Learning and Teaching (top-up) BA (Hons)

Key Facts

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Duration

    1 year full time

  • Starting

    September

  • Fees UK 24/25

    Full Time: £9,250

  • Location

    Waterside Campus (Northampton) or Leicester

Get in touch


For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

Overview


The BA (Hons) Learning and Teaching Top-up degree is designed to follow on from our Foundation Degree in Learning and Teaching, or equivalent Level 5 qualifications. It is aimed at teaching assistants and those in similar educational support roles and is designed to fit around your work, with attendance at University being one day per week.

There is a choice of venues, with cohorts at Waterside (Northampton) and Leicester.

Updated 20/03/2024

Highlights


  • Enables you to top-up your qualification to a BA Honours degree whilst continuing with your current role.
  • Provides good preparation for Primary PGCE and other QTS routes.
  • Guaranteed interview for PGCE Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) on completion (T&Cs apply)
  • Two locations (Northampton and Leicester) available subject to student numbers.
  • Experienced and supportive tutor team.
  • Designed to fit in with your employment in school and is taught on one day per week
  • Modules are designed to help you develop excellent models of practice underpinned by theory
  • There are no examinations

Course Content


  • This learning and teaching top-up degree builds upon your existing knowledge and experience to explore wider issues related to teaching and learning and is ideal preparation for applying to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) programmes in Key Stage 1 and 2 and for careers linked to teaching and learning, such as learning mentors. If you would like to gain QTS at secondary level, you will need to undertake additional subject study.

    A top-up degree in education provides you with an opportunity to gain an understanding of wider educational perspectives and to take part in some of the key debates that surround education and schooling.

    You will study five interlinked modules and write a dissertation on a subject of your choice. You will be able to tailor your studies to your interests by the way that you approach your assignments.

    This course is taught at two venues, subject to numbers:

    • University of Northampton, Waterside Campus
    • Devonshire Place, London Road, Leicester LE2 0LA

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

      • Module code: PDT3007
        Status: Compulsory
        This module develops students? ability to function as part of a professional team within an education setting through: evaluating and enhancing professional attributes; increasing knowledge and understanding; consideration and critical evaluation of theoretical perspectives and factors such as professional standards which have significant impact on professional practice in education.
      • Module code: PDT3008
        Status: Compulsory
        Interprofessional working is an increasing important aspect of working with children and young people. Students will develop their knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviours related to interdisciplinary working, considering the range of other professionals and the ways in which these roles work together and complement each other to procure the best possible outcome for children and young people.
      • Module code: PDT3009
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is for students to understand how examining educational topics in other countries can inform their own practice and and understanding of the approaches to education. Students will gain an understanding of the contextual factors that are significant when making international comparisons and the theoretical models and data available to support such activity.
      • Module code: PDT3010
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is for students to understand how individual and group identity is formed within society and how identity factors influence life outcomes. Students will relate what they learn to their own life and to that of others.
      • Module code: PDT4002
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is for students to explore research methodologies and methods in order to produce a substantial piece of work. The module will provide students with the broad charcateristics of social science research practice. Students will execute and present independent research on their chosen topic of interest.
  • We ask that applicants have completed a Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning or equivalent, amounting to 240 Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) points. We also ask that you have recent or current experience in a school or other educational establishment.

    For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

    English Language Requirements

    All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
      for study at undergraduate level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  • 2024/25 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    2023/24 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    Scholarships and Bursaries

    For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • How will I be taught?

    The method of teaching for each module will vary slightly to suit the content and to give you a broad experience of learning strategies. You will be taught via lectures, seminars, group work, case studies, presentations, reflection on practice, analytical assignments, tutorials, online forums, individual learning and observations. Overall, we hope you will see your top-up degree in education as a co-operative experience, sharing knowledge and expertise.

    Do I need to be employed in a school to do a learning and teaching top-up degree?

    No, but you do need to have previous experience in educational settings. You may need to negotiate access to an educational setting to complete research for your dissertation.

    How much experience do I need?

    You need two years’ experience of working educational settings to participate in the Learning & Teaching top-up degree at UON. This could be made up from volunteering and paid employment in a range of contexts and age groups.

    How often will I attend university?

    You can attend this course full-time, for one year, spending one day per week at the University or you can attend the course part-time, for two years, spending an average of half a day per week at the University. Whichever route you take, this will amount to 1,200 hours of study.

    How will I be assessed?

    There are no examinations. Instead, assessments include written assignments and reports, practical projects and presentations.

Staff


Adam Chapman, Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)
Adam Chapman

Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)


Faculty of Health, Education and Society

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Jean Edwards, Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)
Jean Edwards

Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)


Faculty of Health, Education and Society

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Emel Thomas, Senior Lecturer in Education (CYF)
Emel Thomas

Senior Lecturer in Education (CYF)


Faculty of Health, Education and Society

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Postgraduate and Careers


Guaranteed Interview: Teacher Training

If you complete your educational top-up degree with us and apply for the PGCE Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) programme at the University of Northampton during your final undergraduate year, you are guaranteed an interview.

Terms and conditions apply:

  • Interviews are subject to you meeting the entry criteria for the course, we require a minimum 2:2 degree and relevant GCSEs
  • An interview does not guarantee an offer to study on the course. Places are limited and applications will close once the limit has been reached

Most BALT students go on to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through PGCE or other routes, but there are plenty of other career options available within Education and related fields such as social work, counselling, pastoral care, and psychology.

Courses which might be accessible with a BALT degree: