Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Programme
The OTSA Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Programme is a new way to study for a Degree in Education whilst working as a Teaching Assistant (or similar role) in a local primary, secondary or special School.
Delivered in partnership with Buckingham University, these exciting new degrees are an employment based route designed for people working in schools, to provide them with a low-cost route to degrees in education, whilst providing partner schools with a supply of high quality teaching assistants and teachers. We are now taking expressions of interest for the June 2026 cohort.
Low tuition fees
Earn while you learn
Live at home
Online study with continuous assessment
Personalised local support
Information for Students
About the Courses
There are two degree courses available:
- BA (Hons) Primary Education
- BA (Hons) Secondary Education (Maths and SEND)
Both courses are designed to be completed over three years, whilst being employed as a Teaching Assistant (or a similar role) in a primary, secondary or special school (full-time or part-time). The course is delivered online, with half-termly in-person training sessions, enabling students to complete the work at times to suit them. The course is integrated with the job, with much of the study being based on what happens in school.
In addition to the contracted hours of work, students must be able to commit approximately 10-12 hours of work per week to complete the reading and writing for this course.
A degree in education opens doors to a wide range of careers, including teaching. On completion of the course, students may choose to complete a one-year Initial Teacher Training course to qualify as teacher. Alternatively, the skills gained during the course will be relevant to many other jobs, particularly those that involve working with young people.
Entry Requirements
- Employment in primary, secondary or special school (OTSA will support you to find a post in a school)
- A letter of support from the school that will employ you
- Two A Levels or other level 3 qualifications worth at least 32 UCAS points
- Successful interviews
Course Structure
- Modular structure across the three years
- Modules are studied using an online learning platform at times to suit you
- Regular local in-person training sessions
- 3 assessed assignments per module linked to your in-school experiences
- Final enquiry based module involving a research-based assignment on an area of your choice from the programme
- No exams
| Primary Course | Secondary Course |
| The course will include: Child development Science of learning Oracy and phonics Literacy and numeracy Enquiry module | The course will include: Classroom culture Managing behaviour Supporting learning in Maths Supporting pupils with SEND Enquiry module |
Fees
- The course fees are £6,000 a year
- Student finance is available
Dates
The course begins in June 2026 and finishes in June 2029
Information for Schools
Supporting Partner Schools to Recruit Teaching Assistants and Teachers
These innovative degree courses will support schools to recruit high-quality teaching assistants and other support staff, while providing an alternative, local, route to gaining a degree. we hope and expect that many graduates of these courses will go on to train as teachers in our partner schools.
OTSA will work with partner schools to match them with prospective teaching assistants and other support staff.
How it Works
- Schools and Year 12/13 Students register interest with OTSA
- Year 12/13 students apply to OTSA
- OTSA matches suitable applicants wth schools
- Schools interview applicants
- Applicants offered a TA contract beginning in June/July 2026 (conditional on acceptance on to degree programme)
- Students complete degree application process
- University interviews students
- Student TAs begin employment with schools and join BA course (late June 2026)
- Student TAs work for schools for 3 years whilst completing degree
- Student TAs complete degrees June 2029 and may choose to complete initial teacher training
About the Courses
There are two degree courses available:
BA (Hons) Primary Education
BA (Hons) Secondary Education (Maths and SEND)
Both courses are designed to be completed over three years, whilst being employed as a Teaching Assistant (or similar support roles) in a Primary or Secondary (full-time or part-time). The course is delivered online, enabling students to complete the work at times to suit them. The course is integrated with the job because much of the study is based on reflecting on what happens in the employing school.
There will be 6 in person training days led by OTSA each year.
In addition to the contracted hours of work, students must be able to commit approximately 10-12 hours of work per week to complete the reading and writing for this course.
Finance
- The course fees are £6,000 a year
- Student finance is available
Dates
The course begins in June 2026 and finishes in June 2029
