Education Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, theories and practices underpinning learning and child development. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key factors influencing children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth, as well as your implications for effective educational practice. Drawing on foundational theories by Piaget, Vygotsky, Froebel, Skinner and others, this module bridges the gap between theoretical perspectives and practical application in diverse educational contexts.

Through weekly themes, you will examine milestones in child development, the role of play, language acquisition, individual differences, and the impact of external environments, including technology, on learning. Special emphasis is placed on reflective practice, observation, and assessment techniques, as well as strategies to support diverse learners, including those with special educational needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL).

This module aims to also develop your critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical expertise, preparing you to create inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments that foster holistic child development.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week.

You will have a diverse learning experience of lectures/seminars, case studies, practical sessions and field visits, active learning workshops and microteaches and guest speakers.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to enhance your understanding and learning. This will consist of formal reflection as part of the reflective journal assignment, as well as tutorial support for the informative poster.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a reflective journal and an information poster.

50% - reflective journal, which documents your learning and insights from each session.

50% - informative poster, you will create an informative poster based on a chosen case study that investigates an aspect of child development.

30 credits

This module explores the relationship between education policies and ethical practices, emphasising your impact on teaching, learning, and professional responsibilities. Through a comprehensive study of key UK and International policies, such as safeguarding, equality, and SEND frameworks, you will critically evaluate how these policies are developed, implemented, and upheld in diverse educational settings.

This module integrates a focus on professional ethics, exploring how educators navigate complex decision-making processes while adhering to policy requirements and maintaining moral and ethical integrity.

The module prepares you to address the challenges of policy compliance and professional accountability while fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

This module also aims to develop your critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical expertise, preparing you to create inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments that foster holistic child development.

Teaching and learning

By engaging with real-world case studies, global perspectives, and interactive workshops, you will gain the skills to critically analyse policy frameworks, apply ethical reasoning, and ensure inclusive and effective educational practices.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week.

You will have a diverse learning experience of lectures/seminars, case studies, practical sessions and field visits, active learning workshops and microteaches and guest speakers.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to enhance your understanding and learning. This will consist of activities to develop your communication skills as well as providing you with opportunities to explore wider policy implementation in diverse/comparative education settings.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a policy review and a school-based intervention pitch.

40% - policy review, where you will critically evaluate a key education policy.

50% - school-based intervention pitch, you will be design and pitch an intervention aimed at addressing a specific issue related to educational policy and professional ethics.