FdA Primary Education at St Mary's University, Twickenham

Programme overview

Primary Education FdA is a work-based route teaching foundation degree. You will attend St Mary's University one day a week, whilst in either a paid or voluntary position with children and young people in a primary school for at least half of the week. This work-based foundation degree in primary education is full-time equivalent (120 credits/ year). For those wishing to enrol on the course to start in September 2026, you will be on campus every Tuesday. This day remains the same for the two-year foundation degree.

What you will study

Year 1 core modules: Professional Development 1, How Children Learn, Communication, Language and Literacy, Developing Mathematical minds, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Collaborative Practice. Year 2 core modules: Professional Development 2, Promoting behaviour for learning and protect wellbeing, An Introduction to Primary Science in the classroom, Wellbeing through the Expressive Arts, Pedagogy, Policy and Practice, Digital Literacies.

Career pathways

This foundation degree is suitable for anyone working with young children i.e. teaching assistants, HLTA’s, unqualified teachers, Early Years or Special Educational Practitioners. We support people who wish to progress further with their own studies and future employment within education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

We are committed to recruiting trainee teachers who have the 'ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.' The interview process will cover the suitability of applicants to work with children and young people. An A Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent is required along with GCSE English grade 4 or C and above or an approved English equivalency test. You will need to be employed in work with children and young people for at least half of the week (in either a paid or voluntary capacity) by the start of the programme in September. UCAS code X109.

Domestic applicants: GBP 7,410 a year (2026/27). annual fee Source

Intake: September

Duration: 2 years

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