Special Education Needs and Disability (Top-Up) BA (Hons)

Program Overview

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The Special Education Needs and Disability (Top-Up) BA (Hons) program at the University of Derby equips students with the knowledge and skills to support individuals with diverse learning needs. It explores theories, factors, and contexts for SEND, provides real-world insights from experts, and prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the SEND sector, including roles in education, health, and social work.

Program Outline

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Special Education Needs and Disability (Top-Up) BA (Hons) - Education, Childhood and SEND - University of Derby

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Degree Overview:

This top-up degree prepares students for a wide range of roles supporting individuals with special learning needs. It equips them with the skills and knowledge to support children and adults with diverse needs, including specific learning difficulties, physical disabilities, behavioral problems, and sensory impairments. The program aims to:

• Provide real insights into professional life through learning from experts in education, health, psychology, and social work.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

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Core Modules:

• Dissertation: Literature Review: This module enables students to conduct a significant independent study, supported by a supervisor, resulting in written outcomes that put into practice some of the knowledge and skills developed through modules at Levels 4, 5, and 6.
Students will undertake a systematic and detailed review of academic literature on a focused topic. Original data collection is not required. The assessment for this module is a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic of the student's choice, in consultation with a supervisor.

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Optional Modules:

• Concepts of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Research and Practice
• Social Exclusion and SEND: Research and Practice
• Creativity and Innovation in SEND: Research and Practice
• SEND: Live Project
• The Inclusive Classroom: Research and Practice
• Identity, Inclusion and Living with Disability: Research and Practice
• Autism: Research and Practice
• Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties: Research and Practice

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Assessment:

• No exams.
• Assessment is through small group work, individual peer presentations, completion of directed tasks and drafting of tasks, tutorial discussions, and coursework.

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Teaching:

• The program is delivered by a dedicated and enthusiastic team, including experts in the fields of education, health, psychology, and social work.
• The University has a growing reputation as a center for excellence in SEND and inclusive practices.
• Lecturers regularly publish their work and have conducted important studies into a wide range of subjects, such as managing the inclusion of SEND pupils in the classroom.
• The program provides a friendly, welcoming learning environment with approachable, dedicated, and passionate tutors.
• Learning takes place in the Kirtley Building, which offers first-rate facilities, including specially designed collaborative learning spaces and a large hall for practical activities and observing learning in action.

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Careers:

• The BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs and Disability degree prepares students for a wide range of careers in the SEND sector, including family liaison, advocacy, inclusion support, teaching assistance, mentoring, adult education, and careers services.
• Students can also progress to postgraduate study in areas such as health, psychological services, and social care.
However, students who meet the entry requirements are guaranteed an interview for the PGCE Primary.
• Students can also apply to study the PGCE Post-14 (Education and Training).

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Other:

• The University of Derby operates extended teaching hours, so contact time with lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm.
• The program includes the initial DBS check (if required for placement purposes), induction activities and visits, in-class visits (guest workshops), visiting speakers, discipline area conferences, and placement travel costs that exceed a stated amount per day.
• Students may incur additional costs for print costs above the allowance, binding of the IS dissertation, replacement DBS, field trips abroad, memberships to sports clubs and societies, and other optional extras.

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UK fee:

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

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International fee:

£14,900 per year (2024/25)