Foundation Degree in Learning Support
Herefordshire College of Technology and University of Worcester
Introduction
This two-year career-focused course is ideal for learners who are employed in (or have access to) a Learning Support environment and who wish to enhance their professional standing within a particular discipline. You will develop a personal approach to practice by furthering your understanding of education. The course will also provide learners with skills, knowledge and insight to enable them to make a contribution to the educational, social and emotional well-being of children and adults in a range of supportive contexts. Run in partnership with the University of Worcester, it provides a sound basis for further study at degree level.
This course will support employment in a range of educational settings with a range of learners including mainstream and specialist schools, educational and behavioural support services, as well as those offering support for adult learners. These include; teaching assistants, practitioners in early years settings, support/care staff working in Social Services, health and voluntary sector institutions.
The course is firmly set within current legislative policy frameworks and is underpinned by the notion of social inclusion. It develops learners’ understanding of areas such as child development, law, teaching and learning styles, disability, communication and challenging behaviour. You will be encouraged to draw upon your existing skills, knowledge and experience. The 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.
Entry Requirements
- At least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above plus UCAS tariff: 80 points. Accredited Functional Skills Level 3 may be included in the total
- Other Qualifications including: GCE A Levels equivalent to grade C; NVQ Level 3 or BTEC National Diploma
- 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
- You may also be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority
We particularly welcome applications from mature students. Please contact the course leader for individual advice.
Course Content
You will study 16 modules, titles include:
- Preparing to study – an introduction to research methods
- Understanding learning support
- The Creative Curriculum 1 – supporting literacy and numeracy
- Child development
- The Creative Curriculum 2 – creativity and learning
- Managing challenging behaviour
- Communication
- Inclusion in theory and practice
- An introduction to social care strategies
- Work-based independent study (double module) There are no formal,
There are no formal, time constrained, examinations. Assessment is continuously carried out by a combination of methods including essays, seminars, practical workshops, professional journals, projects, presentations and reports.
Progression Opportunities
On successful completion of this course, progression on to a related top up degree is possible.
Key Facts
Herefordshire College of Technology & University of Worcester
Campus: Hereford
Level: 5
Duration: 2 years
Attendance: One afternoon and evening per week over 2 years + requirement of a minimum of 6 hours a week home study
Course Fees:
University of Worcester fees apply - £6000 per year (at present)
All fees are subject to change, please check with the relevant provider and see the Finance for HE page of this website.
Please see www.worcester.ac.uk for further details.
Application:
UCAS application (F/T) code X300 Campus Code C
Contact:
Call: 0800 032 1986
Email: enquiries@hct.ac.uk


