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 an Oxfordshire, 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 inviting 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 6th Form Students
Supporting Young People to Gain a Degree in Education
These innovative degree courses are designed to provide an alternative, local, route to gaining a degree in education without taking on significant debt.
"I've £90k in student debt - for what?" The Guardian, July 2025
Degree in Education - Video Guide for 6th Form Students
- Introduction and overview 0:00
- Course details 4:15
- Entry requirements and application process: 8:10
How it Works
- Year 13 students register interest with OTSA
- Year 13 students apply for TA positions in local schools
- Schools interview applicants
- Successful applicants offered a TA contract beginning in June/July 2026 (conditional on acceptance on to degree programme)
- Year 13 students complete degree application process
- University interviews Year 13 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 apply for 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 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 a primary, secondary or special school (OTSA will support you to find a post)
- 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 Teaching Assistants
Supporting Teaching Assistants to Gain a Degree in Education
These innovative degree courses are designed for Teaching Assistants (or people working in a similar role) to provide an alternative, local, route to gaining a degree in education without taking on significant debt.
Degree in Education - Video Guide for Teaching Assistants
- Introduction and overview 0:00
- Course details 3:45
- Entry requirements and application process 7:39
How it Works
- Teaching Assistant discusses application with Headteacher
- Headteacher and Teaching Assistant register interest with OTSA
- Teaching Assistant completes degree application process (including letter of support from Headteacher)
- University interviews Teaching Assistant
- Teaching Assistant begins BA course in late June 2026
- Teaching Assistant continues to work for the school whilst completing the degree
- Teaching Assistant complete degree in June 2029 and may choose to apply for 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 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
- A letter of support from the school that employs you
- Level 3 qualifications worth at least 32 UCAS points (or successful completion of a 14 week writing course beginning in January 2026)
- 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.
Year 13 students: OTSA will direct prospective teaching assistants and other support staff to schools who have registered their interest in employing a 'Student TA'.
Current Teaching Assistants: Schools may support a current member of staff to complete the degree.
Prospective Teaching Assistants: As part of their recruitment strategy, schools may also advertise Teaching Assistant posts stating that successful applicants will be supported to complete the Degree in Education.
Download sample text for Teaching Assistant post advert
Degree in Education - Video Guide for Schools
- Introduction and overview 0:00
- Course details 5:04
- Entry requirements and application process 8:22
How it Works
- Schools register interest with OTSA
- Schools interview and recruit applicants to a TA position or identify existing colleagues who want to complete the degree
- Applicants offered a TA contract beginning in June/July 2026 (conditional on acceptance on to degree programme)
- Applicants complete the degree application process
- University interviews applicants
- 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 apply for 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 role) in a primary, secondary or special school (full-time or part-time). The course is delivered mainly 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 what happens in the employing school.
There will be 6 in person training sessions, during term time, 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
Information for Heads of 6th Form and Careers Advisers
An Employment Based Route to a Degree in Education
These innovative 3-year degree courses will provide students with an employment-based route to gaining a degree in primary or secondary education whilst working as teaching assistants in local schools.
Please display this poster and show this 15 minute video to Year 13 students in your school.
Degree in Education - Video Guide for 6th Form Students
Degree in Education - Video Guide for Heads of 6th Form and Careers Advisers
- Introduction and overview 0:00
- Course details 4:18
- Entry requirements and application process 8:19
How it Works
- Year 13 students register interest with OTSA
- Year 13 students apply for TA positions in local schools
- Schools interview applicants
- Successful applicants offered a TA contract beginning in June/July 2026 (conditional on acceptance on to degree programme)
- Year 13 students complete degree application process
- University interviews Year 13 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 apply for 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 role) in a primary, secondary or special school (full-time or part-time). The course is delivered mainly 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 what happens in the employing school.
There will be 6 in person training sessions, during term time, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants
|
Question |
Answer |
|
What happens if I don’t want to work at the school any more? |
You are able to transfer to working in another school as long as they are supportive for you completing continuing to study for the degree. |
|
Will there be opportunities to get to know other people who are doing the same course? |
You will be placed in a tutor group with other people studying the course by the University of Buckingham. OTSA will be providing face-to-face sessions once every school half term to enable you to get to know other local people studying the course. |
|
Are there set times that I need to be available to complete online work or is it completely flexible? |
It is up to you when you complete the online work. There will be set times for tutor meetings and seminars but these will be after 3.30pm and arranged in advance. There will also be deadlines for assignments but as long as these are met you can complete your work at any time convenient to you. |
|
Will I have a tutor who I will meet with and how often will I meet them? |
You will be designated a tutor who you will meet with at least twice a term - once as a group seminar and once 1-to-1. These will be online meetings. They will also be available via email to discuss or address any other problems. |
|
Do I need to apply through UCAS? |
No, you need to apply directly to the University of Buckingham. |
|
Can I apply for other courses through UCAS and apply for this course? |
Yes, but once you have accepted a job as a teaching assistant at a school there is an expectation that you will go there to work and to complete the degree. |
|
Will I need to take any exams? |
No, the course has no exams. Each module is assessed in the following ways: Reflective journal (20%) Comprehension exercises based on academic reading (30%) End of module essay (50%) |
|
How often will the OTSA in-person training sessions take place and where are they likely to be? |
The sessions will take place once every school half term and will probably take place in Oxford. |
|
Will my school always let me have the time to go to the in-person sessions? |
Schools are not obliged to release you but it is a strong recommendation from OTSA that they do so and they will be made aware of this before employing a TA undertaking this degree. |
|
Will online tutor meetings be during the school day? |
All tutor meetings will be after 3.30pm so that they do not clash with the school day. |
|
As the course starts in June 2026, is there online learning to do over the summer holiday or is there a break? |
The first term runs from June to September. The first module needs to be completed in this time, however, as schools will not be running there will be more flexibility in your time and if you wish to complete additional work in one or more of the weeks to free up others this is possible. |
|
If the course starts in June 2026 and is dependent on A-Level results what happens if I don’t meet the grades? |
If A-Level results are not met to the required standard of 35 UCAS points then the offer will be withdrawn. |
Schools
|
Question |
Answer |
|
Do we have to commit to employing the TA for the full 3 years? |
No, but ideally TAs will be able to have the security of being in the same school for the duration of the course. |
|
What if there is no longer a TA position for the TA after they have already started the course and working at the school? |
OTSA will endeavour to support TAs and schools in this position to direct students to other schools wishing to employ TAs. |
|
Do we have to pay their university fees? |
No, but if you were able and want to offer some financial support that is possible. |
|
Will we need to facilitate them having time out of class to complete the course? If so, how much? |
There is no obligation to facilitate time out of class to complete the course. OTSA ask that you release them for one session every half term to meet as a group face-to-face and you may wish to grant them some study time near assignment deadlines but this is up to you as a school. All tutor meetings will be after 3.30pm so should not interfere with the school day. |
|
What happens if we give someone a TA a job and then they don’t get on the course? |
If you only want to employ the TA if they are doing the course then you will need to add this as a condition of employment. |
|
What happens if we give a TA a job and they are using it as a UCAS backup and then don’t take it? |
As with employing anyone it is possible that they may say they no longer want the job after accepting the job but before they start and therefore, this is possible. However, we are trying to ensure students understand that there is a level commitment to taking a job and applying for the degree course. There is a £300 non-refundable registration fee once they have been given a place on the course. |
|
How much involvement in the course will we need to have as a school, e.g. will we need to provide an in-school tutor, give progress reports etc.? |
There is no obligation for schools to provide any additional support although we would recommend that an informal tutor, who may be a teacher they are working closely with, may want to be provided to check-in regularly. There is no requirement to provide progress or end point assessment reports by the school. |
