Study alongside your work: you will attend St Mary's University one day a week whilst continuing to work with children and young people for at least half of the week.
Please note: for those wishing to enrol in September 2026, classes will be held on Thursdays. The course will start on Thursday 10 September 2026.
- Judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2024.
- One year after graduating our education students are, on average, the second highest paid across the sector earning £3,300 more per year (on average) than the median salary. Five years after graduating this figure goes up to £6,100. (Department for Education LEO data, 2017).
- Each module is delivered by specialists with a background in the primary classroom.
- Study one day at university
Working with children and young people in a primary setting is a challenging career, but is incredibly rewarding. This one-year course allows graduates of Primary Education FdA to complete a Bachelor's degree.
Studying one day a week whilst working within education provides you with a unique opportunity to apply your learning in a practical environment throughout the course.
Why St Mary's
Students on the course come from a range of settings including Primary and Early Years, special education needs and those working in faith and secular contexts and people special needs.
We have developed strong partnerships with a variety of schools including Catholic, other church and secular schools. Colleagues from these schools are involved in selecting students and supporting them through school experience. They also contribute to University-based modules.
St Mary's also offers two work-based degree courses that lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS):
Academic support
in London (National Student Survey (NSS) 2025)Education course
in the UK (Daily Mail University Guide 2024)Teacher training degree
in the UK for first degree results (National Student Survey (NSS) 2025)Career opportunities
This non-QTS pathway will help you improve upon your classroom practice and develop your career within the education sector.
Upon starting your course at St Mary's, you will have access to our Career Services, which provides students and graduates with impartial advice on their career progression and development.
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Course content
Modules
Over the one year programme the course will focus on educational support.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
Work-based learning makes up 40% of your study.
The course is taught using a range of teaching methods:
- Presentations
- Discussions
- Small group work
- Observations
- Practical-based activities
You are expected to bring your own work experiences into the discussions and to relate this to the academic theories to which you will be introduced.
A virtual learning environment will support you throughout the course with an appropriate range of resources.
Class sizes range from 15 to 30 students.
- Contact time
- 40%
- Independent study
- 20%
Assessment methods
All work is assessed by means of a course portfolio, which may include presentations and research undertaken at your place of work.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Who teaches this course?
Entry requirements
N/A
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 and you must have already gained a foundation degree in Education.
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). At least three years' experience working in school (either paid or voluntary) is also required prior to the start of the programme.
List of free level 3 qualifications available to eligible adults
The UK government website has a list of places where students can find colleges that offer free level 3 qualifications which in turn will allow them to apply to St Mary's.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
Fees & funding
September 2026
Home
£9,535
International
£17,445
*Please note: Tuition fee increases for undergraduate Home students are subject to regulatory control by the UK Government. The above Home fees for September 2026 are confirmed by the UK Government subject to Parliamentary procedure in early 2026. These fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
For more information about whether you are likely to pay home or international fees, please visit our 'understanding your tuition fee status' page.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
Apply now
Whether you're currently living in the United Kingdom and Ireland or outside, you'll need to apply directly.
September
Transferring from another institution?
St Mary's is happy to consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another university. If this is you, please follow these instructions.
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