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

Course Content

• Course Details

  This learning and teaching 1 year 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 teaching and learning 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 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Personal perspectives in professional practice (10 Credits)
      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.
    • Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Professional Practice (10 Credits)
      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.
    • Education beyond boundaries (20 Credits)
      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.
    • Culture & Identity in Education (20 Credits)
      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.
    • Research Methods and Dissertation (60 Credits)
      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 characteristics of social science research practice. Students will execute and present independent research on their chosen topic of interest.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on this top up degree?

  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 & 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 within this degree top up in Learning and Teaching. Instead, assessments include written assignments and reports, practical projects and presentations.

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