Course summary
Advance your career in education with our foundation degree. You would have the opportunity to gain practical experience while you study online and enhance your professional development. Our Foundation Degree in Professional Practice for Teaching Assistants is a two-year, full-time online course designed for individuals working—or volunteering —in schools in a paraprofessional support role. Whether you're currently employed as a teaching assistant, classroom assistant or learning support assistant, or have secured a school willing to host you in an unpaid role, this course is designed to offer a flexible and practical route to further study and professional growth. Delivered fully online, the course combines one fixed day per week of university-led learning (including live sessions and independent study) with a minimum of two and a half days per week of hands-on school-based practice. There are no campus-based requirements, making it ideal for those who wish to continue working while studying. Develop your skills and confidence throughout the course—from observing experienced practitioners in the first year to independently leading learning activities in your second year. Choose a specialisation in your final year to align your experience with your career goals in education. This course is suitable for:
- existing school support staff (such as teaching assistants, learning support staff, classroom assistants, HLTAs, one-to-one support staff)
- individuals in pupil-facing roles across all phases of education (nurseries, primary, secondary, special schools and alternative provision).
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- social and emotional wellbeing
- curriculum.
Modules
Year One Modules:
- An introduction to professional behaviours
- An introduction to SEND and behaviour
- An introduction to subject knowledge: core subjects
- An introduction to teaching and learning
- SEND
- Social and emotional wellbeing
- Curriculum
- Specialist route final project
Assessment method
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:
- written assignments
- presentations
- oral presentations
- observations.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Relevant Level 3 qualifications are also required. For example, A levels or CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Teaching Assistant (Level 3) Studentship, Teaching Assistant NVQ Level 3, Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning. In addition: For the employed route: be employed in a consistent pupil-facing role for two-and-a-half days per week during the two-year course and have the support of your employer. For non-employed route: have secured a school willing to host you in a suitable voluntary position for the duration of the course for at least two-and-a-half days per week and provide you with a school-based mentor. Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. For more information about this course, entry requirements or your educational setting suitability, speak to our team.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/externalContentView/9a49c3cd-d104-4497-8b05-12a91601f94b
English language requirements
If your qualifications were gained outside the UK, you will need to provide an official comparability statement for non-UK qualifications from UK ENIC If English is not your first language, you will need to hold an academic IELTS less than three years old, with a score of at least 7 overall with no component less than 6.5.
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .