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Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion) (Top-up) BA(Hons)

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Start Dates

20 September 2027

Duration

2 years part-time


Recent Awards For Excellence

Education - QS 2025
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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Understand policy and practice for SEND and explore theories of development and learning.
  • Apply theory in your workplace with flexible Saturday sessions designed for working professionals.
  • Learn from experienced SEND specialists and gain practical insight through placements in diverse settings.

If you are already working or volunteering in education, care or SEND settings and want to deepen your expertise, this one-year top-up degree helps you build the specialist knowledge to take the next step. Designed to complement your existing work, it enables you to explore the policies, theories and practices that shape SEND education and apply them directly to your setting.

Teaching typically takes place on Saturdays to support those working during the week. Your workplace forms a key part of your learning, allowing you to connect theory to real practice and develop as a reflective practitioner. You will learn from a dedicated team of SEND specialists with extensive experience across schools, colleges, early years, local authorities and the charitable sector.

This top-up degree is ideal for those progressing from a Foundation Degree, HND or equivalent Level 5 qualification. It supports progression into roles across SEND support, education, community and family services, or further specialist training and postgraduate study.

90% of graduates in this subject area are in work or further study within fifteen months of graduation.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 22/23. UK Domiciled.

Career opportunities after the course *

Learning Support Assistants

SEN Teachers

Teachers

Behaviour Analysts

Supply Teachers

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for this course are normally one of the following:

  • A Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree, or equivalent.
  • An initial teaching qualification from a recognised teacher education institution.
  • Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification with 120 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits (or equivalent).

Your qualification should be in an area related to education, for example the study of special educational needs and disabilities, children’s learning and development (including atypical development).

In addition, you must also have GCSE English Language at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

You must be in employment or voluntary work in an appropriate registered setting (for a minimum of 120 hours per year) and have support from your employer.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

Through this module you will explore different aspects of the health and well being of children and young people and become equipped to evaluate the wider public health agenda, national trends and supporting legislation. You will evaluate how legislation, policy, research and health promotion models support the chosen promotion and how this may impact on children or young people’s lives.

In the module, you will examine definitions and different understandings of inclusion and models of disability, considering a national and global context. You will explore the impact these different definitions and models have on educational policy and practice and critically analyse current approaches to inclusion in a range of settings. You will develop your understanding of approaches to inclusive planning, teaching and assessment that ensures accessibility, challenge and achievability for all pupils.

This module forms the first part of a two module package (along with Major Study in Education) which constitutes the project that demonstrates the application of the skills and knowledge acquired within the course. It leads to a project plan which will be implemented in the second module. The focus is on preparatory and background activities leading to a detailed project proposal.

This module builds on the Researching the Major Study module. You will undertake a substantial piece of work (dissertation) on a relevant topic in education, which is of particular interest and relevance to your practice. Your dissertation may be literary (an in-depth study of theories, texts, themes), empirical, based on the design, development and evaluation of an enterprise or resource or a combination which has been negotiated with your tutor.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Successful completion of this course will enable you to progress in special education in a range of organisations, including special and inclusive educational contexts, schools, businesses, Local Authorities and the non-governmental sector. This course is suitable for those seeking to work with local, national and international charities involving children and young people.

90% of graduates from this subject who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 22/23, UK domiciled graduates, other activities excluded.

After I finish my degree, I am planning on applying for my PGCE at to become a qualified teacher and then start working as a SEN teacher/ teaching assistant and work my way up to a place where I can make a difference to students who previously would have had no support.

- Katrina Fisher
Graduated in 2023, Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion BA(Hons). Currently a Complex Care Assistant.

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£2,512.50 per 30 credits

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2027/28.

Modules credits can range from 15 to 60, dependent on the content of the module. Read more about total credits required for a range of degrees, to allow you to calculate the potential total cost.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required to enable you to undertake placements in settings with children. We arrange this as part of the application process. Please note that there may be a charge for the DBS check.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement tuition fees loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

Explore More

Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the School of Education may teach you on this course.

Find out more about our staff

Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

Take a look at your options

Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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