FdA Specialist Teaching Assistant (Apprenticeship) at Plymouth Marjon University

Programme overview

A Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship delivered by Plymouth Marjon University, with the option to gain a Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning (240 undergraduate credits). Apprentices specialise in SEND, social and emotional well-being, or curriculum provision, and train while employed in a school or education setting.

Faculty: School of Education | Intake: September 2026 | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers professional behaviour and skills, child development and wellbeing, curriculum, teaching and learning, a teaching apprentice specialism, special educational needs and disabilities, and professional practice. Year 2 covers a second specialism module, diversity in practice, families and communities, unlocking creativity, research in practice and professional practice leading to the end-point assessment.

Career pathways

Prepares apprentices for support roles in education and provides a pathway to a top-up year for a full undergraduate degree or to a two-year Teacher Degree Apprenticeship route to Qualified Teacher Status.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must be employed in a relevant educational setting for a minimum of 30 hours per week, with access to a mentor such as a qualified teacher or educational professional. GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 (Functional Skills or a suitable equivalency test accepted) and a suitable Level 3 qualification such as a BTEC National Diploma, Access to HE Diploma or A-levels or similar are required. Both an Employed Route (existing staff) and a Recruit to Train route (new apprentices) are available.

Intake: September 2026

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences