Program Overview

Special Educational Needs and Disability

The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) course is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the concepts, theories, and practices related to special educational needs and disability. This course is ideal for those who wish to pursue a career in teaching, education, or related fields, and are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Course Overview

The course covers a wide range of topics, including the historical development of special educational needs, current legal contexts, and the social and psychological theories that underpin SEND interventions. Students will also explore the issues and barriers faced by young people with SEND, and develop practical skills and strategies for supporting and including them in educational settings.

Course Structure

The course is typically taken over three years, with each year building on the previous one to provide a progressive and in-depth understanding of SEND. The course structure includes:

• Year 1: Introduction to SEND, including the historical development of special educational needs, current legal contexts, and the social and psychological theories that underpin SEND interventions.
• Year 2: Exploration of the issues and barriers faced by young people with SEND, including difficulties in literacy acquisition, social, emotional, and mental health needs, and sensory and physical difficulties.
• Year 3: Development of practical skills and strategies for supporting and including young people with SEND in educational settings, including assessment and planning, differentiation in classrooms, and dissertation research.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course will be well-prepared for a range of career opportunities, including teaching, teaching assistance, inclusion support, child and family advocacy, mentoring, adult education, local authority support, charity roles, and entry to courses related to various therapies.

Entry Requirements

The typical entry requirements for this course include 96 UCAS tariff points, including 80 from at least 3 A-levels or equivalent.

Fees

The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2026/27 is Ł9,790 per year for UK students, and Ł16,900 per year for international students.

Facilities and Resources

The University of Bedfordshire provides a range of facilities and resources to support student learning, including specialist early years and sensory centers, forest schools, classrooms with specialist technology, multi-media spaces, and wide range of sports facilities.

Student Experience

The University of Bedfordshire is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, with a range of services and facilities available to support student well-being and success. These include academic support, career guidance, counseling services, and student union activities.

Research and Innovation

The University of Bedfordshire has a strong reputation for research and innovation, with a range of research centers and institutes focused on areas such as education, health, and social care. Students on this course will have opportunities to engage with research and innovation activities, and to develop their own research skills and interests.

Why Choose the University of Bedfordshire?

The University of Bedfordshire is a modern, innovative university with a strong reputation for teaching and research excellence. Our education courses are ranked in the top 5 in the UK for career prospects, and our students rate us highly for teaching, academic support, and learning opportunities. We offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including foundation degrees, top-up degrees, and continuing professional development (CPD) courses. Our campus locations in Luton and Bedford provide a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, with a range of facilities and services available to support student success.