University of Northampton

Learning and Teaching (FDLT)

University of NorthamptonWaterside Campus, Northampton

Course overview

The Foundation Degree in Learning and Teaching (FDLT) is designed for support staff who are currently working in schools and who wish to gain a recognised qualification specific to their role. The course aims to broaden and deepen teaching assistants’ understanding of children’s learning and to develop their ability to support teachers in raising pupil achievement. Participants are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of their work by analysing it in the context of relevant principles and research.

We also offer this programme with a SEND and Inclusive Provision pathway. For overall student positivity – National Student Survey 2025 For Satisfied with Teaching for Education NSS Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score. Guardian Data from the 2026 Education subject table.

Join us for an opportunity to find out more about both work-based pathways offered as part of the newly validated Foundation Degree Learning and Teaching as well as the newly validated SEN/DIP pathway for practitioners working in alternative provisions with children and young people. There will also be some discussion regarding progression opportunities on to our BA top-up in Learning and Teaching.

Key highlights

  • Designed for school support staff seeking a role-specific recognised qualification
  • Deepens understanding of children's learning and raising pupil achievement
  • Analyse your own practice through relevant principles and research
  • Optional SEND and Inclusive Provision pathway available
  • Work-based pathways, including for alternative provision practitioners
  • Progression route on to a BA top-up in Learning and Teaching

Entry requirements

  • A-level: EE — Level 3 qualification, for example Level 3 diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, NVQ Level 3, A levels (EE) or BTEC Diploma (PP), HLTA status or relevant professional development courses at HE level.
  • BTEC: PP — BTEC Diploma

Scholarships

  • ICAEW Foundation Bursary

    Three annual payments of £4,000

    Up to £12,000

  • John Lowe Accounting and Finance Scholarship

    Scholarship is paid as £1,000 in the second and third years of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Northampton Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship

    This scheme offers the student athlete a support network enabling them to balance the demands of performance sport with academic study.

  • Reid Science, Engineering, and Computing Bursary

    £500 per year of study

    Up to £1,500

  • TD Lewis Scholarship

    The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.

    Up to £100

  • The Chancellor's Fund

    Up to £50

  • The University of Northampton International Scholarship

    The University of Northampton International Scholarship Scheme is a merit-based scholarship that provides up to a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees.

  • Wilson Endowment Scholarship

    Successful students will receive three annual payments of £500, one for each year of study.

    Up to £1,500

Careers this course leads to

  • Teaching assistant
  • Higher level teaching assistant
  • Special educational needs teaching assistant
  • Learning support assistant
  • Cover supervisor
  • Alternative provision learning mentor

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Northampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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