with the results the course has presented for me.

"Obtaining the FDLS has enabled me to grow both personally and as an educator. It has given me confidence to support the wellbeing and enrich the learning of pupils in my care.

The course fitted my lifestyle well, allowing me to maintain a family and a part-time job. This was eased by the student support network and by the Institute of Education’s exceptionally supportive lecturers. Their positive encouragement enabled me to achieve the Foundation degree and then to progress to the ‘top up’ year completing a BA honours degree in Education Studies. I am very proud to be a graduate of the University of Worcester!

Academic department

Institute of Education

“Our high quality programmes and innovative teaching methods prepare and train the very best professionals. Worcester graduates have made a huge difference in the field of education.”
Professor Chris Robertson, Head of Institute

Employability

This course will support employment in a range of educational settings and with a wide range of learners including mainstream and special schools, educational support services, such as the Learning Support and Behaviour Support Services. The course provides a sound basis for further study at degree level including progression to the Professional Practice BA (Hons) Top-up degree delivered in the South West and the Education Studies Top-up BA (Hons) delivered at Worcester.