Program Overview

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

Overview

The MA/PGDip/PGCert in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) is designed to meet the interests of a wide range of learners from schools, nurseries, universities, colleges, and local authorities, as well as professionals working with children and young people in various roles.

Course Details

• Level: Postgraduate
• UCAS Code: N/A
• Start Date: September 2025, January 2026, April 2026, September 2026
• Duration: 3 years (MA), 2 years (PGDip), 1 year (PGCert)
• Location: Exton Park, Chester/Online
• UK Fees: £8,775 (MA, full-time, 2025/26), £5,850 (PGDip, full-time, 2025/26), £2,925 (PGCert, full-time, 2025/26)

Course Summary

The course analyzes the historical and current SEND landscape, investigating factors contributing to the increase in children and young people identified as having special educational needs and disabilities. It equips students to evaluate current practice within their own work setting and determine strategies to support children and young people to fulfill their potential and make a successful transition into adult life.

Modules

• Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND): Evaluating Policy and Practice (20 Credits, Core)
• Critical Approaches to Inclusive Practice (20 Credits, Core)
• Specific Learning Difficulties: Identification, Intervention and Teaching (20 Credits, Optional)
• Embracing Neurodiversity in Education and Beyond (20 Credits, Optional)
• Research Methods and Design (20 Credits, Core)
• Attachment Relationships & Trauma-Informed Practice (20 Credits, Optional)
• Mental Health and Resilience (20 Credits, Optional)
• Research Project (60 Credits, Core)

How You'll Learn

• Mixture of tutor-led input, peer discussion, and group task activities
• Coursework-style, authentic assessments are used throughout the course
• This course has an in-person study option complemented by online learning
• This course has a fully live online option

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: 2:2 honours degree in an area broadly related to education, and/or special educational needs
• International/EU Students: Minimum requirement IELTS Level 6.5

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: Close to the city centre, with modern learning resources and library, fitness facilities, student services, chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces, accommodation, and catering

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £8,775 (MA, full-time, 2025/26), £5,850 (PGDip, full-time, 2025/26), £2,925 (PGCert, full-time, 2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery, and related materials

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: Previous graduates have been promoted within their institutions or gone on to work in others
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.