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What is a BA in Education good for?

[Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 516
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in Advice #1
Hi guys,

I'm currently working as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant in Wales. I have the relevant NVQs and having had my contract extended, I'm looking to enquire about obtaining Higher Level TA status.

Alongside this, I never completed A-Levels and kinda regret not allowing myself a stab at uni education because I know I'm bright enough to do it.

I found this course...

Foundation Degree for Primary LSAs which I figure I'd need in lieu of A-Levels anyway.

But then it says that with a top-up years I can achieve a BA in Education. I love the idea of having a degree in something I have passion for and am really considering it, especially given what appears to be the very low costs.

Thing is, as yet, I don't want to be a teacher. But I also don't want to write it off later in life.

I can't seem to find any information that tells me what the BA is good for. Does it mean that I could teach on it, or would I need to apply for a PGCE?

Any help would be appreciated. I'm excited by the prospect, but a little confused and I don't want to go into it thinking I'll get more out of it than is actually true, I want to have all my facts but I can't make head nor tail of it!

Comments

  • eluf38eluf38 Posts: 4,874
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    #2
    I think the easiest way to find out what the qualification is actually worth would be to ask your employer / prospective employer - perhaps someone who works in recruitment for your local LEA or a member of your SMT. Would having a Foundation Degree increase your chances of being employed as a TA, a teacher, or would it potentially open up any other jobs, like a learning coach or behaviour support?
    They might say yes, or they might say that your current qualifications and experience are more than adequate. The course only requires 1 year's TA experience, so depending on how long you've been in your job you might actually find the course irrelevant because you've done so much 'on the job' learning!
    If the uni could provide you with an example of topics covered, it might give you an idea of how suitable the course is. No point studying stuff you're already familiar with.

    As for needing a PGCE to teach - I imagine you would, especially as primary jobs are competitive. I know people who were accepted onto the PGCE course with an Access degree.
    I do know one or two teachers who went into teaching without a PGCE - one got a permanent contract through having a TEFL, and another earned his QTS on the job, as he was teaching a shortage subject. However, I think the majority of teachers today will have gone down the traditional B Ed or degree/PGCE route.

    I think the best thing to do would be to speak to someone who recruits staff and see what value they would place on that degree, from that particular college /university. There are a lot of qualifications and courses available, but they don't always translate into improved career prospects. Sorry I can't be of more help!
  • Me-CheetahMe-Cheetah Posts: 599
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    #3
    The BA in education would be considered 'continuing professional development' . It would help you to progress from LSA to TA.

    It doesn't have quaified teachers status attached, so if you wanted to teach ( as a teacher) in schools you would need a PGCE and/or a specialist element to your degree.

    That's my understanding anyway.
  • Me-CheetahMe-Cheetah Posts: 599
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    #4
    eluf38 wrote: »
    I think the easiest way to find out what the qualification is actually worth would be to ask your employer / prospective employer - perhaps someone who works in recruitment for your local LEA or a member of your SMT. Would having a Foundation Degree increase your chances of being employed as a TA, a teacher, or would it potentially open up any other jobs, like a learning coach or behaviour support?
    They might say yes, or they might say that your current qualifications and experience are more than adequate. The course only requires 1 year's TA experience, so depending on how long you've been in your job you might actually find the course irrelevant because you've done so much 'on the job' learning!
    If the uni could provide you with an example of topics covered, it might give you an idea of how suitable the course is. No point studying stuff you're already familiar with.

    As for needing a PGCE to teach - I imagine you would, especially as primary jobs are competitive. I know people who were accepted onto the PGCE course with an Access degree.
    I do know one or two teachers who went into teaching without a PGCE - one got a permanent contract through having a TEFL, and another earned his QTS on the job, as he was teaching a shortage subject. However, I think the majority of teachers today will have gone down the traditional B Ed or degree/PGCE route.

    I think the best thing to do would be to speak to someone who recruits staff and see what value they would place on that degree, from that particular college /university. There are a lot of qualifications and courses available, but they don't always translate into improved career prospects. Sorry I can't be of more help!

    Unfortunately there's a lot of 'studying of things you already know' in education.

    I teach esol and literacy and have a BA and MA in linguistics, L3 essential skills and currently doing the L5 ( which incorparates PGCE) and will have studied phonics, 4 times at various levels, covering the same old ground. That's just the way it is, they just have you jumping through hoops.
  • Me-CheetahMe-Cheetah Posts: 599
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    #5
    striing wrote: »
    A BA(Hons) in education should give you QTS. It doesn't force you to work as a teacher but opens up the option, should you want it. The PGCE is for people who do a degree that doesn't give you QTS (ie a non education BA).

    But obviously you'd need to check the details of the individual course you want.

    Edit: having just seen the post above, I was assuming by BA in Education you were meaning a B Ed. If not - then yeah ignore me and go with the other poster.

    The degree the OP mentioned doesn't have QTS.
  • eluf38eluf38 Posts: 4,874
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    #6
    Me-Cheetah wrote: »
    Unfortunately there's a lot of 'studying of things you already know' in education.

    I teach esol and literacy and have a BA and MA in linguistics, L3 essential skills and currently doing the L5 ( which incorparates PGCE) and will have studied phonics, 4 times at various levels, covering the same old ground. That's just the way it is, they just have you jumping through hoops.

    I suppose that's true of a lot of CPD - but if a qualification is worth having, then you will have to jump through those hoops!

    I'm just wondering whether the qualfication might be too basic for the OP? If she's been a TA for a year or two, then it's no problem; but if she's been in the job four, five, six years then it's possible that the course might do her little good.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 516
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    #7
    I've been working as an LSA for 2.5 years at Level 2 & this is my second year at Level 3 if that helps. These are my only qualifications besides my Gcse's A-C which is why I thought the Foundation degree was necessary.
  • Little NellLittle Nell Posts: 1,115
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    #8
    Most B Eds have rebadged themselves as BAs with QTS so this one MAY have QTS. You need to check it out - it should be clear from the course description, though I realise it's a top up to a Foundation degree (which won't give QTS) so you might have to ask for clarification.
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