Learning and Teaching Foundation Degree in Arts - FdA

Education support professionals play a vital role in helping children and young people learn, develop confidence and achieve their potential. If you are already working in a school or educational setting and want to strengthen your professional knowledge while progressing your career, this course provides a recognised route to further development.

The Foundation Degree in Learning and Teaching is designed for professionals who support teaching and learning in educational settings. Whether you work as a teaching assistant, learning mentor, cover supervisor or in another support role, the course helps you deepen your understanding of learning, teaching and pupil development while building on the experience you already bring to the classroom.

A key strength of the programme is its close connection to professional practice. By combining academic study with workplace experience, you'll be encouraged to reflect on your own role, evaluate current approaches and explore how educational research, theory and best practice can support improved outcomes for learners.

Throughout the course, you'll develop a deeper understanding of children's learning, educational provision and the wider factors that influence achievement and progress. You'll also strengthen the professional skills needed to support learning effectively and contribute positively within school communities.

The programme supports the development of knowledge, skills and understanding associated with Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) professional standards, helping you build confidence in your current role while preparing for future opportunities.

Designed around the needs of working professionals, the course enables you to continue developing your career while studying. Successful completion provides progression opportunities to honours-level study, teacher training programmes and a range of careers linked to education and learning support. It can also provide a route towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through appropriate progression pathways.

By the end of the programme, you'll have developed a stronger understanding of educational practice, greater confidence in supporting learning and a recognised qualification that can support future professional and academic progression.

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027\*.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost\*\*, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

✱ Eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information\
✱✱ Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information