Enquire now
Encourage education and mould minds with our comprehensive Foundation Degree course. Whether you’re currently employed or want to start your first learning support role, our foundation degree will prepare you to support the learning of 4-25 year olds. Explore teaching methods and supporting learning concepts as you carve a career in the classroom.

• Overview

  Become a teaching assistant, study coach or progress mentor with our Supporting Teaching and Learning Foundation Degree. You will gain the academic knowledge, technical skills and practical experience demanded by industry employers. Develop autonomy and independent thinking as you explore multiple learning methods and formulate your own teaching style.

  As you progress through this course, you will develop your skills, knowledge and experience through engaging with a range of study modules. You will learn the concepts of supporting learning, as well as supporting technology enhanced learning. While improving your academic skills, you will complete subject-specific supporting learning modules.

  Work experience is essential to succeed in this sector so we embed placements in this programme. You will be expected to gain experience of working with children and young people as a part of the course.

  Please note students will need to hold a live enhanced DBS which may incur costs.

• Entry Requirements

  Typical offer:

  UCAS Tariff Points:48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), one of which must be in a relevant subject

  A Levels: 2xD grades one of which to be in a relevant subject

  BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP in relevant subjects

  Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit grade in a relevant subject

  T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject

  GCSE English: English Language grade 4 or above. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

  GCSE Maths: Maths grade 4 or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

  GCSE Science: Science grade 4 or above is desirable. Key Skills Level 2 and Functional Skills Level 2 are accepted in place of GCSEs.

  IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

  International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.

  Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

  *21 years and over at the start of the course.

  RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

  Placements: Full time students will need approx. 10-12 hours a week, voluntary or paid placement in a suitable placement on-going throughout their study.

  DBS checks: Students will also be required to complete the Disclosure and Barring Service process (DBS) prior to commencement on placement.

  Reference: An appropriate reference required.

• Assessment Types

  The assessments utilised on the programme have been designed with the changing role of supporting teaching and learning in education at the forefront. Observations and planning for children and young people’s learning are skills that are required for teaching assistants to acquire, as well as effective communication skills with a range of people.

  Case studies enable students to look holistically at a case and evaluate interventions, initiatives and strategies to raise the achievement of children and young people. They then can plan and make suggestions for future sessions and individual learning plans for children and young people.

  Presentations develop students’ confidence in speaking to others. These also enable students to share research and findings with each other and develop this practice within their workplace.

  Students will take part in discussions, seminars, peer reviews and evaluations on an on-going basis. They are encouraged to share good practice from their work placement opportunities with their peers in group work, discussions and seminar groups. There are opportunities to share these with their mentors and colleagues at work and reflect upon their learning, thus building essential reflective and reflexive practitioner skills. Over the course of the study programme these skills will enable students to develop their levels of responsibility and autonomy working within the required levels of supervision for the job role involved.

• Units/Modules

  The modules listed below are for the academic year 2025/26 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

  Modules may include:

  Year 1 (Level 4)

  • Communication Language and Literacy (20 credits)
  • Safeguarding (20 credits)
  • Skills for Academic Development (20 credits)
  • Technology Enhanced Learning (20 credits)
  • Concepts of Supporting Learning (20 credits)
  • Inclusive Practices (20 credits)

  Year 2 (Level 5)

  • Working in Collaborative Practice (20 credits)
  • Supporting Mathematics (20 credits)
  • Supporting Science (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Educational Agenda (20 credits)
  • Work Based Project (20 credits)
  • Learning, Being and Becoming (20 credits)

  For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.

  For the latest version of the course handbook for this course at Keighley College please click here.

• Benefits/Skills

  Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to reflect upon your professional experience and engage in evaluative and analytical thinking. In addition, you will develop your research and academic writing skills. These qualities and transferable skills are necessary for employment and progression to other qualifications. The new competences that you acquire will enable you to assume greater confidence and responsibility within your workplace.

• Careers/Progression

  Progression may include a top-up degree, or specialist teaching qualifications such as a PGCE.

  Job opportunities may include:

  • Learning mentor
  • Personalised support worker
  • Teaching assistant
  • Higher level teaching assistant
  • Educational and behavioural support worker
  • Progress coach
  • Special educational needs & disabilities coordinator
  • Promotion in teaching assistant roles

How to apply: Courses starting Autumn 2026

If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will need to apply through UCAS.

This is a University Centre Leeds course which is a part of and validated by Luminate Education Group.