Course overview

Foundation Degree in Educational Support ÎÛÎÛÂþ»­

Please note that this course is currently being updated and revalidated for the academic year 2024/2025 when it will be re-titled to a Foundation Degree in Inclusive Education.

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.

Institution name: BCBC
Institution code: B77
Course code: FES1
Campus code: B
Short code: fdA/EdSupport

Additional information

Who is this course for?

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.Ìý

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

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 optionsÌýorÌýdownload the HE progression bursary application form.Ìý

What you'll learn

  • 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.Ìý
  • 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.Ìý
  • Broaden students’ knowledge of educational practice from beyond their specific setting into the local, national and international arena.Ìý
  • Enable students to become accomplished, flexible practitioners who can respond to the needs of learners in educational settings.Ìý
  • Provide a vocationally specific curriculum in which academic study is closely integrated with reflection and investigation of work-based practice.Ìý
  • 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.Ìý

    Year 1Ìý

    Child Development and the Life CourseÌý

    Thinking and LearningÌý

    Reflective Professional PracticeÌý

    ÌýÌý

    Year 2Ìý

    The Voice of the LearnerÌý

    Positive InteractionsÌý

    Partnership WorkingÌý

    Reflective Professional PracticeÌý

    ÌýÌý

    Year 3Ìý

    Education for Social Justice and EqualityÌý

    Enhancing Subject KnowledgeÌýÌý

    Research SkillsÌý

    Reflective Professional PracticeÌý

Course entry requirements

  • 56 UCAS Tariff points from BTECs, A-levels etcÌý
  • Work as a volunteer or in paid employment for at least 16 hours per weekÌý
  • NCFE Level 3 CACHE in supporting teaching and learning or any related NVQ qualificationÌý
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma in an appropriate pathwayÌý
  • Five GCSEs grade 9/4 (A*-C) or equivalent – to include English and maths.Ìý
  • Overseas students must have IELTS 6.0 or equivalentÌý
  • 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

How is the course delivered and assessed?

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

  • 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.Ìý

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

Future career and study opportunities

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.Ìý

Additional costs

As a ÎÛÎÛÂþ»­ student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, you may likely need to pay for travel and stationery. Ìý

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.Ìý

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


  • For guidance on which career path to take, to explore career options related to our courses, find out which careers are in demand, and then get the training you need.

Where to find us