BA (Hons) Special Education
Course overview
Start date
September 2020
Subject area
Teaching and Education
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
This intellectually challenging and thought-provoking course offers you a hugely rewarding undergraduate experience here at the University of East London.
It opens up the world of Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and offers you the chance to enter the world of work with confidence. We’ll equip you for a range of careers helping to bring about a more inclusive society.
Our course takes you on a fascinating journey through this complex area. You’ll learn about every aspect of the subject in line with government policy, including autism, speech, language and communication, challenging behaviour, disabilities, dyslexia, therapeutic teaching and learning, as well as alternative educational provisions.
You’ll develop a reflective approach to special education and critical thinking skills that are transferable to the workplace.
Students on this course come from all over the country because its content is so comprehensive. Many already work with children with SEND.
We’ll give you the opportunity to bring your own passion and experience to the course. We put an emphasis on sharing and discussing personal experiences to enrich our teaching.
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 morePlacement
Optional placement year available
95%
Our overall student satisfaction score (NSS, 2019)
75%
Percentage of our graduates who work in Special Educational Needs. Of which, 61% work in care and personal services while 18% progress to professional or managerial positions (Unistats, 2017).
Teaching and Learning
You will develop a reflective approach to special education and critical thinking skills which are transferable to the workplace.
James Bennett
Special Education, BA (Hons) undergraduate,
Without doubt, the best thing about my course at UEL is the dedicated and knowledgeable lecturers that I’ve been taught by. I’m well supported in my learning. I feel valued in the classroom and inspired to learn and progress further in my field.”
Fees and funding
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Maintenance Loan
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation. How much you can borrow depends on where you live and study, and whether you are currently on welfare benefits. The maximum loan you can apply for is £12,729.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Supplementary Grants
The government also offer the following additional support:
- Parents' Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants' Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- All nursing and many allied health students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year from the government.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance or contact Student Finance England.
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are 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
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will automatically be cancelled.
For information visit gov.uk/student-finance
Please note EU students can only apply for their funding using a paper application form.
To download a form visit www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are 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
At UEL, we understand that studying in another country is a big financial commitment. If you apply early for an undergraduate, you may be entitled to a scholarship of up to £3,000.You can find out more about the international scholarships here.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) also run an Emergency International Fund to assist international students in hardship.
You can contact our SMART team on 02082233333 or study@uel.ac.uk
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 make sure you also factor in the fees for the visa application and immigration health surcharge when budgeting.
* 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 pages for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.
Deposits and paying by instalments
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
Entry requirements
- September 2020
-
Degree
112
New UCAS Points
Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at Level 3
We will also consider the UEL New Beginnings pre-entry course
Level 2 equivalences such as Level 2 Functional Skills in English / Maths, Level 2 Key Skills in Communication / Application of Number and Level 2 Adult Literacy / Adult Numeracy
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.
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. Find out more.
What you'll learn
This course will give you a broad and in-depth understanding of current practice, policy and theoretical concepts in the field of Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
It covers the concepts of equal opportunity, inclusion, children’s rights and working in partnership and it will also give you a good understanding of teaching and learning.
You’ll learn about the historical development of special education and about specific areas such as communication and interaction, challenging behaviour, specific learning difficulties and management.
You’ll also explore theoretical perspectives on inclusion and look at actual models of inclusive practice such as the modern-day policy of teaching children with special needs in mainstream schools.
In addition, you’ll learn about educational organisations, the social context of learning and the development of children as learners. We’ll show you how to evaluate the language of special needs in relation to the concepts of equal opportunity, rights and disability.
You’ll also have the chance to look at SEND from an international perspective through modules such as Critical Global Perspective in Special and Inclusive Education, which outlines international agreement, partnerships and thinking.
What you'll study and when
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
Mental Wealth: Academic and Professional Skills for Life 1.
Exploring Social Worlds
Key Principles for Inclusion
Emerging Research Communities
Practice module Part 1 Technical and procedural knowledge for SEN practice
Practice module Part 2 Technical and procedural knowledge for SEN practice
Identity and Social Justice
Building Research Communities
Contemporary issues in Education
Specific Learning Difficulties
SEND Careers
This course offers the opportunity of year-long placement between years two and three. If you choose to take this option, you’ll spend your third year on a placement with a relevant company or organisation, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three.
Critical and global perspectives on education
Volunteering
Communication and Interaction
Active Research Communities
How you'll be assessed
We assess modules individually using the most appropriate method to look for evidence of learning on a particular module.
Assessment can take such forms as essays, reports, presentations, learning journals, portfolios, exams and book reviews.
How you'll learn
The University of East London is in the perfect location for learning about Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Situated in the London Borough of Newham, one of the most inclusive boroughs in the country, UEL‘s students have a rich and diverse local environment for their research or volunteering roles.
That’s great news when it comes to studying special education needs. You’ll benefit from the knowledge and experience of lecturers who teach according to the latest guidelines.
Your research choices in your third year can be made locally or, if you wish, further afield. And you’ll be ideally placed to find voluntary positions while you are an undergraduate followed by paid employment in a wide range of sectors after you graduate.
We have extensive online learning resources, and our lecturers use a wide range of teaching methods. Many lectures include video clips, web links and interactive sessions.
Education research is thriving at UEL, with 57 per cent of our research work being rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally outstanding’ in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. We bring this specialist knowledge into our teaching to ensure your learning is fresh and up to date.
Course Leader Graham Robertson says: “We have a great team of lecturers. They have a wealth of practitioner experience and research which they bring to seminars and lectures. We continue to learn with and from our students who come from many different backgrounds and experiences.”
Your future career
There’s an increasing demand for skills in Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and 75 per cent of our Special Education graduates go on to work or study in this field.
Of these, 61 per cent go into caring and personal service occupations, while 18 per cent move into professional or managerial positions.
Our teaching team’s strong relationship with local schools, SEND organisations and loyal alumni means you’ll have plenty of contact on the course with potential employers through work placements, mentoring, careers fairs and guest lecturers.
As a graduate of this course you could apply to train as a teacher, for example via a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) course. The University of East London offers PGCEs specialising in SEND in primary education and a number of secondary subjects. Our staff are readily available to support you and give you advice.
Alternatively, you might consider working within the public and private sectors as a teaching assistant in a school, or train as a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, social worker or in the wider caring industry.
Other postgraduate avenues open to you at UEL include Postgraduate Certificates in Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning, Understanding and Supporting Behaviour and Special Educational Needs Co-ordination.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
