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

Course Content

• Course Details

  This course 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.

  It 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 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • 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 charcateristics of social science research practice. Students will execute and present independent research on their chosen topic of interest.

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• Entry Requirements

  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 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.

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• Fees and Funding

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,500 per 20 credit module

  2021/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,465 per 20 credit module

  Scholarships and Bursaries

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

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• Postgraduate Opportunities

  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.

  Courses which might be accessible with a BALT degree:

  • Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) PGCE
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) MSc or Postgraduate Diploma.
  • Education Mental Health Practitioner, Postgraduate Diploma    
  • Counselling Children and Young People MSc
  • Psychology MSc
  • Social Work MA
  • Social Innovation MA
  • Special Educational Needs and Inclusion MA
  • Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (Autism Pathway) MA
  • Youth and Community Leadership MA

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• Hannah's Story

  Having first successfully completed the Foundation Degree in Learning and Teaching, Hannah Taylor recently graduated from the BA (Hons) Learning and Teaching (Top-Up) programme with a First Class honours.

  She is now on her final step to becoming a teacher.

  Read more

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• FAQs

  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 course as a co-operative experience, sharing knowledge and expertise.

  Do I need to be employed in a school?

  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. 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.

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Careers and Employability

Many BA (Hons) Learning and Teaching graduates go on to become teachers. Other BALT graduates have gone on to careers in areas such as social work, counselling, pastoral care, and psychology,