Welcome to Halesowen College

Is it for me?

The Foundation Degree in Learning Support is intended for individuals who are in, or plan to enter, employment and who have reached the minimum age of eighteen.

The following student groups are particularly likely to show an interest in the programme:

• those already working within a relevant support role
• students currently in FE colleges or schools seeking progression opportunities from an appropriate advanced level vocational qualification
• students who have obtained at least one 'A' level pass
• students completing an Access to Higher Education course, or equivalent
• mature students seeking access to Higher Education in this area

Aims

• Provide students with all the necessary skills to support learners in a wide range of educative environments
• Prepare students for employment in such environments as teaching assistants, care assistants
• Enable students to understand the fundamental ways schools and other educative institutions function
• Utilise employers' perceptions and ideas as appropriate to enrich the learning experience of students
• Draw upon the existing skills, knowledge and experience of students;
• Assist students in recognising their strengths, acknowledging their weaknesses and seeking to overcome the latter
• Give students the necessary skills and knowledge to confidently tackle problems in a range of working environments

Features

• A two and a half year part-time course equivalent to 2 years of a full degree course (levels 4 and 5)
• Consists of 16 modules combining tuition with work based refection
• Designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to work with people in a learning environment
• Provides appropriate degree-level content for progression into the third year of an honours degree course in Education
• Four of the 16 modules are work based and there is a requirement to demonstrate competence in 6 Key Skill areas.

What will I learn?

A programme of study will require the completion of two modules per term over a period of two and a half years.

Year One Term One

• FdLS1011 Preparing for Study
• FdLS1012 Literacy and Numeracy

Year One Term Two

• FdLS1014 Child Development
• FdLS1015 Understanding Learning Support

    
Year One Term Three

• FdLS1013 Science and IT
• FdLS1017 Partnership in Education

Year Two Term One

• FdLS1016 Managing Challenging Behaviour
• FdLS1018 Inclusive Practice in learning Support

Year Two Term Two

• FdLS2012 Inclusion in Theory and Practice
• FdLS2011 An Introduction to Research Methods

Year Two Term Three

• FdLS2014 School Based Study

Year Three Term One

• FdLS2017 Evaluation and Change
• FdLS2015 Talking and Listening with Others

    

Year Three Term Two

• FdLS2016 An Introduction to Social Care Strategies: Meeting the National Agenda
• FdLS2013 Supporting People with Additional Needs

 

An integral part of the course are the six key skill areas which include:

• Information and communication technology
• Improving learning and performance
• Number
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Working with others

These  will largely be covered in the work based modules.

What are the entry requirement?

• Five passes from a combination of GCE or GCSE examinations (grade C or above) of which one must be passed at Advanced Level (grade D or above); or
• Advanced GNVQ – Merit; or
• EDEXQEL (BTEC) National Certificate or Diploma - 75% Merit
• For mature students (i.e. 21 or over) consideration will be given for a wide range of qualifications and/or experience

How will I be assessed?

No external assessment.  All modules will be assessed internally through a variety of assessment methods graded A through to E.  At all times UCW Academic Quality Unit requirements apply.


How do I enrol?

Although enrolled students will be defined as part time students of UCW, the course will be held at Halesowen College. 

Students will have access to resources and facilities at both sites. 

All enrolment enquiries must be made to UCW Admissions Department on 01905 855415. 

For interview details contact 0121 602 7770.

What do I need for the first class?

• Writing materials
• Judith Bell – Doing your research Project
• David Fulton – Successful Study Skills
• Maggie Belshaw – Help in the Classroom

Cost

£300 per module.

What can I do next?

• Entry into the role as a learning support worker in a number of different settings eg. schools, social services, care homes, health etc.
• For those already in post it offers a pathway to career enhancement
• The Foundation degree offers access to progression into the third year of an honours degree course in Education

Programme Specification

• Awarding institution/body - University College Worcester
• Teaching institution University - University College Worcester
• Programme accredited by University College Worcester
• UCAS code - No X300 FD/LSpt
• Course delivered at Halesowen College

Course Cost

£1,860.00

Course Dates

This course runs from September to June.  The next start date is not yet confirmed. Please call 0121 602 7722 for further information.