Learning and Teaching (FDLT)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This course aims to develop your understanding of children’s learning and build on your ability to support teachers in raising pupil achievement, as well as looking at some of the wider aspects of school provision. You will be encouraged to analyse your work in the context of best practice, relevant principles and research.  The course also provides support for developing and extending the skills, knowledge and understanding related to the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) professional standards.

  The FDLT is equivalent to the first two years of a full time undergraduate honours degree, and you can progress to the BA (Hons) Learning and Teaching Top-up to achieve a Bachelor’s degree. Our programme is specifically designed for teaching assistants to help with your professional development. Attendance one day a week at university helps to fit your study around your work. By the end of this course you will be able to demonstrate excellent practice, underpinned by theoretical understanding, through a range of assignments and portfolios of evidence. Our experienced and supportive tutors, alongside mentors in your workplace, will help you to excel.

  Modules are designed to extend your professional competence and understanding beyond the HLTA standards.  Please note that none of the modules confer HLTA status. If you have prior relevant higher education qualifications, or are already an HLTA, you may be able to get exemption for some modules.

  Each year of this qualification gives you 120 Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) – year one at level four and year two at level five.

  At 240 CATS points, you will be able to progress, through a third year, to the BA (Hons) Learning and Teaching degree.

  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
    • Interprofessional Education (IPE)
      Module code: FHS_IPE20

      Status: Compulsory
    • Pupil Engagement and Assessment (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT1065

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to engage students in studying the theory and practice of supporting learning, the assessment of learning and of learner need and principles of planning to advance learning. It also provides students with the opportunity to develop their own study skills.
    • Introduction to SEND, Diversity and Inclusion (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT1066

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of the barriers to learning experienced by learners with diverse needs, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The module aims to enable students to develop strategies to support these learners within their settings and to promote inclusive practice.
    • English and Maths: Core Subjects (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT1068

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' subject knowledge and their understanding of pedagogy in English and Mathematics.They will explore current theoretical perspectives on effective learning and teaching in English and Mathematics and how these relate to practice.
    • Using Digital Technology to Inspire and Support Learning (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT1076

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is develop students? confidence and ability in using digital technology across the curriculum to support their own learning and that of the pupils they work with.
    • Work Based Reflection (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT1077

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is develop students? ability to formally reflect on their learning and develop professional development plans
    • The Practitioner's Role (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT1078

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to facilitate students' understanding of their role within their education setting. It asks students to consider how they work as members of a professional team, and how they develop their understanding of pupil support.
  • Stage 2
    • Using Experiences Outside the School to Inspire and Support Learning (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT2016

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for students to extend their subject and pedagogoic knowledge to support teaching strategies in subjects and aspects of the wider curriculum. They will explore current theoretical perspectives on effective learning and teaching in locations beyond the immediate school setting. They will develop and use a range of digital technology tools to support and inspire their own learning and that of their pupils.
    • Planning and Professional Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT2017

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' knowledge and understanding of the factors which influence curriculum planning and to explore, monitor and evaluate approaches to professional development in education.
    • SEND, Diversity and Inclusion: School Based Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT2018

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for students to draw on their own experience in their individual settings by critically exploring and evaluating the efficacy of a selected intervention/strategy or resource relating to SEND, inclusion or diversity in their own school/setting which is of relevance and interest to them. Students will gain an insight into how provision and/or resourcing for SEND is managed in their own setting in practice and will also develop initial experience in acting as a reflective practitioner-researcher.
    • Work-based Practice: Reflective Practices (40 Credits)
      Module code: PDT2019

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to encourage students to reflect upon practice, value the professional opinion of colleagues and be confident working within a multi-professional team. Students develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills central to their role in supporting a positive experience of learning for pupils. By combining theory and practice students are able to gain clearer insight into the relationship between teaching and learning in order to become independent reflective practitioners.
    • English and Maths: Cross Curricular Approaches (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT2020

      Status: Compulsory
      This module extends students? understanding of the skills, knowledge and theoretical perspectives underpinning the core curriculum subjects of English and mathematics. It develops the students? understanding of learning and teaching strategies in the subjects and explores the connections between these subjects and the rest of the curriculum in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1 to 3, including pupils with special educational needs and those learning English as an Additional Language. Using digital media to support and engage learners is integral to this module.

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• Entry Requirements

  You must demonstrate the ability to undertake intermediate degree level study, through prior qualifications at NVQ level 3 or equivalent. Appropriate levels of numeracy and literacy are required to support learners in schools and usually a minimum of two years’ experience working as a teaching assistant.

  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:

  • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent)
    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

  Students who wish to complete this course in two years will be classed as full time even though attendance is only required one day a week. Students need to apply for funding as a full time student with Student Finance.

  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

  Students who wish to complete this course in two years will be classed as full time even though attendance is only required one day a week. Students need to apply for funding as a full time student with Student Finance.

  Additional Costs

  There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2021 entry.

  Scholarships and Bursaries

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

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• Progression Courses

  The University of Northampton is proud to offer a wide range of education courses that you can progress on to after completing your Learning and Teaching FdA award, on the basis you meet the minimum requirements.

  • Learning and Teaching Top-Up BA 

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time degree at Northampton you will receive a laptop when your course begins. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  To check out the full list of perks visit our Student Perks page.

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• FAQs

  Do I need to be employed in a school?

  Yes, you need to be employed in a school for a minimum of 2.5 days a week. You need to have the support of your headteacher in a reference in your UCAS application and in an Employer’s Declaration Form. This will be sent to you by the university when you accept a place on the course.

  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 will I be taught?

  Sessions are taught one day per week and your face-to-face teaching will be consolidated with online materials, work-based practice and personal tutoring.

  You will spend one day per week at the University over two years, spending the rest of your time in your workplace, consolidating your academic studies and building experience.

  How will I be assessed?

  There are no exams. Instead, assessments include practical projects, presentations, assignments, research and portfolios of work practice.

  Can I use my HLTA status to be exempt from part of Year 1?

  Yes, you can apply to be exempt from the two work-based modules in Stage 1 (40 credits). This would make you a part-time student for the first year.

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Careers and Employability

This course gives you the opportunity to progress onto an honours degree and can provide a route to Qualified Teacher Status including through an employment-based scheme or similar.