BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion and Theology, Philosophy & Ethics with Foundation Year

Program Overview

This four-year program combines Special Educational Needs, Disability, and Inclusion (SENDI) with Theology and Ethics. Students explore sociological, psychological, and philosophical values shaping SENDI, while also examining religious debate, atheism, and the existence of God. The program includes work-based placements and a research-informed capstone project, preparing graduates for careers in education, social work, and other fields related to SENDI and Theology.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Objectives:

• Equip students with a critical understanding of sociological, psychological and philosophical values that shape Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (SENDI).
• Explore policy and practice, in different educational, cultural and social settings, promoting appreciation for the need for inclusive, relevant and ever changing strategies to meet diverse learning needs
• Challenge how we see, interpret and respond to needs in practice, seeking solutions and opportunities to become advocates for change.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of different categories of need and acquire skills in meeting needs through examining theory and engaging in research-based placements.
• Bring the oldest of academic subjects into the present day – combining the richness of ancient tradition with the relevance and freshness of a 21st-century subject.
• Provide students with a different type of Theology and Ethics – “with its sleeves rolled up”.
• Take students beyond the classroom and open doors that have the potential to change their life and empower them to make a difference to the world they inhabit.

Outline:

Structure:

• The course is delivered over four years and includes a Foundation Year, which provides students with an introduction to university life.
• Students study eight modules in their Foundation Year, all designed to equip them with the necessary academic skills and knowledge to progress successfully into their chosen subject.
• Students also engage in bespoke subject sessions delivered by experts, designed to introduce them to their chosen subject area.
• Students study eight modules per year in years 1, 2, and 3.

Modules:

Foundation Year:

• Self as Learner
• Resourcing Learning
• Critical Engagement
• Critical Thinking
• The Digital Learner
• Effective Communication
• Reflective Learning
• Academic Writing

Year 1:

• The Whole Child: Holistic Approaches to Meeting Needs
• From Excluded to Included: A Century of Change
• The World’s Religions(The West)
• The World’s Religions (The East)

Year 2:

• Christianity, Christ to the Middle Ages
• Christianity, Reformation to Now
• Meeting Different Needs
• Rhetoric or Reality?

Year 3:

• Global Approaches to Inclusion
• Green Theology
• Religion at the Fringes 1: New Religions and Cults
• Women and Faiths 1:The West

Year 4:

• Hidden Inequalities
• Leading the Learning Environment
• Spectrums and Kaleidoscopes
• Capstone Project Proposal

Capstone Project:

• Students complete a research-informed project on the topic of Inclusion or Special Educational Needs and Disability.

Assessment:

• The assessment methods used vary depending on the module.
• Methods include coursework portfolios, group discussions, multimedia technology presentations and individual projects, as well as essays and a timed assessment (year 3).

Teaching:

• Students are taught in a variety of ways, from lectures, tutorials and seminars, to practical workshops, coursework and work-based placements.
• BGU utilizes a range of innovative techniques to promote student participation and interactivity.
• Work placements are a key part of degree study within many courses at BGU.

Careers & Further Study:

• SENDI: Graduates have a range of career options including teaching, social work, creative therapies, speech and language therapy, and senior education managers.
• Progression to Master's level is also possible.
• BGU's specialist team at BGFutures supports students in exploring career aspirations and opportunities.
• Theology & Ethics: Many graduates pursue careers directly related to Theology, Ethics, and Religious studies, such as in education and schools.
• Graduates are also well prepared to pursue a wide variety of careers in fields such as community work, counseling, policing, social work, politics, museum work, media work, and education.
• BGU Career services support graduates throughout their job search.

Other:

• International travel opportunities are offered, including trips to India and Rome.