Program Overview

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

Overview

This online top-up degree is designed for individuals who already work or intend to work in a special education needs and disability (SEND) setting and hold a level 5 qualification. The program allows students to top-up to a full BA (Hons) degree with one or two years of online study.

Study Options

• Part-time: 1-2 years
• UK fee: £5,730 (2025/26)
• International fee: £5,730 (2025/26)
• Start date: September
• Location: Online

Course Description

This program supports the development of SEND, synthesizing research, theory, and practice in an applied and critical manner. The course is structured into four 20-credit modules and one 40-credit module.

Modules

• Autism: Research and practice
• The Inclusive Classroom: Research and practice
• Identity, Inclusion and Living with Disability: Research and practice
• Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties: Research and practice
• Dissertation: literature review

Module Details

Autism: Research and practice

This module covers understandings of autism and its causes, combined with evidence-based interventions and strategies to support communication, learning, and relationship building. Educational practice for creating inclusive practice is also discussed.

Teaching and Learning

Modules within this course will be delivered by expert academics who also work as SEND professionals. This ensures that module content remains up-to-date and highly relevant and brings through pertinent examples from a range of SEND contexts which are current and topical.

Assessment Method

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, case studies, interpretation of the lived experience, through planning, delivering and critically evaluating a micro-teach.

Entry Requirements

• An HND or Foundation Degree in a relevant subject (equivalent of 240 credits)
• Alternatively, evidence of significant work and life experience may be taken into consideration upon application.

English Language Qualifications

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course, you will need at least one of the following:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills test)

Recognition of Prior Learning

Exemptions can be made on the basis of prior academic study, professional qualifications, or professional experience.

Fees and Funding

• Per 20 credits: £955
• Modules: 6
• Cost: £5,730

Careers

This program is ideal for anyone currently working, or intending to work with children, young people, or adults with SEND across health, education, and social care, or anyone interested in SEND as an academic discipline.

Getting You Career Ready

Your degree is only part of your story. We're here to help prepare you for life after university.

Application Deadlines

All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts.