Are you keen on helping develop minds for the future? This may be the next step in fulfilling those aspirations, a Foundation Degree that offers comprehensive coverage of the knowledge and skills required by those supporting learning and teaching.
It is practically based and focused on the workplace. The course develops understanding of teaching and learning, working in education, and behaviour management. It also covers skills required for effective communication, self-development and career progression.
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: FdA Education
Part-time study
The FdA Education is classified as a full-time course but you will only be required to attend College for 1/2 day per week.
Work placements
Students on this course are normally working in schools or education settings.
Consequently a good deal of learning on this course will take place in the workplace using the experience of colleagues, observation, practice and reflective discussion.
Course content
This course which is awarded by University of Staffordshire will give you a deeper understanding of: up-to-date developments in the education sector; How to apply key theories and principles of education to your professional practice to meet the specific needs of your employer and your own personal development; wider professional and academic skills development to help secure your current employment and broaden your future career options.
The course, therefore, has the following overall aims, which focus on developing your career aspirations and opportunities to become a ‘discipline expert’ in education; develop your professionalism; develop your wider professional practice; develop your independent thinking skills.
Modules
The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Year 2 compulsory modules |
|
Assessment For Learning (Guided Research In Education) |
40 credits |
|
Behaviour For Learning |
40 credits |
|
Leadership And Team Working |
20 credits |
|
Professionalism And Career Development |
20 credits |
Learning And Holistic Development
Module code: EDUC40613
Safeguarding And Developing Educational Practice
How do we protect children, young and vulnerable people? This module examines how the interests, needs and welfare of children and young people can be protected through the structure, services and policy in place today. The value that society places on children and childhood will also be explored through the major developments in child welfare; legislation and the serious case reviews which sparked the changes. This module will gain you 40 credits at level 4 towards the full 240 credits for your Foundation Degree.
Module code: EDUC40615
Personal And Professional Development
Looking to develop your academic, personal and professional development? This module offers an opportunity to build upon your existing knowledge, skills and understanding and will encourage you to adopt a positive approach to your new course. It is a shared module for both pathways, with topics including principles and approaches to reflection, roles & responsibilities and developing academic skills; as well as providing opportunities to consider personal career aspirations. This module will gain you 20 credits at level 4 towards the full 240 credits for your Foundation Degree.
Module code: EDUC40614
Supporting Learning And Inclusion
Module code: EDUC40616
Behaviour For Learning
Module code: EDUC50612
Professionalism And Career Development
Module code: EDUC50614
Assessment For Learning (Guided Research In Education)
Module code: EDUC50615
Leadership And Team Working
Module code: EDUC50613
Location
You will study at Shrewsbury College but receive a qualification from University of Staffordshire.
Shrewsbury College, as part of the Shrewsbury Colleges Group, gives students access to the largest and most flexible curriculum offer within Shropshire.
Shrewsbury College website
Entry requirements
FdA Education pathway
All full-time applicants are individually assessed on their qualifications, skills and experience. However, you would normally
- Demonstration of a clear Enhanced DBS check which confirms that there are no reasons why a candidate should not work with children
- Be in employment (either paid or voluntary) within an educational setting
for at least four hours a week
- Have 64 UCAS points or hold an appropriate Level 3 with suitable work experience
- GCSE qualifications in English and Maths or demonstration of a level 2 competence.
- If English is not your first language you will be expected to have achieved an IELTS score of 6.0 or above
International entry requirements
For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.
Choose your country
Get country-specific details on entry requirements, fees, scholarships and support services. Choose your country to see how University of Staffordshire can support you from application to arrival.
Careers
You can progress onto the BA (Hons) Education (Top Up) degree that may provide a route into PGCE qualification and teaching.
Graduates from this course have also secured promotions within their current roles, working within education.
Your degree isn't just about securing that all-important academic qualification. It’s about gaining life and work skills to help you get ahead in the job market and gain employers’ respect. As a graduate of awarding body Staffordshire University, you'll gain skills and attributes that will help you stand out from the crowd, and become an employable, enterprising and entrepreneurial individual.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
Students learn in different ways. To help everyone get the most out of their studies, a blended approach will offer flexibility of learning for students through the use of face-to-face and virtual lectures, workshops and group work. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your academic mentor.
Assessment
Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, case studies, portfolios, presentations and a final year independent project.
Feedback
You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.
Year 1
11% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
89% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning
Year 2
11% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
89% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning
Independent learning
Independent learning and reflection takes place throughout the course. This includes access to reading, work placements and access to virtual learning environments and blended activities.
Year 1
0% practical assessments
100% coursework
0% written exams
Year 2
10% practical assessments
90% coursework
0% written exams
Fees
For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:
Tuition fees for FdA-Full-time, long
| Study option |
UK / Channel Islands |
| Full-time |
£7,425 per year of study |
UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.
**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.
Apply now to Education
| Location |
Award |
Study option |
Start date |
Apply Link |
| Shrewsbury College |
FdA |
Full-time, long |
21 September 2026 |
Apply now
|
Rules and regulations
If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.
Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.