Learning and Teaching (top-up) BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This learning and teaching 1 year top-up degree builds upon your existing knowledge and experience to explore wider issues related to teaching and learning and is ideal preparation for applying to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) programmes in Key Stage 1 and 2 and for careers linked to teaching and learning, such as learning mentors. If you would like to gain QTS at secondary level, you will need to undertake additional subject study.

  A top-up degree in education provides you with an opportunity to gain an understanding of wider educational perspectives and to take part in some of the key debates that surround education and schooling.

  You will study five interlinked modules and write a dissertation on a subject of your choice. You will be able to tailor your studies to your interests by the way that you approach your assignments.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.

  • Stage 1
    • Issues of Equality in Educational Settings (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT3001

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is:For students to1. Understand how identity factors influence life chances2. Understand how social/historical and political factors influence life chances
    • Professional Practice in Education (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT3002

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students? ability to function as a member of a professional team within an education setting through enhancing their professional attributes and skills and increasing their knowledge and understanding; and through consideration and critical evaluation of theoretical perspectives and factors such as government policies which impinge on education settings and children and young people?s learning.
    • Educational Debates in Learning and Teaching (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT3003

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is:? to develop students? ability to research current issues of educational importance, identfying relevant literaure, evaluating its validity and synthesising it into focused arguments. ? To debate in online groups, seeking to defend, persuade and evaluate literature and arguments. ? To reflect on the impact of the experience on their own learning.
    • Research Methods in Education (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT3004

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to assist students in starting their dissertation research. It introduces basic data collection methods and key methodological concepts. The module is focused upon students' interests and assists in the design of an independent education research project.
    • Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: PDT4001

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for students to produce an extended piece of work which explores an education-related topic in-depth. Students will conduct independent research in order to demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of their chosen topic of interest.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on this top up degree?

  The method of teaching for each module will vary slightly to suit the content and to give you a broad experience of learning strategies. You will be taught via lectures, seminars, group work, case studies, presentations, reflection on practice, analytical assignments, tutorials, online forums, individual learning and observations. Overall, we hope you will see your top-up degree in education as a co-operative experience, sharing knowledge and expertise.

  Do I need to be employed in a school to do a learning & teaching top-up degree?

  No, but you do need to have previous experience in educational settings. You may need to negotiate access to an educational setting to complete research for your dissertation.

  How much experience do I need?

  You need two years’ experience of working educational settings to participate in the Learning & Teaching top-up degree at UON. This could be made up from volunteering and paid employment in a range of contexts and age groups.

  How often will I attend university?

  You can attend this course full-time, for one year, spending one day per week at the University or you can attend the course part-time, for two years, spending an average of half a day per week at the University. Whichever route you take, this will amount to 1,200 hours of study.

  How will I be assessed?

  There are no examinations within this degree top up in Learning and Teaching. Instead, assessments include written assignments and reports, practical projects and presentations.

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