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

  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • Planning and Professional Development (20 Credits)
    Module code: PDT2017

    Status: Compulsory
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  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.

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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

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 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 2020 entry.

  Please note that tuition fees for EU students will remain the same as UK fees for 2020/21. For more information, please visit the Gov UK website.

  2019/2020

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module

  Please note that tuition fees for EU students will remain the same as UK fees for 2019/20. For more information, please visit the Gov UK website.

  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.

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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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