BA (Hons) Education in Practice

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Course summary

This programme is the natural progression for students who have completed LETTA’s Foundation Degree in Education in Practice. It is also open to applicants with other, similar qualifications from LETTA or other institutions. The BA (Hons) Education in Practice degree offers a flexible route to gaining a bachelor’s qualification while continuing to work or volunteer regularly in a setting that supports learning. It may appeal to those working not only in schools, but also in wider community, support, or care roles where teaching and learning are a core focus.

About this course

The BA (Hons) degree is a work-based programme and you will attend one day per week. This format is designed to make it possible to continue working or volunteering while you study. Throughout the one-year programme, you will build on your previous study and professional experience to develop a deeper understanding of current issues, practice, and practitioner research in teaching and learning. The programme welcomes applicants from a range of learning contexts, including primary and secondary education, the lifelong learning sector, and broader roles that support learners across all ages. The modules will encourage you to critically reflect on your own practice, analyse key systems and policies, and explore professional challenges through topics such as leadership, contemporary social and political issues, and critical approaches to pedagogy. You will also undertake an independent research project to support your development as a graduate practitioner.

While the degree continues to be relevant to those working as teaching assistants or in learning support roles within schools and colleges, it also welcomes those in wider learning contexts such as early childhood settings, youth services, or adult learning environments. Collaborating with students from related degree courses will help you broaden your understanding of the wider educational landscape. Graduates may go on to pursue careers in advanced support roles, team leadership, teacher training, or further study at postgraduate level.

Scheduled teaching hours

This programme consists of 120 HE credits at Level 6, with each credit equating to 10 hours of learning. 

Depending upon the mode of delivery (i.e. face-to-face/in-person, online or a blend of these) and whether your course is full-time or part-time, the delivery of the scheduled hours for the programme will involve taught input, independent study, and where applicable, work-based or placement hours.

At LETTA, a week would generally look like one day of centre-based training per week (12:00-18:00) and two days of school-based placement (employment or volunteer basis).

Entry requirements

Applicants will typically have 240 HE credits from a Foundation degree or a HE Diploma in a relevant field of study.

Applicants are expected have a current (or prospective) voluntary or paid employment in a relevant setting for a minimum of 360 hours per academic year equating to 12 hours per week of study.

Typically, applicants are expected to have three years of experience in a voluntary or paid role working with children.

Students are required to complete and submit a signed Workplace Agreement, endorsed by the head teacher or workplace manager of the setting where they are employed or volunteer. The Workplace Agreement formalises the tripartite partnership between the student, the setting, and the University, and confirms that the student holds a current and valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

We encourage applications from mature students and recognise that their experience or qualifications may differ from those mentioned previously.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used including presentations, discussions, written assignments such as essays and reports and portfolios of work focused learning. All assessments allow you to reflect on your practice and theory as you evidence your learning. There are no examinations.

How you're taught

This work-focused degree is a combination of practice-based learning and centre-based sessions which run once a week, so that you are able to continue in employment or a volunteer placement throughout the course. The degree is designed to improve and develop your personal and professional communication skills, allows you to professionalise your approach and further your personal growth.

You will work with a range of experienced academic staff and be supported through peer-led groups, directed tasks and interactive web-based resources.

Careers and further study

Graduate opportunities have enabled our students to attain managerial positions within their sector, to lead practice with their setting. Many go on to further study to become teachers through our QTS with PGCE routes, or gain a professional status. Others take on professional roles in areas such as special educational needs, mentoring, subject support, school, family and welfare liaison roles in the wider educational community and with local authorities working with the full range of age groups and sectors.

After successfully completing the BA (Hons) Top-up with LETTA, you will have the opportunity to apply for LETTA’s Initial Teacher Training programme, which include QTS with PGCE.

Partnership with Lincoln Bishop University

LETTA works in close partnership with Lincoln Bishop University to deliver this course. The course is delivered at LETTA’s training site in East London. Students will have the opportunity to engage with Lincoln Bishop University, but all classes will be attended locally.

LETTA is very proud to work in partnership with Lincoln Bishop University. Our organisations share the same values and drive to provide exceptional educational opportunities that are innovative, accessible and support an agenda to widen participation and access to higher education.

Widely recognised for its consistently high employability and student satisfaction rates, Lincoln Bishop University delivers transformative education, professional experiences and partnerships that build the knowledge, ability and confidence needed to make a meaningful difference.

How to apply for this course

Step 1

Familiarise yourself with the course requirements and decide which route is right for you. 

Step 2

Register your Expression of Interest (EOI) with LETTA. This will ensure that we have your details on record. We’ll make contact with you and can offer support with your application. If you can, join us for an open event too.

Step 3

Complete a UCAS application. This is your official application for a place on the Foundation Degree with LETTA.

PLEASE NOTE: We accept applications for this programme on an on-going basis, despite the publicised UCAS deadline dates. If you submit your application after the UCAS deadline, it will still be considered. If you are unsure about this process, or have any questions, we would encourage you to contact us.

You will find support to help you complete your UCAS application here.

Step 4

Once LETTA has received your application, we will contact you with feedback and next steps. If your application is successful, LETTA will invite you to an interview for a place on the course.