Program Overview

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About our foundation years

Our Foundation Year courses are perfect for you if you...

• are returning to education after a long time, or you don't have the qualifications for direct entry into our degree programmes
• are thinking of re-training and would like an introduction to the area
• are an international student wanting an additional year to adapt to the UK academic system
• are still evaluating which degree pathway at UEL is the right one for you

Please note: Foundation years can only be studied full-time. However, you can transfer to part-time delivery once you have completed your foundation year. Please apply to the full-time option if you wish to study in this way.

Special Education BA (Hons)

Overview

This intellectually challenging and thought-provoking special education course offers you a hugely rewarding undergraduate experience here at the University of East London.

It opens up the world of Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and offers you the chance to enter the world of work with confidence. We'll equip you for a range of careers in special education, helping to bring about a more inclusive society.

Our special education course takes you on a fascinating journey through this complex area. You'll learn about every aspect of special education in line with government policy. This includes autism, speech, language and communication, challenging behaviour, disabilities, dyslexia, therapeutic teaching and learning. It also looks at alternative educational provisions.

You'll develop a reflective approach to special education and critical thinking skills that are transferable to the workplace.

Students on this special education degree course come from all over the country because its content is so comprehensive. Many already work with children with SEND.

We'll allow you to bring your passion and experience to the course. We put an emphasis on sharing and discussing personal experiences to enrich our teaching.

Course options

• Start date: September 2025
• Degree: UCAS code: XC61112 UCAS points
• Entry Requirements:
  • Academic requirements: 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification listed on the UCAS tariff calculator, including A Levels in at least two subjects, BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM, BTEC Diploma – DD, Access to HE Diploma, T Levels, International Baccalaureate – 24 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level
  • English Language requirements: IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent)
  • Mature applicants and those without formal qualifications: We welcome applications from those who can demonstrate their enthusiasm and commitment to study and have the relevant life/work experience that equips them to succeed on the course
• Fees:
  • UK/Home students: £9,535 per year
  • International students: £15,560 per year
• Additional costs:
  • Textbooks
  • Computer equipment
  • Printing
  • Travel

Course modules

Foundation Year

• Mental Wealth: Introduction to Academic and Professional Identity/Practice
• Introduction to Early Childhood, Special Needs and Education
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health
• Placements in Context - Play and Learning
• Skills for Academic and Professional Writing
• Research in Practice: Live Project

Year 1

• Mental Wealth: Academic and Professional Skills for Life 1
• Exploring Social Worlds
• Key Principles for Inclusion and Diversity
• Emerging Research Communities
• Practice module Part 1
• Practice module Part 2

Year 2

• Mental Wealth: Academic and Professional Skills for Life 2
• Identity and Social Justice
• Building Research Communities
• Contemporary Issues in Education
• Specific Learning Difficulties
• SEND Careers

Year 3

• Mental Wealth: Academic and Professional Skills for Life 3
• Critical and Global Perspectives on Education
• Volunteering
• Communication and Interaction
• Independent Research Project

Your future career

A career in special education might involve developing innovative teaching methods to support students with autism spectrum disorders in mainstream classrooms or working one on one as a special needs coordinator. Your degree can also be a good foundation for other roles working with children or adults with additional needs.

How we support your career ambitions

We offer dedicated careers support, and further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking. Our courses are created in collaboration with employers and industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed.

How you'll learn

You'll be taught by staff with relevant experience and practice to ensure you learn from real-life experience and research. We encourage an educational experience that is active, social, collaborative, engaging, and student-owned. You will have access to a variety of resources ensuring your learning experience goes beyond the classroom.

How you'll be assessed

Coursework will include assignments, self-reflective assignments, presentations, and group work.

Campus and facilities

Our historic Stratford campus is located in one of the best-connected areas of London: close to Stratford's thriving town centre, the 2012 Olympic Park, just 15 minutes from London's West End and 20 minutes from Canary Wharf.

Who teaches this course

This course is delivered by the School of Childhood and Social Care.

Official student data from Discover Uni

• 89% say staff value students' views and opinions about the course
• 100% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 77% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

What our students and staff say

I enjoy the variety of topics we cover on my course. They have raised my awareness of current issues and relevant theories that explicitly relate to the education sector and situations that I might face in a classroom in the future."

Diane Griffiths

Third year student

Related courses

• BA (Hons) Education Studies
• BA (Hons) Special Education Online