Jump directly to main content Jump directly to menu

BA (Hons) Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disability Top Up

The programme encourages students to challenge issues, theory, current policy and practice in relation to special educational needs whilst developing a comprehensive understanding of the diverse nature of SEND informed by historical, social, cultural, economic, political and global factors. The programme promotes students’ critical awareness of current issues in relation to rights, diversity, equality, and inclusion whilst equipping practitioners with the relevant knowledge and transferable skills to enable them to reflect on their professional practice and enhance their employability.

Students are encouraged to develop critical understanding of the multidisciplinary services and specialist interventions to support children, young people and families with special educational needs and disability and will gain necessary skills to undertake research with an understanding of participatory approaches in the areas of special educational needs.

Key Information

  • Course Level

    Level 6

  • Delivery

    Full-Time

  • Duration

    1-year full time 2-years part time

  • UCAS Code

    X401

  • Awarding Body

    University of Hull

Apply or Enquire

Graduate Profiles and Student Comments

Kayleigh’s learning journey with University Campus Doncaster

I started my higher education journey with UCDon in 2019 enrolling onto the FdA in SEND. At the time I was employed as a Learning Support Assistant. In 2021 I progressed onto the SEND top-up to gain a BA (Hons) Supporting Children with Special Educational needs and Disability. Once I had started this level of qualification, I started a new job as a Pastoral and Behavioural Specialist and also appointed as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

The phrase “you need to believe in yourself” cannot be any more fitting to explain my journey with UCDon. From my opening words – “I don’t think I am intelligent enough to gain a degree” on the first day of introductions to finishing with a first-class honors degree in SEND! The tutors are supportive, knowledgeable, and extremely understanding. They not only help you grow educationally but they also help you grow as an individual. I have grown in confidence which has allowed me to advocate for children who have previously struggled, and it has resulted in them achieving their full potential. This is through the hard work, patience and time the lecturers have given, allowing me to feel empowered and have a purpose in supporting the most vulnerable of children. The SEND qualifications have opened a variety of doors for me now, it has provided my family and I with a better future, something I could have only dreamt of previously. If I can do it, you certainly can!

 

Nicola’s learning journey with University Campus Doncaster

Whilst working within a mainstream primary school supporting children with a variety of needs, I chose to undertake the SEND degree programme as a way to increase my knowledge and confidence in the role. Not only did the programme allow me to develop evidence-based practice and innovative strategies for supporting children and young people with SEND, but it also enabled me to gain a rich insight into inclusion, equality and diversity. The support, expert knowledge and passionate teaching from the team at Doncaster University Campus was instrumental in making the programme incredibly thought provoking and thoroughly enjoyable and I am now the proud owner of a First-Class Honours Degree, an accomplishment which I had never thought I could achieve!

The degree has given me the confidence to pursue a career in teaching within the post 16 SEND sector. I am currently enrolled on the PGCE programme at Doncaster University Teacher training department, and I feel confident that the SEND degree programme has equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to continue my professional development.

 

Claire

“The top-up SEND course has given me more confidence and trust in myself when communicating with parents and multi-agency teams”

Sarah

“BA SEND top up has allowed me to develop my knowledge and understanding, enabling me to be a more confident, inclusive practitioner”

         

This course includes the following core modules that all students complete: (list)

International Perspectives on Inclusive Education [20 credits]
Use of Technology in Support of Children with SEND [20 credits]
Extended Project [40 credits]
Current Issues and Contemporary Debates [20 credits]
Innovative Practice in Supporting Children with SEND [20 credits]

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

On Campus

The primary way of delivering this course is on campus where teaching includes a combination of lectures, small group seminars, workshops, guest lectures and one to one discussion with your tutor.

Students will receive 4 hours of teaching per week throughout this course. Additional one-to-one meetings and group tutorials with tutors will provide further support.

 

Assessments include the design of electronic posters, essays, prezi presentations, reports, reflective accounts, v-logs and a dissertation all of which is submitted electronically via Turnitin on Canvas.

Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies / Supporting Children with SEND or a HND in a relevant area such as Education or Early Years Studies plus 3 years’ experience within the sector whether employed or voluntary.

Additional Requirements:
– A suitable DBS Enhanced Certificate is required
– There is a minimum requirement that practitioners are either in paid employment or undertaking a voluntary placement for a minimum of 2 days per week. It will underpin practitioners’ experiences in the workplace through studying a suite of modules that will enhance and support career progression.

GCSE requirements:
Grade 4/C in GCSE English and mathematics is desirable but not essential. If you do not have these qualifications, you will still be accepted onto the programme but would need to realise that future employment may require these.

We are committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds and situations. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you do not have the qualifications stated, we might still be able to consider your application and offer you a range of support. We are here to help. Please get in touch to find out more.

As part of this programme of study you will be required to have a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You will be required to pay the cost of this. A DBS must be in place before you start your placement. You may be able to supply an existing DBS but this must be within 3 years of issue.

This course is particularly relevant to people already working within the special educational needs and disability sector.

This course provides a range of skills relevant across a variety of different professions.

People who have completed this course have gone on to work in areas including teaching, criminal justice service, local authority, educational management, health and social professions.

If you wish to continue studying beyond this course, it will provide you with a strong academic basis to do so. Course progression routes could include MA Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disability.

Financial Support

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Course Fees

UK

£7770

Additional Costs

Your Tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition and assessment.)

There may be some extra costs that you might need to make, or choose to pay, for example:

Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may want to buy your own copies)

Printing and photocopying

Trips and enhancement opportunities

  • A DBS check will be required, which you must pay for.

 

Apply or enquire about this course

To find out more and apply for this course, please contact us via the telephone number below.

  • Course code: X401
  • Institution code: N64
  • Campus name: University Campus Doncaster
  • Campus code: D

Apply on the UCAS website Make an enquiry Call 0800 358 7474