Course Overview
The Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning is a 2-year full-time course providing you with an opportunity to extend your knowledge and skills in supporting teaching and learning in the classroom. It will give you an opportunity to network with colleagues and to enjoy the challenges of further study. The course is validated by the University of Greenwich. Whilst the Foundation Degree is a qualification in its own right, with further study it can also lead to a top-up BA Honours Degree. There is an expectation that students will undertake further study following the lectures to deepen their knowledge and understanding, this is conducted at the student’s convenience.
Entry Requirements
All candidates will be interviewed and will be required to undertake an assessment. Applicants are normally required to hold a level 2 qualification in Communication or a GCSE in English Language. An appropriate level 3 qualification in Learning Support is normally required. Where appropriate, candidates with substantial relevant experience as a teaching assistant in a relevant setting may be considered. There is no formal entry requirement for numeracy or IT; support will be available to facilitate the achievement of level 2 in both these areas whilst taking the Foundation Degree. This may require some independent study.
In addition to meeting the entry requirements you will need to complete the scenario below to discuss at interview.
Interview task for the Foundaton Degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning
What the course covers
The Teacher Training Department at Nescot prides itself on flexible and targeted provision of courses for those who want to teach.
These courses are designed for those with a real passion for teaching and will show you how to transmit that passion directly to your pupils and students in the classroom arena while giving you the solid qualifying foundations you need to teach.
The Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning consists of the following modules of study:
- Personal and Professional Development
- Supporting Teaching Learning and Assessment
- Supporting Positive Learning Behaviours
- Supporting Learners with Additional Educational Needs
- Professional Reflective Practice Skills
- Emerging Technologies to Support Learning
- Supporting the Wider Curriculum
- Investigation Proposal
Assessment
The course includes both formative or practice assessment and formal summative assessments. The purpose of a formative assessment is to develop and test your understanding in the subject area. Formative assessments do not count towards your final module mark but your course team will give you feedback to help you improve. Formal or summative assessments normally count towards your module/unit mark and therefore towards your final award (i.e. distinction/merit/pass).
Assessment methods may include a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and often a major project or dissertation in the final year.
You can download a full programme specification here.
Students on NESCOT higher education course are typically taught in class sizes of 16 or fewer.
Fees and funding
Fees for 2026/27 Entry
Annual Fees: £7,200* (UK Student) (£7,700 International Student)
* Exam fees included.
Concession: NO
Government Subsidised: NO
Student Loan Available: YES (Higher Education funding available)
Fees are for 2026/27 entry and are for UK students of all ages. For more information about financial support for students, please click here.
Additional Expenses: Enhanced DBS Check – £52
Progression
This course will enable students to gain a deeper understanding and insight into their work in highly complex settings. Graduates will become more effective practitioners and play a full part in professional teams within an educational setting. This award will allow learners to progress to a top-up Honours Degree : BA Education Studies : NESCOT (validated by University of Greenwich). With further study this may then lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning + Skills (QTLS).
Duration
2 years (comprising 6 hours (teaching 5 hours) per week for 30 weeks, excluding school placement and observation).
Wednesdays, from 4.15pm to 8.30pm, with tutorial opportunities at either end of the teaching session.