Primary Education FdA is a work-based route teaching foundation degree.
You will attend St Mary's University one day a week whilst employed in work with children and young people for at least half of the week (in either a paid or voluntary capacity). You do not need prior experience of working before the course begins.
Please note: for those wishing to enrol in September 2025, classes will be held on Thursdays for both years and the course will start on Thursday 11th September 2025.
- St Mary’s graded ‘Outstanding’ in all areas of teacher training (Ofsted 2024)
- Successful completion of the course allows the opportunity to progress on to either BA Hons in Primary Education QTS (Work-Based Route) (Two Years) or BA Hons in Primary Education (Work-Based Route) (One Year)
- Recognised qualification for HLTA status upon completion at Level 4
- 100% satisfaction with 'Academic support' (National Student Survey (NSS), 2024)
This foundation degree provides opportunities for people working directly with children to build on their knowledge and experience through study at higher education level (one day a week).
We offer an established vocationally-based degree that prepares you for working in schools and other educational settings.
This programme will help enhance your understanding of your current professional role. It can be completed within two years studying one day a week during term times.
Students completing the programme have found that they have become more confident in their ability at school, and have been offered opportunities to develop their role in a variety of ways. The current emphasis on the development of the school workforce as a whole has been one of the driving forces behind this degree.
Why St Mary's
This foundation course is suitable for anyone working with young children, such as teaching assistants, learning support assistants, higher level teaching assistants, unqualified teachers, or early years or special educational needs practitioners.
Our Primary Education foundation degree is an extremely popular and flourishing course. It gives you the unique opportunity to continue to work within the education sector whilst studying for a foundation degree.
We have achieved:
- 100% satisfaction with 'Academic support' (National Student Survey (NSS), 2024)
- 99% satisfaction with 'Teaching on my course' (NSS, 2024)
- 98% satisfaction with 'Learning opportunities' (NSS, 2024).
Our students say:
- "The teacher support was absolutely phenomenal as well as the wellbeing service."
- "The course had the most inspirational and engaging people I have ever met. They really helped me to develop my understanding."
- "The course is very well organised and the content is interesting and relevant to my job role.".
Options for continuing study
This pathway into teaching can be completed in a minimum of two years study (one day a week during term time). It also provides a stepping stone on to our undergraduate programmes:
- BA (Hon) Primary Education (Work-based Route) (one year)
- BA (Hon) Primary Education (Work-based Route) with QTS (two years).
The QTS programme also allows you to specialise - if you wish - in one of the following subjects:
- Physical Education (PE)
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Carolyn Porter
Programme Director - Work-Based Route Programmes
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Course content
Modules
These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
N/A
We are committed to recruiting trainee teachers who have the 'ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.' The interview process will cover the suitability of applicants to work with children and young people.
An A Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent is required along with GCSE English grade 4 or C and above or an approved English equivalency test.
You will need to be employed in work with children and young people for at least half of the week (in either a paid or voluntary capacity) by the start of the programme in September. We do not accept agency roles as we need you to be committed to one school with a signed headteacher or early years manager statement.
List of free level 3 qualifications available to eligible adults
The UK government website has a list of places where students can find colleges that offer free level 3 qualifications which in turn will allow them to apply to St Mary's.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
GCSE
GCSE level 4/C (or equivalent) in English Language is also required.
We offer GCSE equivalency tests for those who need to improve their GCSE grades.
Head teacher supporting statement
Your head teacher will need to complete the Supporting Statement Form in order for us to confirm your place on the course. We will notify them of your application, but feel free to send them the link.
Interview
You need to attend and pass an interview. This is a government requirement when working with children. The interview can be held in person on campus or online as you are a working student.
UCAS Personal statement support
Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£7,260
Funding Information
*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
You can claim help with travel expenses during your school placement, but there will be no costs around coursework or additional materials.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
The course is taught using a range of teaching methods including presentations, discussions, small group work, observations and practical work-based activities. 40% of the course will be made up of work-based hours.
You are expected to bring your own work experiences into the discussions and relate them to the academic theories that are introduced. A virtual learning environment will support you throughout the course with an appropriate range of resources.
Tutorials will be used throughout the programme to support your learning experience.
Assessment methods
All assignments are designed to develop your knowledge, understanding and use of transferrable skills in teaching children, linking theory with practical.
A range of assessment methods are used, these may include both group and individual presentations, practical visual presentations (posters, leaflets, 3D display) essays, case studies and portfolios.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Career opportunities
This foundation degree is suitable for anyone working with young children i.e. teaching assistants, HLTA’s, unqualified teachers, Early Years or Special Educational Practitioners.
We support people who wish to progress further with their own studies and future employment within education.
More information about career opportunities can be found on the following websites:
The Careers Service has more information on graduate careers and part-time work available during your course.
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