Programme summary for BA (Hons) Special Needs and Inclusive Education by distance learning

Subject to validation

This programme will enable you to develop your understanding of special educational needs and disability, together with critical thinking skills that are transferable to the workplace.

About the programme

Special Needs and Inclusive Education is the study of the challenging concepts of equal educational opportunities within disability, behaviour, autism, dyslexia, speech, language and communication. The programme considers children’s rights and working in partnership within an educational and social context. This exciting degree programme offers a holistic understanding of childhood, education and society. Practical application of inclusion is analysed in the light of theoretical understanding and legislation. This programme will enable you to develop a reflective approach to inclusion, together with critical thinking skills that are transferable and highly valued in the workplace.

Programme structure

To be awarded a Single Honours Degree in Special Needs and Inclusive Education, you will have to complete 360 credits over three levels. This will comprise 120 credits at Level 1 or higher, plus 120 at Level 2 or higher, plus 120 at Level 3 or higher. All modules in Level 1, 2 and 3 are compulsory.

It is also possible to study Special Needs and Inclusive Education in combination – joint, major or minor – with another programme.

Career opportunities

Successful completion of this degree will enable you to apply for the Primary PGCE programme. Teachers with this degree background may choose to teach in mainstream inclusive schools or in special schools. They may become special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs) or inclusion managers in their schools. Other career paths include working within local authority support services, early years settings, and non-governmental organisations such as charities. You may also continue your studies at master’s level.

Support

On enrolment, you will be provided with an induction pack containing all the information you need to prepare you for your studies. UEL has a team of dedicated Distance Learning Student Advisors who will be the first point of contact for all non-academic support matters. The Distance Learning Student Advisors will:

welcome you by email, and provide advice on how to log to UEL Plus (the virtual learning environment) and Connecting UEL (the Resource & Community site)
work with you in conjunction with your academic tutor to agree a study programme, discuss your progress and remind you about deadlines
explain university procedures and policies
help you plan for assessments and exams and provide advice on time management
help you determine which university Award suits your career or personal needs
refer you to the best learning and support resources including dyslexia and disability support and career advice.

In addition all distance learning students receive academic support from course tutors. Tutors will communicate with you via UEL Plus (the virtual learning environment). Support is also available via the Learning Resource Centre where there are dedicated librarians and the ‘ask a librarian’ feature. Peer support is very important and you will find a broad range of opportunities to build networks and exchange ideas with other students via our online communities.

Admission

240 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

If you are entering from school or college the basic entry requirement is usually a minimum of two A2 subjects, (or equivalent e.g. Baccalaureate, Irish Highers, GNVQ or BTEC awards) and five GCSEs at Grade C. You must have at least grade C in GCSE English, or equivalent.

For all programmes we welcome mature students who may not have formal qualifications. Their prior learning and experience will be taken into account as will their attendance at a recognised Access to Higher Education or Access to a Teaching programme.

The University of East London actively promotes and celebrates equality and diversity and positively welcomes applicants regardless of race, gender, disability, sexuality, age, religion or social class.