University of Bedfordshire United Kingdom

BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs and Disability (with Foundation Year)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree With Integrated Foundation Year
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs and Disability (with Foundation Year) at the University of Bedfordshire is your pathway to understanding and addressing the complex needs of children and young people. This undergraduate degree is ideal for those passionate about making a tangible difference in education, whether you're an aspiring practitioner or seeking to deepen your expertise. You will explore the historical development, legal frameworks, and current practices surrounding special educational needs and disability, engaging with critical concepts such as human learning, literacy acquisition, and assessment planning. This course provides a robust foundation for a career dedicated to inclusive education.

This full-time, on-campus programme is studied over four years, including a foundational year to prepare you for degree-level study. Throughout your degree, you will investigate the social world, explore approaches to communication and learning difficulties, and delve into understanding social, emotional, and mental health challenges. A key feature of the course includes a SEND placement, allowing you to connect theory with practice in a real-world educational setting. You will develop essential skills in differentiation and planning, culminating in a significant dissertation project, preparing you for diverse roles within the special educational needs and disability sector.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This foundation year program provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). You will explore the historical, legal, and social contexts of SEND, alongside understanding human learning and various developmental difficulties. The course examines approaches to communication, interaction, cognition, and learning, as well as specific challenges in literacy and numeracy acquisition. Practical elements include a SEND placement, assessment and planning strategies, and differentiation techniques for inclusive classrooms.

1 Term 1

Narratives of childhood
Understanding human learning
‘Need’ in special educational needs and disability
Historical development and current legal context for special educational needs and disability
Investigating the Social World
Approaches to understanding and addressing communication, interaction, cognition and learning difficulties and needs
Difficulties in literacy acquisition
SEND Placement
Understanding and meeting social, emotional and mental health difficulties and sensory and/or physical difficulties
Children’s literature
Dissertation
Assessment and planning
Differentiation in classrooms
Difficulties in numeracy acquisition

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,843.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,843.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,843.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,843.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 91,374.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 543.00 - USD 1,934.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Bedford campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesEdTech & E-LearningEducation Policy & AdministrationEvent & Experiential MarketingHealth Technology & Digital HealthHealthcare Administration & ManagementHigher Education & UniversitiesProduct Management & UXQuality Assurance & TestingSecondary & High School Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

AQA

Barts Health NHS Trust

IFS

Lahore College for Women University

Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

NHS

NIHR Policy Research Unit Behavioural and Social Sciences

The Bedford College Group

Why Study BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs and Disability (with Foundation Year) at University of Bedfordshire

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Bedfordshire in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs and Disability (with Foundation Year) at University of Bedfordshire

Can I work while studying?

International students in this degree course can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English tests, TOEFL requires a minimum overall score of 72, IELTS requires a 6.0, and PTE requires a score of 59 across all sections. Meeting these requirements is essential for admission.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Special Education Teachers, Learning Support Assistants, Educational Psychologists, and Disability Support Coordinators.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course focuses on understanding the policies impacting special educational needs and disabilities, along with the effectiveness of various interventions. Students will relate theory to practice through placements and research within educational settings.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course has an intake in September. Make sure to apply ahead of the deadline to secure your place.
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