University of Roehampton London

BA in Education Practice

This newly developed, strongly vocational degree is ideal for students seeking a fulfilling career in education, while not wishing to immediately gain qualified teacher status.

The only undergraduate course of its kind in London, BA Education Practice will appeal to those already working as a teaching assistant (TA), secondary or primary, and looking for career progression. It's equally ideal for college and sixth-form leavers seeking to explore the discipline of education while benefiting from a hands-on, practical route into the sector and the many careers it offers.

The BA Education Practice programme offers a number of career paths, including:

• The opportunity to become an accredited Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), now formally recognised as a graduate-level role, for those with TA experience.
• Progression to our one-year PGCE Primary following graduation, to achieve qualified teacher status (with a 20% alumni discount on the tuition fees).
• Progression to our one-year MA TESOL for students who may wish to work internationally in English speaking schools, teaching pupils with English as a second language (also with a 20% tuition fee reduction).
• The course will also equip you to work in a wide range of educational settings, including government departments, community and voluntary organisations, social services, youth organisations, libraries and museums.

The course content of BA Education Practice offers students a deep understanding of working life in schools, the education system and the issues faced by classroom practitioners. Placement periods are arranged for students to gain hands-on experience. All teaching and learning is informed by Roehampton's unrivalled 180-year heritage in teaching, and by the work of education philosopher Friedrich Froebel, whose followers established Froebel College in the 1920s. Students also benefit from Roehampton's vast network of partner schools across London and the southeast, and from the world-class reputation for special educational needs (SEN) specialism that our School of Education enjoys.

Timetabling has been designed with an unusual degree of flexibility, such that students who work or have other commitments can opt to attend university one day a week, with further online lectures and seminars on one evening from home. Students who are not working can opt for a more traditional university timetable spread across the week.

Please note: Prospective students wishing to qualify as primary school teachers should apply to our BA Primary Education (QTS).

Schedule by year of study:

Year 1 is designed as an introduction to the academic discipline of education, with topics such as child development and inclusivity. Students will also acquire the professional skill of reflecting on, and evaluating, their work in schools. Modules cover the fundamentals of how children learn, how teachers teach, and the importance of both education technology and SEN - both vital in the role of teaching assistants.

Year 2 includes a formally assessed placement, plus further focus on the core of teaching and learning and the philosophy of Froebelian education. Optional modules are geared toward particular expertise in the primary curriculum.

Year 3 includes a practice-based enquiry project and a focus on wellbeing and multiculturalism in education. The two optional modules which are to be taken focus on the step into work (via HLTA accreditation), further professional study (via the PGCE or MA TESOL) or academic study (via an MA in Inclusive Education).

Placement Year

This course offers all students the option of a one-year paid work placement, to boost their employability even further. If you choose this route, you will take the placement following year two of your course, and then return to complete your degree.