Work-based learning

Higher education qualifications around real professional practice

Develop your career while you earn

Whether you're beginning your journey in education, looking to progress into leadership, or ready to specialise in supporting children with additional needs, our professionally focused programmes give you the qualifications, experience and confidence to move forward, while continuing to work. 

We offer three distinct pathways, each designed to fit around your role and build on your existing experience.

Our Work-based Learning pathways

 

Image of Foundation degree student.

Foundation degrees

Offering an alternative route into higher education for professionals using work experience as an entry requirement, our Foundation degree improves the academic qualifications and confidence of practitioners across Children's services.

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Professional Practice

Our Professional Practice degrees are stand‑alone qualifications designed to build the skills needed for professional and managerial roles supporting the development, learning and wellbeing of children, young people and families.
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Apprenticeships

Leeds Trinity University is one of the few UK institutions offering the Specialist Teaching Assistant programme as a Foundation Degree Apprenticeship, enabling apprentices to earn a recognised degree while learning on the job.
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Why study at Leeds Trinity?

  • Learn from experts - study with practitioners who have extensive experience supporting children, young people and families, and who work closely with employers such as local schools and Leeds City Council.
  • Earn while you learn - flexible, work-based degrees designed to fit around full-time employment. Attend up to one day a week while working or volunteering for at least 12 hours per week.
  • Extend your professional network - collaborate with peers, share experiences and build strong professional connections that enrich your learning.
  • Enhance your working practice - apply theory directly to your role, strengthening your skills, confidence and impact in the workplace.
  • Clear, seamless progression - move from a Foundation degree or Apprenticeship to a BA (Hons) top-up, and beyond, all within one university, with familiar systems, consistent support, and no need to change institutions. You could progress into a specialist area through a wide range of postgraduate options at Leeds Trinity.  
  • A supportive learning environment - access dedicated tutors, personalised study support and a full range of wellbeing services.
  • Proven excellence in Early Years Leadership - study on a long-established, high-performing programme trusted by employers and built on a robust, expertly delivered curriculum.
  • Designed around you - continuously improved based on student feedback to remain relevant, engaging and rooted in real-world practice.

Beneficial to your employer and setting

By partnering with the School of Education and Childhood, employers can strengthen their workforce through co-designed programmes that meet industry needs. Our work‑based learning approach equips your employees with specialist, practice‑relevant knowledge that enhances their professional development, boosts organisational capability, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for children and families across the region.

Explore the School of Education and Childhood. Get to know our team, our courses, our partnerships, and the research that drives us.

Book your Open Event

An Open Day is the best way to get a feel for university life and experience life as a student at Leeds Trinity.

Come along to our Open Event on Saturday 4 July at our Main Campus (Horsforth), and you'll be able to:

  • Get to know your future lecturers and find out more about the subjects you're interested in
  • Explore the campus and facilities where you could be studying
  • Chat with our friendly Student Support and Services teams and learn about our personal, supportive approach to your studies.

Open Days
Leeds Trinity student ambassadors talking to two guests at an Open Day at Main Campus

Your future career

Working with children, young people and families across Leeds and Yorkshire, and beyond, is a rapidly growing sector. There are more diverse roles than ever before, ranging from setting-based practitioners to outreach specialists and those supporting children at the edges of society. We offer excellent support throughout our degree programmes to help you gain an understanding of this ever-changing landscape and shape your own career pathway. 

Alternatively, you may wish to train to teach or embark on further study at postgraduate level. Many of our alumni thrive on teacher training programmes, social work programmes or within specialist areas of enhanced practice like PG Dip in speech, language and communication, or children’s mental health.  

Many work-based students join a degree programme with progression in mind. We want to help facilitate your own ideas and ensure our alumni continue to shape leading practice across the region.

Student and Alumni voices

Image of Foundation degree Apprentice, Chris Balmer.

Chris Balmer - Teaching Assistant 

Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Foundation degree

"The course has helped me develop greater confidence, professional knowledge, and reflective skills. I now have a deeper understanding of policy, theory, and best practice, which has improved my effectiveness at work. The qualification is also opening doors for progression and helping me work towards my long-term career goals."

Image of apprentice, Meg Hudson.

Meg Hudson - Teaching Assistant

Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Foundation degree

"I enjoy the live learning sessions, coming together as a group and learning together, alongside cementing current knowledge. I enjoy sharing what I know with others. I want to become a fully qualified teacher and have my own class, to watch them progress and grow".

Image of alumna, Michaela Tucimova.

Michaela Tucimova - Lead SEN Teaching Assistant in a Primary School

BA (Hons) Professional Practice: Early Childhood Studies

"Studying at LTU gave me new knowledge, skills, confidence, and a strong professional identity. If you're thinking about returning to education or want a deeper understanding of working with children and families, then do it. You have nothing to lose, and every assignment will boost your confidence and sense of achievement."