Education (Supporting Teaching and Learning) BA(Hons)

Start date

30 September 2024

Duration

4 years part-time

Entry requirements

UCAS - 112

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

Chat with our students

About the course

Reasons to study

You'll develop the enhanced skills and knowledge needed to help you progress your career.
Teaching typically takes place on Saturdays to fit in with your existing work in a school, college or childcare setting.
You'll be able to put theory into practice by referencing your own place of work in your studies.

If you’re already in a learning support role within a school, college or other educational setting and aspiring to enhance your knowledge and skills in this specialist area, this course could be for you.

Why Education (Supporting Teaching and Learning)?

This course will support you to develop the skills, knowledge and critical understanding necessary to effectively support both teachers and learners in the process of teaching and learning in a variety of contexts.
You’ll also have the opportunity to build upon the unique features of the support role in ways that contribute to raising learner achievement, promoting a commitment to safeguarding, equality of opportunity, anti-discriminatory and inclusive practice. You’ll increase your critical understanding of the use of assistive technology and alternative methods of teaching.
You’ll be taught by an outstanding team of teachers. You’ll also have access to our extensive professional and academic network which feeds directly into course design and delivery and to excellent facilities and specialist equipment.
Your place of work forms a key element of the course allowing you to put theory into practice. To ensure flexibility and access for those working within schools, colleges and other childcare settings during the week, teaching on this course typically takes place on Saturdays, approximately 8 per academic year.

Course detail

Year 1

Core modules:

Theories and Strategies for Learning

This module encourages the development of the academic study and communication skills necessary for successful study at degree level. Assessment typically includes preparing an essay considering issues or theories related to your course of study and a portfolio of evidence of your developing research and academic skills.

Perspectives on Learning and Development

You’ll be introduced to the theories and research that underpin development and learning for children, young people and adults and consider key concepts that explain the basis of development and learning. Assessment typically involves the production of a display and a timed test.

Professional Practice

While exploring work-based learning opportunities, this module seeks to nurture independent learning and a holistic approach to enhancing your own professionalism and practice. Assessment typically involves building on a skills gap analysis to produce a reflective summary and a portfolio of evidence.

Year 2

Core modules:

SEND: Understanding policy and practice

You’ll study current understanding of SEND and its impact on inclusion. You’ll examine the statutory and regulatory context for SEND equality and the implications for practice. In addition, you’ll investigate the needs arising from specific SEND conditions, and what this means for educational practice in a range of settings. You’ll also explore how children and young people with SEND and their families are supported to engage with support services and the factors that may influence this partnership working. Assessment typically involves production of an academic poster and a critical evaluation report.

Safeguarding Children and Young People

This module will help raise your awareness of current legislation, policies and procedures which exist to promote children and young people’s rights and to keep them safe from harm. It emphasises the knowledge, skills and qualities required to work with children, young people, their families and carers and other professionals in safeguarding contexts; and critically explores broader concepts of child abuse. Assessment typically involves the completion of an oral assessment and a timed test.

Advanced Professional Practice

The programme of study will nurture your independent learning and enhance your own professionalism and practice through structured workplace learning. There will be an emphasis on you setting your own work related learning objectives, developing reflective practice and using learning agreements. Assessment for this module typically involves the development of a written assignment.

Year 3

Core modules:

Support for Language, Literacy and Mathematics in Educational Environments

This module develops your understanding of language acquisition, literacy and maths development in children, young people, and adults. You'll learn about specific aspects of literacy and maths development, such as second language acquisition, language impairment dyslexia, and dyscalculia. You'll have the opportunity to focus on an aspect of language, literacy or maths development of particular interest to you through written coursework, and to use your creativity in designing a unique activity based resource.

Person-Centred Approaches

You will study current policy and legislation related to person-centred approaches within education, health and care settings for children and young people with individual learning needs or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You will explore the theoretical underpinning of person-centred practice and evaluate a range of approaches. You will examine the role of the practitioner in supporting and developing person-centred practice, exploring issues including working with families, developing early communication skills, solution focused approaches, and the voice of the child or young person. You will explore a range of research methodologies and ethics and carry out a small scale piece of research about person-centred practice.

Assessing Learning

This module will develop your understanding of the ways in which assessment contributes to learning and raises achievement. You will explore different methods and applications of assessment and the ways in which current practice changes to incorporate new or changed methods of assessment. The assessment task for this module takes the form of a report evaluating resources and tools used for assessing learning in educational contexts.

Year 4

Core modules:

Researching the Major Study

This module forms the first part of a two module package (along with Major Study in Education) which constitutes the project that demonstrates the application of the skills and knowledge acquired within the course. It leads to a project plan which will be implemented in the second module. The focus is on preparatory and background activities leading to a detailed project proposal.

Major Study in Education

This module builds on the Researching the Major Study module. You will undertake a substantial piece of work (dissertation) on a relevant topic in education, which is of particular interest and relevance to your practice. Your dissertation may be literary (an in-depth study of theories, texts, themes), empirical, based on the design, development and evaluation of an enterprise or resource or a combination which has been negotiated with your tutor.

Option modules:

You will choose one option module from a list which may include:

Supporting Learning in Young Children

You’ll be introduced to the principles of effective teaching for supporting children’s learning. You'll learn about the concept of inclusion, the principles of both medium and short term planning, and a variety of perspectives on planning and teaching. Assessment is typically via peer presentation and the development of a written, reflective report.

Critical Approaches to Inclusive Education

On this module you’ll examine definitions and different understandings of inclusion and models of disability, considering a national and global context. You’ll explore the impact these different definitions and models have on educational policy and practice. You’ll also critically analyse current approaches to inclusion in a range of settings, as well as develop your understanding of approaches to inclusive planning, teaching and assessment that ensures accessibility, challenge and achievability for all pupils. Assessment typically takes the form of an in-class debate and an annotated teaching plan for an activity you’ve designed.

Health and Wellbeing

Through this module you’ll explore different aspects of the health and well-being of children and young people and become equipped to evaluate the wider public health agenda, national trends and supporting legislation. Assessment is typically via research, presentation, discussion and written evaluation.

Teaching and Assessment

You’ll be taught through a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and interactive workshops. Teaching on this course typically takes place on Saturdays at the University campus to ensure flexibility and access for those working within school and other childcare settings during the week.

You’ll also have a personal tutor who’ll be assigned to you throughout your degree to support your ongoing wellbeing and ensure that you have a positive learning experience.

Assessments vary and include action learning sets, group work, timed tests, creative projects, seminar papers, essays, reports, case studies, logs and journals.

Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

Teaching excellence

The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.
Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.
We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).
We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

Entry requirements

112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of A Levels or Level 3 qualifications in Early Childhood, Learning Support or a related educational area.

Merit at T Level

Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.
If you already have a level 4 or higher qualification such as NVQ level 4 or 5 or Foundation Degree relating to the course you will be considered for entry directly into Year 2 or above.

In addition you must also:

Have GCSE English Language at grade 4 or above (grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme), or equivalent.

Be in employment or voluntary work in an appropriate registered setting (for a minimum of 120 hours per year) and have support from your employer.

You must also demonstrate during interview that you have sufficient general academic skills to be able to undertake the course.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Facilities

Tutor support

Lockside building

Open Access computer room

Teaching session

Your career

Upon successful completion you may progress to a more senior learning support role or consider pursuing further study, including PGCE or other professional Master's programmes.

*Percentage of graduates from this subject who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020/21, UK domiciled, other activities excluded).

95% Graduates employed*

Further study

Progression to a postgraduate course is dependent on successful completion of your undergraduate studies, there may also be minimum qualification requirements such as a first class or higher second (2.1) degree. Please check the course details to confirm this.

Primary and Early Years Education PGCE with QTS

If you want to become a primary school teacher for Foundation and Key Stage 1 pupils (aged three to seven years), this PGCE course will help you on your way .

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Education (Early Childhood Studies) MA

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Inspiring Graduate

Our graduates go on to succeed in a whole range of exciting careers. Hereâs just one example.

As a graduate of the University of Huddersfield youâll also become a member of our alumni community, allowing you to stay in touch and continue to access university services.

My degree has been influential within my working life and has prepared me for my next steps in learning. Through a supportive network of tutors, this has allowed me to progress academically and I am now able to build upon my acquired knowledge and implement this within my PGCE course. I am currently undertaking a School Direct PGCE with QTS as a salaried student. I have been successful in achieving this within my existing school.

My most memorable moment was when I found out I had been awarded the Chancellorâs prize. This filled me with a sense of pride as this was a recognition of all my hard work and achievements over the last four years.

Gemma Kenworthy, Gemma graduated in 2016 with a First Class honours degree in Learning Support BA(Hons)* *This course was previously called Learning Support BA(Hons)

Further study
Inspiring Graduate

Primary and Early Years Education PGCE with QTS

If you want to become a primary school teacher for Foundation and Key Stage 1 pupils (aged three to seven years), this PGCE course will help you on your way .

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Postgraduate

Primary Education PGCE with QTS

If you're aspiring to become a primary school teacher, then our Primary Education PGCE with QTS course will help you on your way .

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Postgraduate

Education (Early Childhood Studies) MA

The Early Childhood Studies MA course focuses on current issues faced by early years’ professionals.

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Postgraduate

Lifelong Learning PGCE pre-service

Sixth form, further education colleges, adult education and training – this course prepares you to teach in the lifelong learning (post-14) sector.

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Postgraduate

Education (Teaching and Learning) MA

If you’re looking to progress your skills in effective teaching and development, and research, then this course may be for you.

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Postgraduate

Our graduates go on to succeed in a whole range of exciting careers. Hereâs just one example.

As a graduate of the University of Huddersfield youâll also become a member of our alumni community, allowing you to stay in touch and continue to access university services.

My degree has been influential within my working life and has prepared me for my next steps in learning. Through a supportive network of tutors, this has allowed me to progress academically and I am now able to build upon my acquired knowledge and implement this within my PGCE course. I am currently undertaking a School Direct PGCE with QTS as a salaried student. I have been successful in achieving this within my existing school.

My most memorable moment was when I found out I had been awarded the Chancellorâs prize. This filled me with a sense of pride as this was a recognition of all my hard work and achievements over the last four years.

Gemma Kenworthy, Gemma graduated in 2016 with a First Class honours degree in Learning Support BA(Hons)* *This course was previously called Learning Support BA(Hons)

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. [Find out more about all our support services|http://www.hud.ac.uk/uni-life/support/]

A wide range of resources are also offered within the School of Education and Professional Development, which you would be a part of should you decide to study this course. The school provides you with support in a variety of areas, these include:

Student Support Office (iPoint): a one-stop-shop for students, studying within the School. Here you can get help and advice, including checking your timetable, finding a tutor, handing in assessments. We can also refer you to other departments within the University such as, student finance, student services etc.
Academic Skills Tutor: provides guidance about how you can develop your academic skills in order to improve your grades. We provide support with general academic skills including essay writing, time management, presentations and group work skills; information technology and numeracy; research skills, as well as personal development for example confidence building and assertiveness.
Student Support Officer: provides confidential and impartial advice on welfare and course related issues.
Placements, Employability and Partnerships A significant part of your learning takes place whilst on placement.To help you get the best possible experience we operate an extensive professional network giving you the opportunity to access a wide range of high quality placement providers.

Our professional network includes links with local authorities, schools, colleges, early years settings, voluntary organisations, youth services and youth offending teams to offer you real-life experience whilst you study. Our placements team offer you help to find your placement and support you through it.

In 2024/25, the part-time tuition fee for UK students at the University of Huddersfield is £995 per 20 credit module (see Fees and finance for exceptions).

Tuition fees will cover the cost of your study at the University as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision and examinations. For more information about funding, fees and finance for UK students, including what your tuition fee covers, please see Fees and finance. Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years of study may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X).

If you are an EU or international student coming to study at the University of Huddersfield, please visit the International Fees and Finance pages for full details of tuition fees and support available.

Please email the Student Finance Office or call 01484 472210 for more information about fees and finance.

Your placements could be in Huddersfield or surrounding areas, so please consider any travelling costs you may incur.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required to enable you to undertake placements in settings with children. We arrange this as part of the application process. Please note that there may be a charge for the DBS check.

Fees and Finance

Tuition Fees - part-time

In 2024/25, the part-time tuition fee for UK students at the University of Huddersfield is £995 per 20 credit module (see Fees and finance for exceptions).

Please email the Student Finance Office or call 01484 472210 for more information about fees and finance.

Additional costs

Your placements could be in Huddersfield or surrounding areas, so please consider any travelling costs you may incur.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required to enable you to undertake placements in settings with children. We arrange this as part of the application process. Please note that there may be a charge for the DBS check.

Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

Education (Early Years) BA(Hons)

If you’re currently employed or volunteer in the children’s workforce and are passionate about working with young children and their families, then this course could be for you. You’ll develop high quality practice and underpinning knowledge to help you progress as an early years practitioner.

Find out more How to apply

Part-time

Undergraduate

Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion) BA(Hons)

If you’re currently employed or volunteer in the children’s workforce and are passionate about working with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, our course will help you develop the professional knowledge and skills you need. You’ll develop high quality practice and underpinning knowledge to help you progress as a SEND and inclusion practitioner.

Find out more How to apply

Part-time

Undergraduate

View more courses

Start date

Duration

Entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

About the course

Reasons to study

Why Education (Supporting Teaching and Learning)?

Course detail

Theories and Strategies for Learning

Perspectives on Learning and Development

Professional Practice

SEND: Understanding policy and practice

Safeguarding Children and Young People

Advanced Professional Practice

Support for Language, Literacy and Mathematics in Educational Environments

Person-Centred Approaches

Assessing Learning

Researching the Major Study

Major Study in Education

Supporting Learning in Young Children

Critical Approaches to Inclusive Education

Health and Wellbeing

Entry requirements

Facilities

Your career

Primary and Early Years Education PGCE with QTS

Primary Education PGCE with QTS

Education (Early Childhood Studies) MA

Lifelong Learning PGCE pre-service

Education (Teaching and Learning) MA

Primary and Early Years Education PGCE with QTS

Primary Education PGCE with QTS

Education (Early Childhood Studies) MA

Lifelong Learning PGCE pre-service

Education (Teaching and Learning) MA

Student support

Fees and Finance

Fees and Finance

Important information

Changes to a course you have applied for

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules

Major changes

Termination of course

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