BA (Hons) Education and Special Educational Needs

About your course

Do you want to support people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities throughout their learning journey? This unique degree will develop your critical understanding of education and inclusive practice, leading to a diverse range of careers. We're a team of passionate and experienced lecturers who use research, practice and community links to shape your learning.

Additional course costs

There are no costs for off site day trips embedded into Core and Option modules. Optional international placements will have a cost attached.

Working with people who have disabilities or special educational needs is both challenging and rewarding. It requires an open mind and a flexible approach so that you are able to discard preconceived ideas and embrace alternative views and new ways of working.

Through multidisciplinary enquiry, the course examines the socio-political and historical context that has often marginalised people within particular communities and pockets of society in general. The course explores in detail how the education system is working for, and in many cases challenging for, children with SEND. We consider the experiences of children and young people with a range of conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, learning difficulties and attachment disorders. We critically examine how the organisation and structure of education can create barriers to learning and participation for pupils with SEND.

Throughout the course, there is a constant emphasis on the link between theory and practice, in order for students to become critically informed and reflective practitioners.

The course brings together all aspects of education such as the effects of poverty and social exclusion, and curriculum development. Lying at the heart of this course are the needs and rights of children, and your moral and professional role in working with them.

The course explores education in its broadest sense and draws on aspects of sociology, history, politics, psychology and philosophy to provide an understanding of current educational thinking and practice. In your second year of study there is an extended work placement, so that you can gain the experience and practice you need before embarking on further study or a career.

The course gives you enormous scope to tailor your studies to your own interests through optional modules, research and work-related practice.

Please note: Mature applicants with sufficient relevant experience may be invited to attend an interview.

Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:

• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

BCC - BBB
Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
Maximum AS UCAS Points: 20

Extended Diploma: DMM

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Pass overall with a minimum of 104 points

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.

Applications are welcomed from mature and non-standard applicants, who will be considered on an individual basis. These applicants may be required to complete a written task and/or attend a meeting with a course tutor, and should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience.

International applications will be considered in line with UK qualifications.

Please contact the University if you have any questions regarding the relevance of your qualifications.

Employability

This course is ideal if you want to pursue professional qualifications as a teacher (following a PGCE/PGDE course), special educational needs coordinator or inclusion support coordinator, behaviour support worker or learning mentor. If you prefer to work in the social care and health field, you might want to consider a career as a disability inclusion officer, local authority disability coordinator or disability support worker. With further training, you may wish to pursue a career as a counsellor within a range of differing settings. Alternatively, your degree could lead to a career in community or charitable organisations.

Following the completion of this first degree, many of our students choose to continue their studies at Masters and Doctorate level.

Postgraduate Teacher Training

LJMU graduates who meet the entry criteria are guaranteed an interview for your chosen PGCE course.

Our PGCEs carry Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), so after successfully completing the one-year course, you will be qualified to teach the age range of students covered in your programme.

As well as our Core PGCE courses, we also offer School-led programmes with our partner schools across the North West.

Learn more about our postgraduate teacher training courses.

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.

One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.

A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.