At Worcester, you’ll learn from experienced educators who bring real classroom insight into every session. Our strong links with local schools and education providers mean your learning is always connected to current practice and future opportunities.
of students were positive about the teaching on this course
of students say staff make the subject engaging
University of the Year finalist
Recognised for our graduate success, we’re shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2025.
Overview
The Teaching and Learning FdA is perfect for anyone working or volunteering in schools who wants to build practical skills and knowledge to make a real difference in the classroom.
Whether you want to progress in your current role or take the first steps towards becoming a qualified teacher, this course provides a solid foundation for your future. Clear routes to top-up degrees and further qualifications mean you’ll be well-prepared to advance your career in education.
We’ll support you to develop the academic and professional skills needed for higher education while gaining a strong foundation in classroom practice. You’ll explore behaviour management through interactive problem-based learning and examine inclusive education, including equality, diversity, SEND, and global citizenship. You’ll also dive into pedagogy, curriculum and assessment, learning how to engage and motivate pupils. Alongside this, you’ll apply theory in your own setting through work-based learning and start planning a small-scale enquiry project focused on ethics and improving quality in education. Reflection runs throughout the course, helping you grow as a confident, informed practitioner.
Learning is practical and engaging, with workshops, real-world case studies and collaborative projects that connect theory to practice. With teaching on just one day per week, you can balance study with work and family commitments. You’ll also benefit from strong links with local schools and employers, giving you insight into current educational practice and opportunities to expand your professional network.
Work-based learning
Work-based learning is a core part of this course and gives you the chance to apply what you learn in real settings. This experience helps you see how theory connects to practice and gives you valuable industry insight. It’s also a great way to build confidence and develop skills employers look for, such as critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability.
If you’re already working in a registered setting, you can study alongside your job, so you keep earning while you learn. You’ll need your employer’s support throughout the programme.
Course content
On this foundation degree, you’ll study essential theories of teaching and learning and develop practical strategies to support pupils effectively. Every module is designed to build your confidence and skills, preparing you for progression in education.
We regularly review our courses to reflect the latest research and developments in the subject area, as well as feedback from students, employers and the wider sector. As a result, modules may change to ensure the course remains current and relevant.
Careers
This foundation degree is designed to prepare you for a wide range of roles in education, from teaching assistant and learning support to progression towards qualified teacher status. Work-based learning is embedded throughout the course, giving you real-world experience and helping you apply theory in practice.
You’ll graduate with the skills employers value most: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, reflection, and resilience. These transferable skills are developed through group projects, presentations, and practical assignments, ensuring you’re ready to adapt and thrive in diverse educational settings.
Alongside this, you’ll have access to the University’s Careers and Employability Service, offering tailored support such as CV writing workshops, interview preparation, and guidance on achieving your career goals.
Potential career paths include:
- Teaching Assistant
- Learning Support Assistant
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support
- Pastoral Support Roles
Opportunities for further study
Many graduates choose to continue their studies with a top-up degree, turning their FdA into a full honours degree and opening doors to advanced roles in education.
At Worcester, you can progress to courses such as BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families Top-Up, which leads to roles supporting children and families, BA (Hons) Education Studies, BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion, or BA (Hons) Teaching in Primary Education with QTS Top-Up which leads to becoming a qualified teacher.
Course highlights
Teaching and assessment
Our Teaching and Learning Support FdA has been designed by experienced educators to prepare you for a career in education. Teaching combines interactive workshops, seminars, lectures, and group activities, creating an engaging and supportive learning experience.
There are no exams on this course. Assessments are practical and varied, including critical evaluations, reflective portfolios, presentations, and written assignments – all designed to develop the skills you’ll need for your future career.
Teaching and assessment contents
You will have an opportunity to engage with learning through a comprehensive range of learning and teaching strategies which include:
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Group work
- Practical activities
- Problem-based learning
Practical activities and assignments will enable you to learn and to share your knowledge and expertise with others. You will also undertake a work-based study in your second year, which supports you to focus on a particular area of your interest.
The course contains a mixture of independent study, teaching and academic support from Student Services and Library Services and the personal academic tutoring system. This combination allows you to reflect on your progress and build up a profile of skills, achievements and experiences that you can use to enhance your future career.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff points required: 32
The normal minimum entry requirement for Foundation Degree courses is the possession of 4 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) and 1 A Level (or equivalent Level 3 qualification).
A Disclosure and Barring Service Check is required for this course.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk.
Fees
Fees contents
UK and EU students
In 2026/27 the standard fee for full-time home and EU undergraduate students on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £9,535 per year (subject to changes in the government tuition fee cap).
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
International students
In 2026/27 the standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £17,200 per year.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
How to apply
How to apply contents
Applying through UCAS
UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for full-time undergraduate courses in the UK.
Read our how to apply pages for more information on the application process, or if you’d like to apply for part-time study.
FdA Teaching and Learning Support - X700
Contact
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Simon Taylor
Senior Lecturer and Course Leader Foundation Degree in Teaching & Learning Support
simon.taylor@worc.ac.uk
Admissions Office
admissions@worc.ac.uk01905 855111More to explore
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