Foundation Degree in Educational Support

This Foundation Degree course is for adults who work or volunteer in an educational setting. It is a full-time programme in which you will spend one day a week studying in college. 

You will develop your knowledge and skills, applying what you learn to your practice in the workplace. 

If you studied your Level 3 course with us, you could be eligible for our Higher Education Progression Bursary.

You can find out more about our financial support options or download the HE progression bursary application form. 

• Develop an understanding of the variety of roles played by professionals and practitioners in a range of educational settings, enabling students to locate their own place and contribution to educational processes developing personal and professional skills. 
• Provide students with broad and balanced knowledge and understanding of the principal features of education and theoretical perspectives to enhance their ability to construct reasoned arguments about educational issues. 
• Broaden students’ knowledge of educational practice from beyond their specific setting into the local, national and international arena. 
• Enable students to become accomplished, flexible practitioners who can respond to the needs of learners in educational settings. 
• Provide a vocationally specific curriculum in which academic study is closely integrated with reflection and investigation of work-based practice. 
• Enhance a range of professional, academic and lifelong learning skills, knowledge and understanding in support of workplace and academic learning, enhancement of current practice and preparation for career development and further study. 

  Year 1 

  Child Development and the Life Course 

  Thinking and Learning 

  Reflective Professional Practice 

    

  Year 2 

  The Voice of the Learner 

  Positive Interactions 

  Partnership Working 

  Reflective Professional Practice 

    

  Year 3 

  Education for Social Justice and Equality 

  Enhancing Subject Knowledge  

  Research Skills 

  Reflective Professional Practice 

• 56 UCAS Tariff points from BTECs, A-levels etc 
• Work as a volunteer or in paid employment for at least 16 hours per week 
• NCFE Level 3 CACHE in supporting teaching and learning or any related NVQ qualification 
• Access to Higher Education Diploma in an appropriate pathway 
• Five GCSEs grade 9/4 (A*-C) or equivalent – to include English and maths. 
• Overseas students must have IELTS 6.0 or equivalent 
• Satisfactory DBS clearance
• Students who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements but have significant life and/or work experience will be considered on the basis of evidence of personal, professional and educational experience, which indicate an applicant’s ability to meet the demands of a foundation degree

The Foundation Degree in Educational Support is a two-year course which includes the following qualifications: 

• Year 1 – Level 4 Certificate in Higher Education
• Year 2 – Level 5 Foundation Degree in Educational Support

The course will be delivered over one day per week at our Ashley Down Centre. 

Assessment is through coursework in the form of written reports, reflections, evaluations, essays and presentations. 

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree, students will be able to apply for progression to a relevant Honours degree in Education in Professional Practice at UWE. 

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, you may likely need to pay for travel and stationery.  

Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs. 

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.