Primary Education with QTS with Foundation Year - BA (Hons)
If you have a passion for inspiring and educating young learners, and want the best possible career opportunities after graduating, then this is the course for you. This exciting programme provides you with a variety of opportunities to explore your interests and develop core skills and experience in Primary and Early Years teaching with an extra foundation year....
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2021
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Education and Social Work
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Course is Full for 2021/22 Entry
This course is now full for 2021/22. You can apply for 2022/23 via UCAS from September 2021.
If you'd still like to apply for September 2021, take a look at some of our other available courses.
Course overview
If you have a passion for inspiring and educating young learners, and want the best possible career opportunities after graduating, then this is the course for you. This exciting programme provides you with a variety of opportunities to explore your interests and develop core skills and experience in Primary and Early Years teaching with an extra foundation year.
Please note: entry requirements for degree course
Upon completion of your Foundation Year, if your chosen course is regulated by a professional body such as the Department for Education, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment.
Tailor your Society, Childhood and Education Degree
When you successfully complete your Foundation Year, you will be able to progress onto a range of Undergraduate courses at the Birmingham City School of Education and Social Work. These include:
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
- BSc (Hons) Social Work
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Computing with QTS
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Science with Biology with QTS
- BA (Hons) Secondary Physical Education with QTS
- BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families
Why choose a foundation year course?
By studying a foundation year in either Society, Childhood and Education, your first year will be spent learning a wide range of broad subject areas which then open up opportunities for you to specialise further in your next year – which would be the first year of a full degree programme.
You will study very broad subjects in your foundation year, which is designed to prepare you for a range of courses and not just one particular BSc or BA degree.
So although you are studying a BA or BSc in a specific course –BA Primary Education with QTS – the foundation year sets you up for a number of other possible degrees starting the following year. It may be that you don’t end up doing a degree in precisely the same subject as your foundation year.
This flexibility is one of the great things about the foundation year category - Society, Childhood and Education, allowing you to find out more about your interests and talents before focusing on a three year degree. The foundation year also helps us at BCU to make sure we help to match you to the degree that fits you best.
What's covered in this course?
Our course offers you the chance to gain the professional qualification of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as well as a degree, helping you walk into your dream job immediately after graduating.
This course allows you to specialise in age phases 3-7 or 5-11, qualifying you to teach in primary schools and early years settings and gives you the opportunity to work in a Special Educational Needs School.
As the top university in the West Midlands to provide education training, you will have access to local schools where you can carry out placements and develop your practical experience right from the start of the course. We believe that getting our students working in schools with experienced teachers and children is key to developing committed, creative and confident teachers who will have existing relationships to benefit from when seeking employment after graduation.
Our course is underpinned by a commitment to the well-being and achievement of all of our students in a supportive and nurturing environment. The learning is led by highly experienced tutors who facilitate a wide range of practical experience and taught sessions to engage you in reflective and critical evaluation of research, policy and practice. You will be well supported during the course in your journey to becoming an outstanding teacher.
Why Choose Us?
- We have many partnerships in the West Midlands, which means that you can benefit from training in local schools and early years settings
- High employability rate - 98% of our students are in work after six months of finishing this course (Unistats 2016*) and we provide excellent support in making sure you find the right teaching job for you
- Practical hands-on experience in schools right from the start of your programme
- Study at our brand new £41 million City South Campus where you will be from September 2018
- We have a number of international links (Spain, France and Germany) to enable you to experience primary education in another country, enhancing your employability skills
Similar Courses
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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80 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| GCSE |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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| Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| IELTS |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland) |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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Scottish Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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| Other qualifications | ||
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. You may wish to gain some experience in Primary School before attending an interview The following CACHE qualification can be considered for entry to the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course:
Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Extra Information for EU/International students
| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | 2021/22 Requirements | |
| IELTS | 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands | |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). | 24 points overall Country-specific entry requirements and qualifications. |
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Please note: Upon completion of your foundation year, you will be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance via the Faculty in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme.
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £9,250 per year
- Applications Closed
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £13,200 per year
- Applications Closed
This course is now full for 2021/22. You can apply for 2022/23 via UCAS from September 2021.
If you'd still like to apply for September 2021, take a look at some of our other available courses.
Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University. Through a range of class-based group and individual activities, discussions, debates, personal reflection and wider reading and research, you will have opportunities to consider academic conventions, which include: effective use of literature; sourcing and reviewing information; various forms of academic writing; developing reflective capacity. You will also receive guidance on study skills and strategies, which will enhance previously acquired skills.
20 credits
This module is designed to help you gain awareness and understanding of current challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity and how this impacts upon the Health, Education and Social Sciences sector, preparing you for your future education and journey into practice. Introducing the Equality Act 2010 as the overarching legislation that focuses on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, the module is based on themes that are covered by this Act. The nine protected characteristics, upon which a person can be discriminated, as laid down in the Equality Act, will be discussed throughout and you will be introduced to case studies relevant to your chosen pathways.
20 credits
This module will focus on enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the interpersonal skills and behaviours required to work in your chosen area. Through a range of class based and student focused activities you will explore the different concepts of effective interpersonal and professional behaviours essential to your own personal development and progression. By engaging in this module you will reflect on your own and others values, beliefs and behaviours identifying how this can impact on the way in which you will be viewed by others. You will also address the importance of effective communication and how this can lead you to have a more professional approach in your chose area of work.
20 credits
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University, allowing you the opportunity to negotiate learning of a bespoke subject. Under the guidance of tutors, you will be able to direct your learning and identify relevant learning opportunities that you feel enable you to learning more about a specific field of study. The subject area within this module is student-led, with guidance and facilitation from designated academic and practice support. You will identify an area of study that you would like to review and evaluate, and which relates to your foundation year pathway and indicate programme.
20 credits
This module will be studied in Semester 1 and provides opportunities for you to develop an understanding of children and society in Birmingham. As the country’s second city, Birmingham offers a rich context for your studies and provides a perfect example of the ways in which children and society inter-relate. You will also be laying foundations for your future studies by gaining knowledge of the environments affecting your chosen degree discipline. No matter where you are from, exploring the ways in which a highly diverse city such as Birmingham provides for the needs of children will provide an invaluable insight.
20 credits
This module will be studied in Semester 2 and provides opportunities for you to develop an understanding of the politics and policies that impact society, childhood and education. Key aspects of working practice in the disciplines listed above are determined by the policies that come from the government; in the majority of cases, a government department oversees and regulates practice through its policies. This modules will explore the way in which the British constitution works, how policy making takes place and the impact that this has on society, childhood and education. The module will also consider the political spectrum and the way that this impacts policy. Importantly, as someone considering moving into the areas of study outlined above, you will also have the opportunity to consider your own perspectives and the ways in which you have been influenced by policy and politics, and the ways in which you might go on to affect them as a citizen and as a member of a given profession.
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
40 credits
This module provides opportunities for trainee teachers to explore the nature of the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science) and prime and specific areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in the context of learning and teaching in the primary school and early years settings.
The module provides substantial support for trainees’ professional practice in such settings, assessed through the School-Based Training (SBT) modules. This module provides a strong philosophical underpinning to the importance of trainees’ subject knowledge in the primary school and EYFS curriculum. By studying this module, trainees will begin shaping their own rationale for their approach to the teaching of the above subjects and to meet the needs of all learners.
20 credits
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme and the professional standards that underpin learning and teaching in primary and/or early years settings by responding to the developments in theory and practice relating to child development. It focuses on child development, planning and assessing so that all children can meet their potential. It will develop the link between theory and practice as part of the module will be delivered through first hand observation of school practices and the students own experiences during their school based training.
20 credits
The role of this module is to encourage you to consider in-depth your first experiences in your placement school. It will enable you to understand the complexity of the teacher’s role and the importance of adopting a professional stance at all times. You will understand the importance of an effective learning environment where all children feel safe and can develop to their full potential. It will provide you with practical strategies to support you in managing children’s behaviour.
20 credits
This module is an introduction to all other subjects of the curriculum taught in primary schools besides the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. You will be introduced to key areas of learning for each of the subjects and supported to understand some of the frameworks and resources used by schools to deliver these subjects. You will understand the relevance of each subject and how they support one another, where appropriate.
20 credits
This module provides opportunities for trainee teachers to explore a chosen subject in greater depth. It will address the relevant curricular content and learning and teaching strategies appropriate to the subject in the context of learning and teaching in the primary school and early years settings.
There will be a consideration of inclusive practice, assessment and an examination of the latest research developments. The module provides substantial support for your professional practice in such settings, assessed through the School-Based Training (SBT) modules. This module is closely aligned to the importance of your subject knowledge in the primary school and EYFS curriculum. By studying this module you will begin to shape your own rationale for teaching and learning in your chosen subject area to meet the needs of all learners.
Working in partnership with schools over a sustained period of time in school, this module, SBT 1, provides opportunities for you as a trainee teacher to meet the professional standards and expectations of teaching through practical experience. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and other education professionals to develop your knowledge, understanding and skill in the classroom and the wider school environment. You will be able to implement theory and evidence-based understanding on an on-going and development basis into your teaching into the classroom.
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
40 credits
This module builds on the skills and knowledge introduced in the Year 1 core module and links to the Y3 core module. It includes the study of English, Maths and Science in Key Stages 1 and 2 and the relevant Prime and Specific areas in the EYFS and links to the teaching of the core areas on School Experience modules.
20 credits
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course by responding to new initiatives in primary education. The focus will be upon developing your knowledge and understanding of the ways in which assessment and reporting are fundamental to learning and teaching in the primary school and EYFS settings. Through our commitment to inclusive values you will be empowered to address issues of equality, diversity and justice to optimise the life chances for all children you teach.
20 credits
This module offers a critical and challenging introduction to special educational needs in the context of contemporary understandings of inclusion and diversity in education. It will cover topics such as: historical perspectives on inclusive education; social models of disability, and developing inclusive practices in education.
20 credits
This module supports the programme philosophy and aims as it will engage you with a diverse and dynamic range of strategies to motivate and inspire children in their learning of the foundation subjects. You will be given opportunities to develop an understanding of outstanding practice in teaching the foundation subjects in primary and early years settings, through University sessions. You will be able to take risks within a professional, safe and supportive community of practice to develop your teaching skills.
20 credits
This module will provide opportunities for you to develop your understanding and expertise in a specific subject area. You will develop professional skills and attributes through collaborative group work. You will:
- Plan collaboratively for a specific age group of children in the chosen subject with consideration of pupils’ individual needs to differentiate and personalise the learning
- Develop inclusive practice
- Assess and monitor progress of children
- Consider intervention strategies to support progression
- Evaluate your own teaching
- Develop skills to be creative problem solvers of the opportunities within your subject, school and class
- Understand the role of the subject leader
This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop within a professional, safe and supportive community of practice in order to help you to become a confident, creative and committed teacher and enable you to demonstrate a working understanding of and progress towards, the professional standards that underpin learning and teaching in a primary or early years settings. You will be assessed against the current professional competences for teaching through a learning, teaching and assessment strategy that describes the stages of development as emerging, establishing, embedding, and enhancing.
Year Three
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
40 credits
The module will develop students’ understanding of both formative and summative assessment. Students will consider their own experiences, evaluate recent policy and research and complete practical tasks to embed and extend their understanding. The role, purpose and potential for effective assessment will be considered. Additionally, students will consider how to utilise new technologies to support and enhance learning and assessment. The potential of new technologies in supporting a range of learners and their families will be explored and evaluated. Throughout the module, students will be encouraged to reflect on their own practice.
20 credits
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme by being responsive to new initiatives and developments in primary education to enable you to become a highly effective and reflective teacher. The module will complement and build upon your knowledge and understanding developed through school experiences. A strong commitment to inclusive values will be reinforced and will empower you to address issues of equality, diversity and justice to optimise the life chances for all children you teach.
20 credits
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary & Early Years Education with QTS course by focusing upon opportunities to develop, support and enhance thinking and learning skills in the Early Years and Primary settings. This will be considered through statutory and non-statutory curriculum guidance, and theoretical perspectives. During your school based training this module will support you in developing creativity and cross-curricular opportunities, and evaluating and justifying resources, enabling you to become a highly confident, committed and creative teacher ready to join the teaching profession.
40 credits
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme and the Teachers’ Standards by responding to the changes and developments in primary education. It will enable you to become a highly reflective teacher.
It will also support you in becoming an innovative and resilient leader of learning with a personal commitment to shaping the future of the teaching profession. In this module, you will be supervised by an experienced tutor who will guide and support you so that you can conduct research relevant to your subject study in a supportive and nurturing environment. It will actively encourage you to develop your research skills and to pursue your learning journey at Masters level and beyond.
Working in partnership with schools over a sustained period of time in school, this module, School Based Training (SBT) 3, enables you to build on and demonstrate your mastery and achievement of the professional standards and expectations of teaching through practical, school-based experience. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and other education professionals to develop your knowledge, understanding and skill in the classroom and the wider school environment. You will be able to implement theory and evidence-based understanding into your teaching into the classroom and within a professional, safe and supportive community of practice become a confident, creative and committed teacher demonstrating a working understanding of and progress towards, the professional standards that underpin learning and teaching in a primary or early years settings.
You will be assessed against the current professional competences for teaching through a learning, teaching and assessment strategy that describes the stages of development as emerging, establishing, embedding, and enhancing.
You have the flexibility to transfer to any standard undergraduate programme from the School of Education and Social Work upon successfully completing your Foundation Year including:
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families
- BSc (Hons) Social Work
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Computing with QTS
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Science with Biology with QTS
- BA (Hons) Secondary Physical Education with QTS
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS Course Information
The content of the programme is research led, innovative and responsive to change and we employ a variety of learning and teaching approaches that focus on modelling good practice which, as a trainee teacher, you shall be encouraged to use in the classroom.
The programme comprises five strands that combine to enable you to develop your skills and knowledge to become committed, creative and confident primary school teachers.
The strands are as follows: Core (English, Mathematics and Science and/or the prime and specific areas of learning from the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum), Professional Studies, Foundation (all other National curriculum subjects and/or the prime and specific areas of learning from the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum), Subject Study and School Based Training. These strands are repeated in each year of study to enable you to build up your knowledge, understanding and skills in each key area.
The School Based and University Based aspects of the training course are interlinked and interdependent.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
On the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme you will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching approaches that are designed to develop your confidence, knowledge and skills as you progress through the course.
We will support you in the transition to university through a careful induction process, confidence building activities, group work and a carefully planned programme with a range of formative and summative assessments.
Your programme will be interactive, practical, engaging, thought provoking and challenging and is designed to promote independence so that you become a confident, committed and creative teacher ready to join the teaching profession.
On the programme you will experience a variety of learning and teaching approaches that focus on modelling good practice and these will include: workshops, conferences, lectures, seminars, a range of guest speakers, visits to schools/settings and other sites as well as a range of practical teaching experiences.
The content of the programme is research led, innovative and responsive to the educational climate to enable you to develop your subject and pedagogical knowledge and apply it in the classroom.
The BA Primary Education with QTS programme is a three year undergraduate course that leads to the award of a degree and qualified teacher status.
The newly designed programme offers you an honours degree and a recommendation for the award of QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) on successful completion of all elements over three years full-time study.
Placements
We have developed a shared vision for educational excellence with the schools in our partnership. You will benefit from working with and learning from outstanding classroom teachers in schools and at University. Working in schools with teachers and children is key to you becoming a committed, creative and confident teacher.
The new concept for the school based elements of the programme provide greater opportunities to spend time in school. In your first and second year you will spend one day per week in school (during one term) to allow you to make links with your observations in school and the taught programme in university. There are also a number of block placements in school where you will begin to lead the learning for a class. The NCTL Professional Standards for Teachers which lead to recommendation for the award of QTS will be assessed through the school based training modules.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
International Students
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities and Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.
As part of these plans, the University's Education provision will join the rest of the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences at our City South Campus in Edgbaston during 2018.
This is the third phase of the University's project to move all teaching and learning to two campuses, City Centre and City South. By moving our Education provision, we are creating a hub for the provision of public service contracts and professional development at City South Campus and improving the student experience with a stronger sense of community and more consistent support services and facilities.
Campus
In addition to classrooms, a lecture theatre, social learning spaces, an open access IT suite and cafe facilities, the new £41 million extension to our City South Campus offers a range of specialist teaching and learning facilities for specific subjects including science, design and technology, drama and physical education.
Departments
All our departmental facilities replicate the school learning environment.
- Art and Design
- Design and Technology
- History
- English
- Mathematics
- Religious Education
- Music
- Drama
Not only are we investing £41 million in a new building to house the laboratories and teaching spaces needed, but we also plan to open up these facilities to benefit all students and the wider community. This will complement our existing sports facilities, which already provide a base for students to compete in activities ranging from rugby to.
Mary Seacole Library
The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.
Our staff
Mark Hetherington
Course Leader HELS Foundation Year / Professional Navigator / Senior Lecturer
Mark joined the Professional Development Department (PDD) in 2018 as a Professional Navigator and as a Academic Skills tutor. During this time he has been involved in the development and running of the Faculty of Health Education and Life Sciences Foundation Year as both a course leader and module leader. At current there are two iterations of the Foundation Year catering for intakes in September and January. The Foundation Year allows students to progress onto a variety of HELS undergraduate courses.
More about Mark