Foundation Degree in Learning Support
Herefordshire College of Technology and University of Worcester
Link to course details on the University of Worcester website
Introduction
This Foundation Degree is a 2 year course delivered here at HCT in partnership with the University of Worcester. It is part of an ongoing initiative from the Department for Education (DfE) to provide access to higher education for students seeking to work or working within a learning support context.
This career-focused course is ideal for students who are currently employed in (or have access to) a Learning Support environment and who may aspire to enhance their professional standing within a particular discipline The course will develop a personal approach to practice by furthering your understanding of education.
The course seeks to provide students with skills, knowledge and insight to enable them to make a valued contribution to the educational, social and emotional well-being of children and adults in a range of supportive contexts. This Foundation Degree provides a sound basis for further study at degree level.
This course will support employment in a range of educational settings and with a wide range of learners including mainstream and special schools, educational and behavioural support services, as well as those offering support for adult learners. These might 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 students’ understanding of areas such as child development, the law, teaching and learning styles, disability, communication and challenging behaviour. You will be encouraged to draw upon your existing skills, knowledge and experience. 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.
Entry Requirements
- At least 4 GCSEs of grade C or above plus UCAS tariff: 60 points. Accredited Key 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
- Understanding Learning Support
- Literacy and Numeracy
- Child Development
- Science and IT
- Managing Challenging Behaviour
- Talking and Listening with Others
- An Introduction to Research Methods
- Inclusion in Theory and Practice
- An Introduction to Social Care Strategies
- Work based Independent study (double module)
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
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:
Please contact Jean Bourne the Programme Manager at HCT on 01432 365371 or bournej@hct.ac.uk for further details.
