PGCert Understanding and Supporting Behaviour
Course overview
Start date
September 2021
Subject area
Teaching and Education
Attendance
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
The 2015 Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (DfE/DoH) outlines the need for schools and teachers to understand the social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) that can lead to behavioural difficulties.
This course helps teachers to develop their knowledge and understanding of current research and best practice in this area.
This is a new and innovative postgraduate course that will enable you to study and research current and relevant issues concerning SEMH and its relationship to challenging behaviour.
It is suitable for teachers and allied professionals working within educational settings who wish to deepen and extend their knowledge of behaviour, SEMH and inclusion.
The course will allow you to develop skills to reflect critically on your own practice and current research. It will enable you to contribute to school development and strategic vision concerning behaviour and SEMH.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out moreCombine theory and practice
This course aligns theory and practice, allowing you to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of behaviour and the social, emotional and mental health issues underlying behavioural difficulties.
Collaborative learning
The course focuses upon collaborative learning, which will support you to address current issues and problems through the strength of collective knowledge, experience and expertise. A real strength of the course is the diverse student body. People come with a range of expertise and experience, enriching the learning for all participants.
Learn from practitioners
Our staff are practitioners in the field of SEN, with expertise including supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health issues, inclusion and leadership. They bring a wealth of practical experience and knowledge of the most current research to the course.
What we're researching
Dr Wayne Tennent, who teaches on the MA Education course, is an expert in reading comprehension, having written two books on the subject and led numerous projects in schools which have demonstrated impact on pupil achievement in this area. He works extensively with the United Kingdom Literacy Association.
The research of Nicole Whitelaw and Julie Gariazzo, is in the area of autism.
John Macklin, leader of the MA Leadership in Education, carries out research into leadership in schools in relation to complexity theory. Warren Kidd, PGCert Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Course Leader, researches in the area of teacher identity and has published extensively in the area of sociology and teaching and learning.
Our Professional Doctorate (EdD) course draws on the input of researchers from across the School of Education and Communities. It is led by Professor Gerry Czerniawski, who has published extensively in the areas of teaching and learning, teacher and teacher educator identity, continuing professional development (CPD) and pupil voice.
A founder member of the International Forum for Teacher Educator Development (InFoTED), he serves on the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Council and is chair of BERA's British Curriculum Forum. Gerry is a National Teaching Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Making a difference
UEL is one of the UK’s leading modern research universities. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 17 per cent of our overall research submission was classified as ‘world-leading’ for its quality and impact – almost double our previous REF score. A further 45 per cent of our work was considered ‘internationally excellent’.
How you'll learn
You will learn through lectures, face-to-face tutorials and by working in small discussion groups and pairs.
There is a focus on collaborative learning, building on the strength of shared experience, knowledge and expertise. During taught sessions, you will be encouraged to interact with your fellow professionals, allowing you to explore theory and practice.
Group activities also help you to develop your ideas through discussion with others before your approach the assessment tasks.
Each module is supported by a Virtual Learning Environment, where you can access key learning materials and use the discussion board.
In addition to weekly lectures, you also have access to the module tutor via email or in face-to-face tutorials. Our tutors have all worked professionally to a high level in the field, and have experience in supporting participants from a wide range of professional contexts and backgrounds.
Each module encourages your to link your developing knowledge and understanding to your own professional context.
You will explore inclusive practice for pupils with behavioural difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs within lectures, and have the chance to consider how this applies to your own setting through discussion with other students and the assessment portfolios.
Who will teach on this course
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Nicole Whitelaw
PGCert Understanding and Supporting Behaviour, Course Leader
An important feature of this course is the support we give to students. Students are able to access support via email, as well as through one-to-one tutorials and within lectures. It is also exciting to see the support networks that students create themselves. The sharing of ideas and ongoing discussion about theory and practice allow students to explore and develop their own thoughts in a very supportive environment.
Fees and funding
- September 2021
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2021-22UK: Part-time
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2021-22International: Part-time
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount – up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see Alumni Discount page for information.
- Early Payment Discount – 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship – 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement – £1,000
- Hardship Bursary – up to £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Per 60 Credit Module
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA page for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Per 60 Credit Module
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
Entry requirements
We will also consider a certificate of education; higher level professional training in SEN with demonstrable parity in experience.
Overall IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening (or recognised equivalent).
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course.
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll learn
The two modules you will study cover theories of inclusion: how to make inclusion work for pupils with SEMH, behaviour theories and associated strategies to support pupils and a link to wider national policy.
Throughout the course, you will be helped to develop a critical understanding of theory alongside practical knowledge.
We will encourage you to make links between theory and your own practice and become a reflective practitioner who is able to think proactively and strategically about provision for pupils with behaviour, social, emotional and mental health needs.
What you'll study
We consistently review and develop our courses and modules to ensure they are up-to-date with sector and industry graduate skills demands. Course structure, modules and options are subject to change.
- Critical Approaches to Inclusive Education (Mental Wealth) (core)
- Exploring Behaviour: Theories and Perspectives for Practice (core)
How you'll be assessed
Due to the practical nature of the programme there are no examinations. The Postgraduate Certificate in Understanding and Supporting Behaviour is assessed by coursework.
Each module assessment will typically be a single submission portfolio of 5,000 words or equivalent.
Assessment tasks will involve critical reflection, professional work-based tasks and critical engagement with research and current thinking in SEMH.
Course specificationYour future career
These skills include knowledge of theories, legislation, policy and practice, computer literacy, planning and time management and written communication. It will also demonstrate your ability to engage in critical thinking.
The skills and knowledge developed on this course will allow those working in teaching to gain expertise in the increasingly sought after area of special needs.
However, this course could also support your career in areas such as therapy, support work, social work, educational psychology and work with adults with additional needs.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
