Foundation Degree in Education

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Hannah Jordan with Karen Benedikz at Graduation 730x425 2

Courses Code

QDHCCFDECS

Study method

Part Time

Cost

£3735

Location(s)

Lichfield

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Is this course for you?

If you are considering a career in education, the Foundation Degree in Education will provide you with a solid foundation to pursue a top-up BA degree. From there, you can continue to teacher training or a PGCE, if you choose. This degree is also beneficial for individuals looking to advance their careers as teaching assistants or Early Years Practitioners.

The course runs over two and a half years at Lichfield College one evening per week and covers Levels 4 & 5. The qualification is awarded by the University of Staffordshire who offer a Top-up year in Education for those who are aiming to achieve a full BA. The Foundation Degree allows you to develop and engage in personal development and progression in aspects such as confidence and team collaboration, in a learning environment that encourages self-expression and professional bonding through research tasks, group discussions, debating and friendships that lay a foundation for holistic learning and growth.

This course is based at Lichfield College

Use the button above to apply for this course directly through the University of Staffordshire.

On successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Education award, students will be awarded with a University of Staffordshire degree.
Required qualifications

Part-time applicants will be assessed individually based on their qualifications, skills, and experience. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Present a clear Enhanced DBS check, indicating that there are no concerns about working with children.
- Be employed (either in a paid or voluntary capacity) in an educational setting for a minimum of four hours per week.
- Hold a relevant Level 3 qualification along with suitable work experience.
- Possess GCSE qualifications in English and maths or demonstrate competence at level 2.
What skills will I develop?

This course, offered by the University of Staffordshire, is designed to deepen your understanding of the latest developments in the education sector. You will delve into contemporary theories and principles of education, learning how to effectively apply them to your professional practice. This will equip you to meet the needs of your employer while simultaneously nurturing your personal development.

The course places a strong emphasis on the cultivation of comprehensive professional and academic skills, enabling you to not only excel in your current role but also broaden your horizons for future career opportunities.

The objectives of the course are designed to empower you to realise your career aspirations. You will emerge as a ‘discipline expert’ in education, boost your professionalism, expand your professional practice, and enhance your capacity for independent thinking.

Throughout your journey, you will acquire a wealth of transferable skills, including academic writing, critical thinking, advanced research techniques, reflective practices, and effective presentation skills. Many students share that this enriching experience has significantly elevated their proficiency in the workplace and has instilled a newfound confidence that propels them toward success.
Careers

There are many potential careers, mainly in the education sector, which a degree in education could lead to. Some will depend on qualifications that you already have such as Early Years. Please be aware that some of these would not be accessible straight from a foundation degree and would require further training.

Career prospects/choices could include:
- Community education officer
- Early years teacher
- Education administrator
- Education consultant
- Education mental health practitioner
- English as a foreign language teacher
- Further education teacher
- Learning mentor
- Primary school teacher
- Secondary school teacher
- Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)
- Special educational needs teacher
- Teaching assistant
Jobs where your degree would be useful:
- Careers adviser
- Child psychotherapist
- Counsellor
- Educational psychologist
- Family support worker
- Health play specialist
- Museum education officer
- Play therapist
- Private tutor
- Youth worker
Work experience

You must be in practice in an educational setting during this course, you will need to refer to your own current practice and development in assignments. This can be voluntary or paid work and must be a minimum of four hours per week.
English and maths

You must possess GCSE qualifications in English and maths or demonstrate competence at level 2.
Other important information

The course starts every September.

The duration of the course is three years part-time. The course runs for one evening per week and consistent attendance is expected.

It is essential that you take time for additional reading and studying out of college time, there will be set work or reading set regularly.

The fees for the course are:
- Year 1 – £3,555.00
- Year 2 – £3,555.00
- Year 3 – £2,370.00
- Total – £9,480.00
However, you may be eligible for a student loan to help cover the cost of these fees.

You can apply for the course online directly through the university website here.

Is this course for you?

If you are considering a career in education, the Foundation Degree in Education will provide you with a solid foundation to pursue a top-up BA degree. From there, you can continue to teacher training or a PGCE, if you choose. This degree is also beneficial for individuals looking to advance their careers as teaching assistants or Early Years Practitioners.

The course runs over two and a half years at Lichfield College one evening per week and covers Levels 4 & 5. The qualification is awarded by the University of Staffordshire who offer a Top-up year in Education for those who are aiming to achieve a full BA. The Foundation Degree allows you to develop and engage in personal development and progression in aspects such as confidence and team collaboration, in a learning environment that encourages self-expression and professional bonding through research tasks, group discussions, debating and friendships that lay a foundation for holistic learning and growth.

This course is based at Lichfield College

Use the button above to apply for this course directly through the University of Staffordshire.

On successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Education award, students will be awarded with a University of Staffordshire degree.
Required qualifications
Part-time applicants will be assessed individually based on their qualifications, skills, and experience. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Present a clear Enhanced DBS check, indicating that there are no concerns about working with children.
- Be employed (either in a paid or voluntary capacity) in an educational setting for a minimum of four hours per week.
- Hold a relevant Level 3 qualification along with suitable work experience.
- Possess GCSE qualifications in English and maths or demonstrate competence at level 2.
What skills will I develop?

This course, offered by the University of Staffordshire, is designed to deepen your understanding of the latest developments in the education sector. You will delve into contemporary theories and principles of education, learning how to effectively apply them to your professional practice. This will equip you to meet the needs of your employer while simultaneously nurturing your personal development.

The course places a strong emphasis on the cultivation of comprehensive professional and academic skills, enabling you to not only excel in your current role but also broaden your horizons for future career opportunities.

The objectives of the course are designed to empower you to realise your career aspirations. You will emerge as a ‘discipline expert’ in education, boost your professionalism, expand your professional practice, and enhance your capacity for independent thinking.

Throughout your journey, you will acquire a wealth of transferable skills, including academic writing, critical thinking, advanced research techniques, reflective practices, and effective presentation skills. Many students share that this enriching experience has significantly elevated their proficiency in the workplace and has instilled a newfound confidence that propels them toward success.
Careers
There are many potential careers, mainly in the education sector, which a degree in education could lead to. Some will depend on qualifications that you already have such as Early Years. Please be aware that some of these would not be accessible straight from a foundation degree and would require further training.

Career prospects/choices could include:
- Community education officer
- Early years teacher
- Education administrator
- Education consultant
- Education mental health practitioner
- English as a foreign language teacher
- Further education teacher
- Learning mentor
- Primary school teacher
- Secondary school teacher
- Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)
- Special educational needs teacher
- Teaching assistant
Jobs where your degree would be useful:
- Careers adviser
- Child psychotherapist
- Counsellor
- Educational psychologist
- Family support worker
- Health play specialist
- Museum education officer
- Play therapist
- Private tutor
- Youth worker
Work experience

You must be in practice in an educational setting during this course, you will need to refer to your own current practice and development in assignments. This can be voluntary or paid work and must be a minimum of four hours per week.
English and maths

You must possess GCSE qualifications in English and maths or demonstrate competence at level 2.
Other important information
The course starts every September.

The duration of the course is three years part-time. The course runs for one evening per week and consistent attendance is expected.

It is essential that you take time for additional reading and studying out of college time, there will be set work or reading set regularly.

The fees for the course are:
- Year 1 – £3,555.00
- Year 2 – £3,555.00
- Year 3 – £2,370.00
- Total – £9,480.00
However, you may be eligible for a student loan to help cover the cost of these fees.

You can apply for the course online directly through the university website here.

Testimonials

“This course has not only broadened my knowledge of childcare but has helped me understand and appreciate why we do the things we do in setting. The course has built my confidence and I genuinely feel I can achieve my long-term goals. I don’t believe I would have achieved as well on a more traditional route, but this part time approach has been manageable and a positive experience.”

Amy Richards

Former Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“When starting my first year I found it challenging, however now I am extremely glad I stuck with it. I was thinking of being a primary school teacher, however when doing my placement in a nursery I became manager which I really enjoyed. I have just qualified to be a childminder, and I am passionate about starting my own business and progressing onto my own nurseries in the future.”

Aprisha Parmar

Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“I'm currently studying on the Early Childhood Studies Foundation Degree at Lichfield, and I have found the course to be flexible around my work and home life. During my maternity leave from work, I have been able to join classes online when needed and my lecturer Jodie has been very understanding of my circumstances and adapted to my needs as a mature learner.”

Chloe Douglas

Level 5 Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“Throughout this course I enjoyed learning about different views and perspectives on how children learn. This allowed me to reflect on my own practice and to develop as a practitioner. The teachers on this course were very supportive and were always available for guidance. Whilst on this course I was promoted to a baby room lead and I will be starting my Level 6 top up degree.”

Hannah Jordan

Former Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“The lecturer caters to my learning needs well and is really supportive when it comes to clarifying my understanding in a way I can apply to my assignments.”

Hannah Stringer

Level 5 Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“The Early Childhood Studies course works alongside working and supports my studies as I can use my experiences within work to support my knowledge and understanding and use this in my assignments. I can also use the knowledge I gain from the course to support my professional development at work. The course is flexible to our learning needs, and I feel supported by my tutor.”

Jade Thompson

Level 5 Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“The course content is detailed and always explained well by the lecturer who has a lot of knowledge and experience.”

Molly Walker

Level 5 Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“The course not only improved my confidence, but also my reflective practice, enabling me to continually improve personally, professionally and academically. I truly enjoyed the course and would recommend doing it. I have continued to do the BA (Hons) Education top up degree which I don't believe I would have had the confidence or skills to do if I hadn't have done the Foundation Degree first.”

Samantha Adams

Former Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“I have worked in childcare for nearly 4 years and gained so much confidence building my way up to management and being a room leader with the knowledge from doing my Level 4. This year I decided I wanted to apply to do child nursing and pursue a career with the NHS, using all the skills and knowledge I have gained from university and working at the nursery.”

Shelby Limm

Former Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

Foundation Degree in Education

Is this course for you?

Required qualifications

What skills will I develop?

Careers

Work experience

English and maths

Other important information

Testimonials