Course Summary

This BA Educational Studies qualification is available to those who wish to improve their research skills and / or become assessors and tutors within the National Childbirth Trust. It consists of four units that are taught in discrete packages. The research unit (Unit one) and the assessing unit (Unit two) are offered every year. The two tutoring units (Units three and four) are taught concurrently every other year. Students may register for units one and two in separate years but three and four will be taken together. Credits gained from the successful completion of unit assessments are banked until all four units have been assessed. The student may then be awarded the BA Educational Studies, if all other requirements are met.

Why choose this course?

This course enables you to learn in a variety of ways in both academic and practice settings. You will be assessed using a number of different assessment methods to help you to meet your full potential. You will have the chance to experience a diverse range of teaching and assessing settings and will receive academic credit for successful achievement of teaching assessment and tutoring.

During the course you will:

• Develop your existing understanding of adult learning. This will be done by building on knowledge, skills and experience gained through studying for the Diploma of Higher Education, Antenatal Education (NCT) or DipHE, Postnatal Group Facilitation (NCT) or DipHE, Breastfeeding Counselling (NCT) and subsequent practice as a specialist worker at an advanced level
• Develop your existing understanding and application of reflective practice and self-awareness within the field of parent education by building on knowledge, skills and experience gained through studying a Diploma course and subsequent practice as a specialist worker to advanced level
• Benefit from a uniform excellence in assessment practice within NCT which contributes to a high standard of quality assurance
• Develop an awareness and understanding of research of relevance to the work of the NCT and skills in critiquing published papers

BANCT-S

Assessment

Assessments are timed to enable you to develop the skills required to successfully complete the given tasks.

The Units of learning for the course are assessed to demonstrate your development in both the theoretical and practical elements.

The tutoring team will assess your theoretical and practical work. This will be comprised of essays, case studies, analytical reports, reflection and interactive sessions.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Identify, critically analyse and implement teaching and facilitation methods, within an appropriate learning environment, that reflect your understanding of adult learning and knowledge of the field of parent education.

2. Identify and justify, through critical evaluation, strategies for supporting your learning needs within a diverse socio-cultural, economic and educational background.

3. Create an effective support network based on understanding and knowledge of the theoretical background of the impact of socio-cultural, economic and educational factors on motivation, achievement and self development.

4. Identify and justify, through critical evaluation, strategies for supporting the learning needs of qualified specialist workers.

5. Identify and implement excellent assessment strategies supported by critical analysis of models of assessment practice.

6. Access research relevant to the work and interests of the NCT, engage a structured approach to the critique of research papers, and assist NCT specialist workers in putting research into practice.

7. Critically analyse the role of reflective practice and self awareness in the development of practitioners in the specialist fields (for students, specialist workers, assessors and tutors).

8. Identify and justify personal support needs.

External Benchmarking

National Education Benchmark Statements

Educational Aims

The principal course intentions are to:

• Develop existing understanding of adult learning. This will be done by building on knowledge, skills and experience gained through studying for the Diploma of Higher Education, Antenatal Education (NCT) or DipHE, Postnatal Group Facilitation (NCT) or DipHE, Breastfeeding Counselling (NCT) and subsequent practice as a specialist worker at an advanced level


• Develop existing understanding of adult learning by building on knowledge, skills and experience gained through studying any of the Diploma courses and subsequent practice as a specialist worker to advanced level


• Develop existing understanding and application of reflective practice and self-awareness within the field of parent education by building on knowledge, skills and experience gained through studying a Diploma course and subsequent practice as a specialist worker to advanced level


• Provide a theoretical framework for understanding the learning needs and support issues posed by adult learners studying on Diploma courses, and also of qualified NCT teachers undergoing assessment and on-going training


• Provide a theoretical and practical framework for the development and application of teaching methods appropriate to the field of parent education


• Ensure a uniform excellence in assessment practice within NCT which contributes to a high standard of quality assurance


• Encourage critical evaluation of the current system of assessing parenting teaching and other specialist work, with reference to relevant research and through reflective practice


• Develop awareness and understanding of research of relevance to the work of the NCT and skills in critiquing published papers


• Assist in the creation of a critical mass of NCT specialist workers, able to apply research in practice and contribute to debates around what constitutes the evidence base underpinning the delivery of maternity and early parenting services


• Empower individuals by offering them the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to live experience

Student support

You will have access to all student support services from within the University. You will also have access to a BREO site that will give you further guidance and support.

In addition you will also receive support from the following:

• Personal Tutor


• University Liaison Lecturer


• NCT BA course manager

Team working

Working collaboratively within and between teams and services, is essential in the provision of effective and appropriate teaching. Working with others is a professional requirement for good practice. Therefore group work, presentations, simulations and tutorials will enable you to develop and practice these skills throughout the course in a safe environment.

Career Management Skills

You will be actively encouraged to participate in the development of your career management and will take the lead on accessing the Centre for Personal and Careers Development or members of the degree development team. You will undertake a self assessment to identify your strengths, interests and development needs in relation to external criteria e.g. the requirements of an occupation and employer.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

On completion of this course you are likely to progress as a National Childbirth Trust Assessor and/or National Childbirth Trust Tutor.

Further study:

This course will be the first step in a process of lifelong learning and professional development. Once qualified, you will be able to access a wide range of health and social care courses leading to an honours degree, masters degree or doctoral degree qualifications.

Entry

Standard:

• Diploma of Higher Education Antenatal Education (NCT)


• Diploma of Higher Education Breastfeeding Counselling (NCT)


• Diploma of Higher Education Postnatal Group Facilitation (NCT)

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Strategy

The teaching and learning strategies reflect the course philosophy in accepting the individual learning styles of adult students.

Residential Workshops

You are expected to attend:

• One one-night residential workshop for the Research Unit


• Two residential workshops over two days (one mid-week and one weekend) during for the Assessing Unit


• Three residential workshops over two days (one mid-week, one including a weekday and a Saturday, and one weekend) during the Tutoring Units

The workshops will take place at a residential centre to bring you all together for peer support and learning in an atmosphere that is sociable, informal and relaxed. The workshops include group work, student-led presentations, assessment or tutoring practice, experiential learning and some lecture style teaching. There will be a strong emphasis on reflection on practice and self-evaluation.

Group Work:

Group activities enable you to use more interactive methods and reflect on experience while sharing ideas and learning styles.

Student-led Presentations:

You are required to make presentations during the process of your studies. The experience gained from not only your own work but also that of the other students in the group will deepen your understanding and knowledge of the issues raised by the area of study while giving you the opportunity for peer support.

Assessment or Tutoring Practice:

You are required to demonstrate assessment or tutoring procedure and to evaluate and reflect on this formative work to show the depth of understanding. In between workshops you will be expected to:

Observe tutors, attend study days, do mock assessments, facilitate within tutorials and continue with self directed study.

Observation of Practice:

You will observe qualified tutors at work. Discussion with the tutor and your own reflective practice will underpin the knowledge and understanding that you have achieved.

Tutorials:

Tutorials will be arranged between the main training events, run by a tutor trainer, to focus particularly on the academic work of the course. Your tutor mentor may arrange one to one tutorials with you as seems necessary, particularly on the practical elements of the assessor or tutor role. You will also benefit from attending group tutorials for Diploma students to observe tutoring practice and to facilitate students learning yourself, in consultation and agreement with your tutor mentor and any other tutors involved. These tutorials may be run by your tutor mentor but it will be of interest to you to see other tutors at work if possible.

Study Days:

Certain study days may address topics which help to add to your knowledge and skills. Other participants could be tutors, Assessors, ATs, teachers and Diploma students, depending on the content of the day. You can decide which days may be useful in discussion with your Tutor Trainers and Tutor Mentors.

You will be expected to attend one study day specifically for the Research Unit in addition to the residential workshop.

Critique of research papers:

When taking the Research Unit, you will be expected to apply a structured approach to the critique of two research papers preparatory to discussing the papers at the February study day.

Preparatory work:

For the Research Unit you will be expected to undertake some research exercises in preparation for the November weekend and to apply a structured approach to the critique of two research papers preparatory to discussing the papers at the February study day. For the Assessing Unit you will be expected to carry out a practice assessment or review on a student or teacher prior to the September training event. For the Tutoring Units you will be expected to start required reading and observe tutorials.

Private Study:

As with any degree course, you will need time for private study. The purpose is to enable study to be wider than the material covered in workshops and tutorials. Through this you can resolve areas of learning difficulty, prepare for residential workshops, read widely and prepare for assessments, and devote time to other aspects of personal development.

Personal Portfolio:

You are required to produce a personal portfolio when you apply for the role of ATA or tutor, commenced at the start of the course and maintained throughout. The portfolio is a record of the development, outcome of assessments and evidence of progress in the development of knowledge, attitudes and understanding.

Reflective Diary:

All BA students are expected to keep a reflective diary, as reflection is a process of adult learning in that it is practitioner centred and enables the individual to:

• Focus upon what is of concern and significance for them


• Focus upon the relationship between theory and practice


• Apply what is learnt


• Give themselves feedback that learning has occurred


• Take responsibility for their own learning


• Promote good practice for the qualified practitioner

One to one sessions:

At each training event there will be an opportunity for a one-to-one session with your Tutor Trainers to review and evaluate your progress and to give you specific support and guidance.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

National Childbirth Trust

Students with disabilities

You will be encouraged to actively seek assistance from your tutor mentor in order to have your needs met in relation to a disability you may have.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:

• Communicate with a range of parents and their families, students, tutors and assessors


• Use effective communication methods to negotiate and develop your skills and knowledge


• Effectively disseminate verbal and written information

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

• Access literature from a range of sources


• Use a range of resources to develop your knowledge in practice


• Construct and undertake an effective literature search strategy in order to underpin knowledge development

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

• Analyse the information found


• Evaluate the evidence underpinning care


• Undertake self evaluation

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

• Demonstrate an ability to think both logically and laterally in the development and application of theory to adult learning


• Use appropriate analytical skills in evaluating the information obtained from students to identify their specific needs and problems

Improving learning and performance

The ethos underpinning this course is one of personalised learning. Personalised learner development is a key feature of the Universitys distinctive curriculum, the purpose of which is to develop the identity of you as a learner, your self-awareness and your preparedness for future opportunities.

In order to meet the ethos of personalised learning the course teams strategy for engaging you in your own learning and development and for making you more aware of how you learn is as follows:

• You will be given formative and summative feedback on your continuing development and will be encouraged to reflect on your progress. This will engage you in the process of using assessment feedback


• You will be actively involved in the assessment process in relation to your academic and practice assessments


• You will be given responsibility for your own development. This process will be supported by a personal tutor


• The personal tutor will play a key role in facilitating you identifying your learning needs and refer you to support as necessary


• Study skills will be developed throughout the course

Progress files

You are required to develop and keep a progress file or portfolio of learning, which demonstrates your ongoing record of achievement as part of your course. This should detail your growth and achievements throughout the course.

Professional standards

Professional attitudes are important to enable engagement in the world beyond the University. It is expected therefore that you will adopt behaviours and attitudes that reflect a sense of professionalism in how you approach different learning opportunities and situations. In return the course team will respond positively towards this. You and the course team are therefore expected to do the following:

You:

• Be punctual for session and tutorials


• Respect the learning environment and others in the group


• Inform your tutor if you are unable to attend a class or tutorial meeting


• Take the lead in your learning and development


• Follow University and NCT policies and procedures especially in relation to the writing and submission of assessments

Course team:

• Inform the student in advance if you need to cancel a session or tutorial


• Respond to email within 5 working days unless on leave


• Ensure assessment results are published on the expected date


• Promote a learning environment that facilitates mutual respect

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

You will be introduced to the concept of professional standards in your tutorial sessions and will have the above outlined to you. Adherence to these standards will be monitored by the tutor mentor who will liaise with the unit leads. If there are any issues that need to be addressed the tutor will be informed and will document this in your progress file and contact you to discuss the issues further. You will be offered support to address the issues. However any persistent non-adherence to NCT professional standards may result in you being discontinued from the course.