We work in partnership with Middlesex University, who approve and validate our Education Degree programmes.
Who is the course for?
The BA (Hons) in Teaching and Learning Support is a one year ‘top-up’ course which has been designed for those who have completed the Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning Support (or equivalent qualification at level 5) and want to progress on to achieve a full Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours (BA Hons). The qualification is designed and developed for those working or wishing to work with children in key stages one and two to further their skills and enhance their knowledge to support the teaching and learning of children. Students will explore a variety of contemporary topics and issues such as the 2014 National Curriculum, phonics, transition, cross curricula themes, children’s literature and creativity in education.
This course is validated by Middlesex University, so students will receive a Middlesex award on sucessful completion. This course is taught at Queens Park Academy in Bournemouth. We also run it at our Stoney Lane site in Winchester.
What are the aims of the course?
The course aims to provide a programme which engages with contemporary issues in primary education. It will encourage learners to use multidisciplinary sources, drawing on academic, theoretical and practical perspectives to inform and develop their understanding of primary education as well as their ability to critically analyse and apply theories, research and personal values which underpin professional practice. We encourage the students to engage with some significant questions relating to the aims, values, policies and practices of primary education, developing their ability to construct coherent, critical and reasoned argument.
Students will explore a range of philosophical, psychological and sociological perspectives and consider how each perspective underpins different approaches to teaching and learning. Students will also consider a range of social and emotional learning programmes and the theoretical frameworks they are based on to facilitate critical analysis of key issues in research. Students will practice, investigate and research key educational issues such as children's learning and development, behaviour management, diversity and inclusion. In addition students will develop their abilities to plan for the curriculum, assessment, evaluation and improvement of creative learning opportunities, taking account of young children's health and emotional well-being. Students will develop their ability to lead, support and work collaboratively and effectively with others such as parents, carers and other professionals and be able to recognise and challenge inequalities in society and embrace an anti-bias curriculum.
What does the course involve?
Our aim is to offer a flexible approach to learning. Our foundation degrees are classified as full time so that you can draw down a student loan. College attendance is for one afternoon and evening a week (1:00pm –7:00pm). The overall hours that you attend the course are not dissimilar to what you would experience at University. We teach for 34 weeks per year whereas many university teaching years are much shorter than this e.g. Middlesex University teaches for 22 weeks per year. We use a 'blended approach to learning' where students are supported through a mixture of formal lectures, seminars, online materials and one to one tutorial support. Personal tutorials and assessment coaching sessions are held at mutually convenient times outside taught hours. In year 2 you will be expected to take on an increased responsibility for your learning and become an independent learner making increasing use of online learning as well as formal taught sessions. As previously mentioned a blended approach to learning is adopted and some sessions may be delivered online via the colleges’ virtual learning environment, Moodle. Lecture and reading materials will be placed on Moodle and each subject will have a discussion forum where you will be able to ask questions if you want to clarify an aspect of an assignment etc..
What topics will I be covering?
See course structure diagram for details of the modules you will study across the course. The 60 credit dissertation module runs across all three terms.
Do I need any previous knowledge or entry qualifications?
All eligible applicants will be required to undertake an interview. Students should be employed in a primary teaching setting in the private, voluntary or independent sectors and have either a Teaching and Learning Support foundation degree (or equivalent qualification at level 5) or a degree in an unrelated subject with a substantial experience of working with children in key stages one and two. You should have achieved GCSE at Grade C or above (or recognised equivalents) in English and Mathematics.
You will need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to the start of the course.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment includes essays, reports, individual and group presentations, case studies, research reports and several work-based assignments. These strategies are also designed to enable the development of key transferable skills in the workplace. There are no examinations.
What could the course lead to?
Students may wish to progress to a PGCE year to qualify as a primary school teacher. Successful completion of this course will lead to a BA (Hons) in Teaching and Learning Support from Middlesex University.
How to apply:
Applications can be made via UCAS or directly to Peter Symonds college via the website by selecting a degree subject, selecting your chosen course and then using the 'apply' online button on the right hand side of the course outline. Alternatively you can contact our student services on 01962 886166 and request a hard copy application form. Although courses commence in October you can apply for a place, subject to availability, up until the October half term.
Student should make their application as soon as possible as there are limited places available. Depending on demand for individual higher education programmes we will consider late applications provided they are submitted within three weeks following the commencement of the course.
The fee for this course for 2021 entry is £5,950. For further information on fees and funding please click here.
To view the programme specification for this course, click below.
Any queries shoud be directed to Paula Baker (Head of Curriculum) at pbaker@psc.ac.uk.
View Programme Specification or Module Narratives
View our Academic Regulations