If you're currently employed in a teaching or student-facing role where a bachelor's degree is not available or required for the sector (such as a vocational subject or professional practice), this online course will allow you to enhance your knowledge and skills. Our expert team will guide you as you 'top-up' your subject or education-related Level 5 qualification to achieve an honours degree, opening the door to postgraduate-level study and career advancement.

Key information

Award:

BA (Hons)

Mode of Study:

Part-time Distance Learning

Duration:

2 years

Location:

University of Bolton

UCAS code:

0939

Start date:

29/01/2024

Course Details

The online BA (Hons) Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Professional Practice (top-up) provides a valuable way to use your existing qualifications and knowledge to obtain a degree at the University of Bolton. You'll have the chance to study a balanced combination of current educational policy and issues, drawing in relevant aspects of sociology, philosophy and psychology. It's an excellent opportunity to explore in-depth some of the key current issues affecting education in the UK and abroad.

By thinking about how we learn, we'll help you explore how formal learning and acquired knowledge shapes our lives, interests and value structures. We'll also encourage you to research and analyse a range of educational practices, reflecting on your own and others' experiences of education. This will help you think critically about teaching, learning, assessing, and how education is perceived and received.

Highlights

Our Education courses are ranked first in the UK for student experience and seventh in the UK for teaching quality by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, so you can be assured that we offer high standards of tuition and pastoral care.
In addition, the Guardian University Guide 2022 rated our Education courses first in the UK for course and feedback satisfaction.
This course offers you the opportunity to use your existing experience, qualifications and knowledge to obtain a University degree by completing only two years of additional study.
Small class sizes mean more keenly focused attention on your learning needs and strategies for success.
Our experienced professional and approachable tutors will guide and support you throughout your course, delivering online sessions and offering attentive one-to-one support.
You'll be studying at a University known for its supportive atmosphere and become part of an online community of students from various backgrounds, each with an individual and unique perspective on education.

Key Features

You'll have the chance to take on a systematic and reflective study of education illustrated and informed by the diversity of teaching and learning approaches in different education sectors.
You'll reflect on your current roles and responsibilities to build on the experience you've gained in educational settings and learn from the learning and teaching you've observed.
This course draws on your personal learning experiences as a starting point for understanding the formal educational process. We'll expect you to contribute to research and discussion through critical reflection on your own education and by listening to the experiences of others.
When you successfully complete this course, the University of Bolton will award you the BA (Hons) Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Professional Practice online qualification.

Normally, you should have successfully completed a relevant qualification with 120 credits at Level HE5, such as a foundation degree or HND, or a professional qualification at an equivalent level. We'll also require evidence that you've achieved 120 credits at Level HE4 if this isn't part of your Level HE5 qualification. We'll be happy to consider evidence of recognised prior experiential learning (RPEL).
You must have current relevant employment, which includes teaching in your area of professional practice.
You'll be required to attend an online interview and provide a digital portfolio of work evidence and academic work at level HE5.
As this is an online course, you'll need access to a computer with the appropriate software and accessories, including a webcam, microphone and a sufficient broadband connection. You'll also need basic IT skills. In particular, you'll need to be able to access and use the University of Bolton's virtual learning environment, Moodle. Please contact the programme leader for details if you are uncertain that you'll be able to meet these requirements.
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

The University of Bolton's online BA (Hons) Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Professional Practice (top-up) course offers you the opportunity to top-up your existing Level 5 qualification, such as a foundation degree or HND, to the honours degree level. Gaining honours-level skills and knowledge in education and research can help you advance your teaching career or widen your career horizons.

What can I do with this qualification?

As a graduate of this top-up course, you may pursue higher-level roles in your current field of teaching. Completing this top-up course will also prepare you for postgraduate study. You could develop a deeper understanding by studying for a master's degree in education or social science; for instance, the University of Bolton offers postgraduate courses such as MA Educational Leadership and MA Inclusive Education that may be of interest. Ultimately, you might consider a PhD in an education-related subject.

You will not be limited to working in education, however. Possessing an honours degree opens new doors and offers the possibility of changing your career entirely. For instance, as a graduate of this course, you could apply for postgraduate study to qualify as a Social Worker, undertake an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation or pursue conversion courses in subjects subject as psychology or law. Completing an honours degree is an investment in your future that can unleash your potential.

Alternative career options

Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Some possibilities include:

Education officer
Family liaison
Educational psychology
Educational administration
Educational writing
Careers guidance
Training and development
Quality standards
Community engagement
Youth work
Social work
Market and policy research
Achieving Teacher Status
Cover supervisor
Educational management
EYFS roles

Course fees

Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2022-2023 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.

The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.

For 2022-2023 entry, the maximum government approved undergraduate tuition fee for UK students is £9,250 per year. The University is able to charge this fee subject to an approved Access and Participation Plan for 2022-2023 and its current rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

Bursaries

Click here for more information about the scholarships and bursaries available to University of Bolton students.

For details of how to apply for this course, please choose your status from the options below:

You may apply directly to the University using the University's online application form. Please select your chosen start date from the list below:

You should have to hand:

Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference

Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.

Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already input.

If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions@bolton.ac.uk

Apply online: Distance Learning BA(Hons) Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Professional Practice Top-Up (Online) - 29 January 2024

Thank you for your interest

In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.

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English Language Qualifications

Have you completed an English Language qualification prior to application or have a valid exemption as per the list below? (The qualification/exemption must be uploaded with this application) E.g. Applicants from Nigeria/Africa must upload their WAEC or NECO certificate before the application is submitted for a prompt response and offer.

Acceptable English Language Tests – Undergraduate and Postgraduate

These tests must have been taken within 2 years of the start of the course

Test	Entry Requirements
IELTS Academic (taken within 2 years)	Undergraduate programmes 6.0 with no band below 5.5 Postgraduate programmes as per entry requirements
IELTS Indicator	Undergraduate programmes 6.0 with no band below 5.5 Postgraduate programmes as per entry requirements
PTE	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Overall score of 50 with no less than 42 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Overall score of 58 with no less than 50 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Overall score of 65 with no less than 58 in each component
TOEFL iBT Including Special Home Edition	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Overall score of 80 with the following component scores: Reading – 18 Writing – 17 Listening – 17 Speaking - 20 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Overall Score of 88 with the following component scores: Reading – 20 Writing – 19 Listening – 19 Speaking 21 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Overall Score of 100 with the following component scores: Reading – 23 Writing – 24 Listening – 22 Speaking 22
Pearson Versant	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Overall score of 55 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Overall score of 60 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Overall score of 65
Trinity College (Integrated Skills)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 ISE II –Distinction in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 ISE III – Pass in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 ISE III – Merit in each component
Other qualifications we currently accept (which do not require an additional SELT)
GCSE in English Language (from a UK awarding body)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B
Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level English	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C/C3 (20 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B/B3 (37 points)
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level English	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade D/D2 (46 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade C/C2 (66 points)
IGCSE English as a First language (for syllabus 0500 Listening and Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B
IGCSE English as a Second language (for syllabus 0510 Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B
Cambridge Advanced English	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 170 points with no component below 160 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 180 points with no component below 170 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 185 points with no component below 180
International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus A)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5
International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus B)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 5 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 6
European Baccalaureate English Language	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 70% Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 80%

Acceptable European qualifications

English component must be obtained within the last 4 years

Country	Qualification
Austria	Reifeprufungszeugnis/Maturazeugnis at 2.0
Belgium	Diplome d'acces a l'enseignment superieur/Diplome van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs at 75%
Bulgaria	Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie at Grade 3
Croatia	Svjedodzba o Maturi at grade 4.0
Cyprus	Apolyterion at 15
Czech Republic	Maturitni Zkou'ce/Maturita at grade 2.0
Denmark	Studentereksamen/HF/HHX/HTX/IBB /Diplomingenior at grade 9
Estonia	Riigieksamitunnistus or Gümnaasiumilõputunnistus at 70%
Finland	Ylioppilastutkintotodistus or Studentexamensbetyg at grade 5
France	Baccalauréat (le bac) or the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat at grade 12.5
Germany	Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife or Abitur or a Fachgebundene Hochschulreife at grade 2 / gut
Greece	Apolyterion at grade 15
Hungary	Erettsegi at grade 4
Italy	Diploma di Esame di Stato at grade 8/80%
Latvia	Atestats Par Visparejo Videjo Izglitib at grade 8
Lithuania	Brandos Atestatas at grade 8
Malta	Matriculation Certificate at grade C
Moldova	Diploma de Bacalaureat or Atestat de Studii Medii de Cultura Generala at grade 9
Netherlands	Diploma Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs (MBO) or Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) at grade 8
Norway	Vitnemal-Videregaende Opplaering at grade 4
Poland	Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci / Matura at grade 70%
Portugal	Diploma de Ensino Secundario at grade 14
Romania	Diploma de Bacalaureat (English with all components at B2)
Slovakia	Vysvedcenie O Maturitnej at grade 2
Slovenia	Maturitetno Spricevalo at grade 4
Spain	Titulo de Bachillerato at grade 8
Sweden	Fullstandigt Slutbetyg Fran Gymnasiesk at grade C
Switzerland	Maturitatszeugnis or Maturite Federal at grade 5
Ukraine	Aтестат про повну загальну середню освіту at grade 10

Acceptable International Regional qualifications

Must be obtained no more than 4 years before the proposed start date of the course

Country	Qualification	Grade
Bahamas	General Certificate of Secondary Education	Grade C in English
Botswana	General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level	Grade C/4 in English
Brunei	Cambridge O Level	Grade C6 in English
Cameroon	GCE O level	Grade C in English
Hong Kong	HKCEE	Grade C in English (Syllabus B)
Hong Kong	HKDSE	Grade 4 in English
Kenya	Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education	Grade C in English
Malaysia	Malaysian 1119	Grade 6C in English - IELTS 6.0
Singapore	Singapore Cambridge O Level	Grade C6 in English
South Africa	South Africa National Senior Certificate	Grade 5 in English
Tanzania	Certificate of Secondary Education	Grade C in English
Uganda	Certificate of Education	Grade 6
Zambia	Zambia School Certificate	Grade 6 in English
Zimbabwe	General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level	Grade C in English
	Caribbean Examination Council	General proficiency Grade III in English
Nigeria/Ghana	WAEC/NECO	Grade C6 in English

I confirm I hold one of the above English Language Qualifications/Exemptions before making an application. I will upload the evidence with this application.

Yes No back

Thank you for your interest

Please secure an approved English language qualification and then apply for the next intake.

Question

Have you ever received a visa refusal for entry into the UK or any other country?

Yes No back

Thank you for your interest

Unfortunately we would be unable to sponsor under the Student Route Visa. If you do not require a visa to study in the UK please email us for further advice: intadmissions@bolton.ac.uk

Your Funding

Do you have full funding in place to cover your full tuition fees and living costs as required by UKVI? Please click here for more information.

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Thank you for your interest

Unfortunately we will be unable to continue with your application.

Question

Have you read and understood the course entry requirements and confirm that you fully meet the requirements? (Please click on Entry Requirements tab above to ensure you comply with all the requirements for this course)

You may also refer to the following pages for information about International Qualifications equivalency: https://www.bolton.ac.uk/international/your-country-entry-requirements/

For further assistance with international qualifications equivalency (paid service) – please refer to the ECCTIS website (previously known as NARIC): https://ecctis.com/Qualifications/FindTheServiceForYou.aspx

Yes No back

Thank you for your interest

Unfortunately we will be unable to proceed with your application as all entry requirements must be met.

Final Terms & Conditions

Please read the following:

I understand that the university reserves the right to withdraw their offer at any stage once the quota for the course has been filled.
I understand that I will be required to pay specific fees before CAS issuance is considered by the university.
I must declare any agent or consultant at the start of my application and they must be on the list of approved agents. (We also have Branch Offices in Africa, South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia who fully manage applications in their respective regions.)
I am able to complete the course in the normal duration.
I am able to arrive on time for the published start date.
I confirm that I will be 18 years old or more on the start date of the course.
I understand that the following documents will be uploaded as part my application:
(a) Passport with at least 6 months validity before start of course.
(b) Personal statement (written by myself).
(c) CV if applicable.
(d) Previous qualifications.
(e) English language certificate or proof of exemption.
(f) Professional references if applicable.
(g) Bank Statements and TB Certificate if applicable at the CAS issuance stage.
I have read and understood all questions and answered them correctly and truthfully to the best of my ability and knowledge.

Tick here to confirm you agree to the above

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Thank you for your interest

Unfortunately we will be unable to proceed with your application.

Congratulations

Based on the information supplied, we would like to invite you to apply for this course.

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Apply Online

The University welcomes applications from international students from all over the world. We try to make the application process as simple and as fast as possible for our international applicants.

How you apply is determined by your current location and what you are choosing to study:

Apply direct to the University. Links for the next available intakes of this course are shown below. Please click the link which will direct you to the online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this.
Apply via one of our approved in-country referral partners. A list of our partners may be found on the International pages of this website.
Apply via UCAS for courses starting in September only – visit www.ucas.com.

Should you have any queries please contact the International Team on +44 (0) 1204 903110 or email international@bolton.ac.uk

Apply online: Distance Learning BA(Hons) Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Professional Practice Top-Up (Online) - 29 January 2024

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This course is taught online through live tutor-led online sessions and access to online resources. We'll help you develop your research skills while you mould your own approach to individual learning and independent research. You'll also have lectures, seminars and group work to help you progress successfully. One-to-one tutorial support will also be made available to you as appropriate. All activities are designed to offer you a great learning opportunity.

Assessment tasks will be linked to the learning outcomes for each module. All assignments will be based on coursework and will vary from academic essays to e-discussions, portfolios, presentations and seminars. The assessment tasks will involve research exercises and possibly the use of reflective journals and case studies. Reflective activities, including using relevant theories and reflective tools, will help you to relate theory to practice. Formative assessment feedback on written assignment preparation will be given orally in online tutorials and immediately following presentations, with practice presentations encouraged in some modules.

Modules

The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.

Developing Professional Practice and Promoting Wellbeing
Research in Professional Practice
Psychology of Education in Professional Practice
Educational Leadership in Professional Practice
Illusion of Inclusion in Professional Practice
Philosophy of Education in Professional Practice
Professionalism and Qualified Status in Education
Supervising Research

Assessment methods

Level	Assesment method
Level one	Coursework 100%
Level two	Coursework 100%

Learning activities

Level	Learning activity
Level one	Guided independent study 55%, Placement/study abroad 30%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 15%
Level two	Guided independent study 75%, Placement/study abroad 2%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 23%

Disclaimer

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.