Our purpose built early years classroom
Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion) (Top-up) BA(Hons)
Start Dates
20 September 2027
Duration
2 years part-time
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
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.
Course Details
Teaching and Assessment
Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.
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.
Fees and Finance
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 our fees page.
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.
Gallery
Take a look at the Charles Sikes and Richard Steinitz Buildings, where your lectures and seminars will take place.
Charles Sikes Building Exterior
Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre
Richard Steinitz Building Exterior
The Street in the Charles Sikes Building
Seminar room
Explore More
Why Hud
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Explore Huddersfield
Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.
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