with a 

Foundation Degree at East Riding College

– the flexible way to advance your career as a Specialist Teaching Assistant.

Why choose a Foundation Degree at East Riding College.

Ready to make a real difference? Our Specialist Teaching Assistant Foundation Degree equips you with the expertise to empower young learners and build a truly rewarding career. Gain the specialist knowledge and practical skills sought by schools with our expert guidance every step of the way.

Register Your Interest for September 2025!

For Aspiring TAs

Opens doors to more advanced roles and responsibilities.

Flexible Learning

Study part-time or full-time to work around your needs.

For Organisations

Invest in Support. Enhance Student Success. Utilise Apprenticeship Levy.

Nationally Recognised

A qualification that is respected across the UK education sector.

Become the Specialist They Need. Advance your career at East Riding College.

For Aspiring & Existing Teaching Assistants

Whether you’re new to the classroom or ready to formalise your experience, this course offers:

  • Increased Employability & career progression

  • In-depth training in child development and SEND support

  • Practical placements for hands-on experience

  • Opportunities to progress to a full Bachelor’s or teaching training

 

For Employers: Build a Skilled, Supportive Workforce

Highly Qualified Specialist TAs. Ready to Contribute. Hiring graduates from our programme ensures:

  • Specialist knowledge of learning support & SEND

  • Real-world experience from integrated placements

  • Improved student outcomes & Ofsted performance

  • Stronger team collaboration & reduced in-house training needs

Utilise Apprenticeship Levy

Equip your school with highly skilled Specialist Teaching Assistants through the Level 5 apprenticeship. This nationally recognised program provides advanced training in a wide range of areas. By utilising apprenticeship funding, you can develop your existing staff or recruit new talent, ensuring your students receive expert support and your school benefits from a highly competent and qualified team.

Explore Foundation Degrees

Designed for real-world impact, this Foundation Degree supports your growth with three flexible study options:

  • Full-time (2 years)
  • Part-time (3 years)
  • Apprenticeship (levy-funded)

Learn more about the three distinct pathways >>

The FdEd Specialist Teaching Assistant (Curriculum Expert) degree equips aspiring and existing teaching assistants with the specialist skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to support teaching and learning in schools.

Key areas:

  • Supporting and enhancing learning (placement preparation)
  • Learning and development
  • Legislation, policy and practice
  • Society and education
  • Working with professionals and family
  • Supporting learning (work based learning)
  • Curriculum specialism
  • Leading a project
  • Advocacy, communication, and support
  • Curriculum project
  • Being a specialist/work based learning

Duration: 2 years full-time | 3 years part-time

Entry: 80 UCAS points or equivalent Level 3 or 60 Access-to-HE Credits + GCSEs in Maths & English (Grade C/4)

This degree is designed for those who want to support the emotional and mental health needs of children and young people in educational settings. This course provides in-depth training and practical experience to help you create inclusive, nurturing environments that promote positive behaviour, resilience, and wellbeing in learners.

Key areas:

  • Study skills
  • Supporting and enhancing learning (placement preparation)
  • Learning and development
  • Legislation, policy and practice
  • Society and education
  • Working with professionals and family
  • Supporting learning (work based learning)
  • Social and emotional wellbeing
  • Leading a project
  • Advocacy, communication, and support
  • Social and emotional wellbeing project
  • Being a specialist/work based learning

Duration: 2 years full-time | 3 years part-time
Entry: 80 UCAS points or equivalent Level 3 or 60 Access-to-HE Credits + GCSEs in Maths & English (Grade C/4)

This degree prepares you to support learners with a wide range of additional needs in inclusive and specialist settings. You’ll develop the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with SEND.

Key areas:

  • Study skills
  • Supporting and enhancing learning (placement preparation)
  • Learning and development
  • Legislation, policy and practice
  • Society and education
  • Working with professionals and family
  • Supporting learning (work based learning)
  • Special education needs and disability
  • Leading a project
  • Advocacy, communication, and support
  • SEND project
  • Being a specialist/work based learning

Duration: 2 years full-time | 3 years part-time
Entry: 80 UCAS points or equivalent Level 3 or 60 Access-to-HE Credits + GCSEs in Maths & English (Grade C/4)

Looking for an alternative teaching qualification?

East Riding College offers a range of teacher education programmes designed to help you advance your career and achieve your goals.

Explore our teacher education programmes

Just beginning your journey into teaching or looking to advance your career in education? We offer a range of nationally recognised qualifications to suit your needs. From the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, the perfect starting point for those new to the classroom, to our PGCE/Certificate in Education programmes offered on both a full-time and part-time basis.  Whichever route you choose, you’ll gain the practical skills, confidence and professional knowledge needed to thrive in the Further Education and Skills sector.

This course is perfect for those new to teaching or training, providing you with the foundational skills and knowledge to get started in the education sector.

Key areas:

  • Understanding roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training

  • Understanding and using inclusive teaching and learning approaches in education and training

  • Understanding assessment in education and training

Our full-time PGCE/Certificate in Education is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in their studies and quickly transition into a teaching role.

Key areas

  • Learners and learning 

  • Teachers and teaching 

  • Professional practice 

  • Evidence informed practice

  • Teaching my subject 

  • Effective digital and online pedagogies 

For those who need to balance their studies with other commitments, our part-time PGCE/Certificate in Education offers flexibility while still providing a comprehensive education.

Key areas:

  • Learners and learning 

  • Teachers and teaching 

  • Professional practice 

  • Evidence informed practice 

  • Teaching my subject 

  • Effective Digital and Online Pedagogies 

Register Your Interest for a Foundation Degree

Whether you’re aiming to start your career, enhance your current role, or build a stronger team, this Foundation Degree is designed for you.

Applications for September 2025 are now open. Reserve your spot today by registering your interest.

Once we receive your details, a member of our team will contact you by phone to discuss the course and answer any questions you may have.

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Unlock your potential at East Riding College.

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