Special Educational Needs and Disability

Develop practical, professional and intellectual skills to prepare for a future in fields like family liaison, inclusion support, teaching assistance, mentoring, adult education, and careers services.

Our distinctive degree paves the way to some of the most rewarding, inspiring and satisfying careers of all - working in special educational needs and disability support.

• 92% of students said they were satisfied with the learning opportunities on this course in the National Student Survey 2022
• Education at Derby has been ranked in the Top 30 in the Guardian University Guide 2023
• Prepare for roles where you can make a genuine difference - from family liaison and inclusion support to teaching assistance and mentoring
• Build an in-depth understanding of the theories, factors and contexts for special educational needs and disability (SEND)
• Undertake work placements to develop your practical, professional and intellectual skills
• Learn from experts in the fields of education, health, psychology and social work to gain real insights into professional life
• Chart your future direction at a university with a strong track record for employability: 96% of Derby graduates were in work or further study within six months of completing a full-time degree
• If you already have a Foundation degree then and wish to top it up to a full BA (Hons) then you can do so by applying directly to the university
• If you complete this course and meet the entry requirements for our PGCE Primary, we will guarantee you an interview - see below for full detail

This course prepares you for a broad range of roles where you can improve the life experiences of individuals with special learning needs. You'll build the skills and knowledge to support children and adults with diverse needs, such as specific learning difficulties, physical disabilities, behavioural problems and sensory impairments.

• Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama
• Students with an overall score of 60% would usually be eligible for the International Foundation Year
• UKVI IELTS 4.5 with a minimum of 4.0 in all components (CEFR B1) is also required

• If you are studying and completing any internationally recognised qualification such as A-levels; International Baccalaureate (IB) or the American Curricula from the International Schools within Jordan, then you can begin from the first year of a Bachelors degree. Please see individual course pages for specific entry requirements
• If you have completed a recognised international foundation programme with good grades
• Advanced entry to year 2 or 3 may be possible. You will need to supply detailed information including courses taken, grades achieved, syllabus and a grading guide

Our BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs and Disability degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in the SEND sector, including family liaison, advocacy, inclusion support, teaching assistance, mentoring, adult education and careers services.

You could also take your skills and knowledge to the next level by progressing to postgraduate study in areas such as health, psychological services and social care.

Please note that this course does not lead to Qualified Teacher Status. However, if you'd like to train to be a teacher, you will be guaranteed an interview for our PGCE Primary if you meet the entry requirements. 

You could also apply to study our PGCE Post-14 (Education and Training).