Program Overview

Childhood, Youth & Special Educational Needs Foundation Degree

The Childhood, Youth & Special Educational Needs Foundation Degree is a two-year, full-time course designed for professionals already working or volunteering in education, childcare, or support roles. This flexible Level 5 course allows students to study alongside their current job role, enhancing their career prospects in childhood education.

Overview

This interdisciplinary-focused course is perfect for those looking to upskill and specialize in special educational needs (SEN) across early years, schools, or youth services. Co-developed with practitioners, the course blends theory with practice, providing students with the tools to create inclusive, supportive environments for all children and young people.

What You'll Learn

• Explore neurodiversity, autism, and how to adopt inclusive teaching approaches to support diverse learners.
• Critically analyze education policy and its real-world impact on children with SEN and their families.
• Develop specialist knowledge of current research, theory, and interventions in childhood education.
• Reflect on your own professional practice to strengthen your role as a SEN practitioner.
• Collaborate with peers across different educational areas to gain fresh insight into multi-agency and community-based approaches.

Entry Requirements

A-Level or Level 3 Course in Related Field

Applicants are required to hold a qualification at A level (or an equivalent level 3 qualification). HLTA status may also be accepted as a level 3 equivalent qualification.

GCSE English Grade 4

If you do not have GCSE English Language or Literature grade C/4, then you will be required to complete an equivalency test. Please note that Functional Skills qualifications are not accepted as an alternative to GCSEs.

Placement in a Setting Working with Children and/or Young People

You must be employed (paid or voluntary) in a role working with children and/or young people for at least 15 hours per week throughout the course. This does not have to be in a specialist setting.

DBS Clearance

It is a requirement that all applicants have a current satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check from their employer, which will be evidenced through the signed Stakeholder Agreement.

International Students

If you are an international student, then find out about our specific English language requirements.

Module Information

Core/Optional Modules

The course includes core modules such as:

• Introduction to Childhood, Youth & Academic Practices
• SEND and Neurodiversity
• Theories of Development in Children and Young People
• Communication, Language and Dialogue

How You'll Learn

Teaching is delivered through face-to-face seminars and interactive workshops, where you will network with peers by engaging in discussions, fostering a sense of community as well as connecting theory, policy, and practice to your own setting.

How You'll Be Assessed

You'll be assessed through a variety of coursework-based methods designed to reflect real-world practice and support your academic development. These include essays, digital assessments such as posters or infographics, and presentations that encourage you to share your learning and reflect on your professional experience.

Your Future Career

This course is designed to support your career progression within the childhood and education sectors. As an employment-based degree, it enhances your professional knowledge and confidence, helping you take on new responsibilities in your current role or move into new areas of practice.

Potential Career Paths

• Primary or early years teacher (via Postgraduate Initial Teacher Training)
• Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
• Speech and Language Therapist (via MSc)
• Mental health or wellbeing practitioner
• Learning mentor or pastoral support officer
• Education welfare officer
• Behaviour support specialist
• Family support worker

Fees

The 2026/27 annual tuition fees for this course are:

• UK: £8,705
• Overseas: £14,585

Home (UK) Fees

Home (UK) tuition fees for standard undergraduate degree, PGCE, and pre-registration postgraduate nursing, midwifery, and allied health courses at Canterbury Christ Church University are currently set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap set by the UK Government.

Overseas/International Fees

Undergraduate / PGCE tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.