Masters Degrees (Special Educational Needs)

The National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination (NASENCO) is a legally required qualification for all new Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs).

This course will support you to improve your knowledge of current legislation, theory and practice in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision in schools/colleges and your skills in meeting those needs.

This course will assist you to fulfil your leadership role as outlined in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice for 0 to 25 years (DfE, 2014):

• Overseeing the operation of the institution’s SEN policy
• Coordinating provision for SEND
• Liaising with the relevant designated teacher where a looked after pupil has SEN
• Advising on a graduated approach to providing SEN Support and effective deployment of the institution’s delegated budget and other resources
• Liaising with families of children with SEN, other schools and relevant external professionals/ agencies
• Liaising with potential next providers of education and consulting young people and families to ensure a smooth transition is planned
• Working with the head teacher and school governors to ensure that the school conforms to the Equality Act (2010)
• Ensuring that the institution keeps records of young people with SEN up to date.

You will be able to tailor the three assignments to fit your, and your institution’s, needs.

Visit the website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/education-national-award-for-special-educational-needs-co-ordinators

Course detail

• Study on a course designed for to develop SENCOs’ professional attributes and knowledge, understanding and skills, to enable you to fulfil the leadership role set out in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice for 0 to 25 years (DfE, 2014).
• Explore course content highly relevant to mainstream and special school practitioners alike, focusing on issues related to literacy difficulties and dyslexia in schools, and how potential barriers to learning can be removed
• Develop your understanding of concepts, theories and approaches to literacy difficulties, including dyslexia, and inclusion in schools, and on your potential for influencing change
• Gain insight into the learning of dyslexic and other pupils/students who experience difficulties in literacy development/specific learning difficulties, and ways in which learning might be more effectively supported
• Benefit from a qualification that could be used as the basis for a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) claim into an MA Education course (Level 7).

Modules

• Introduction to special educational needs co-ordination in schools
• Further development of special educational needs co-ordination in schools

Assessment

Your individual development is assessed via six diagnostic, formative and summative assessments.

The first assessment in Unit 1 requires application of personal understanding of current legislation to individual contexts and critical reflection on the extent to which current school/institutional practice is inclusive and compliant with the law.

Assessments then focus on critical application of assessment theory to individual learning and behaviour needs, the design, development, and implementation of an individual plan linked to needs, and critical analysis of the effectiveness of this, with implications for future plans.

Assessments in Unit 2 relate to institutional level: analysis and reflection on current school/college policy in SEND and inclusive practices; analysis of areas for improvement in institutional SEND provision; the design, development, implementation, critical evaluation, and reporting on a small-scale practitioner research project focused on achieving the desired improvement.

Careers

The course is specifically designed to enable you to meet the learning outcomes for the qualification (NASENCO) that is legally required for all new SENCOs in schools. It enables you to fulfil the leadership role of SENCO in a school with greater confidence, competence and from a much better-informed position.

After graduating you will be in a good position to apply for positions of greater responsibility in schools/colleges.

The units on this course can be used as a short route to an MA Education (Special Educational Needs), providing 60 credits of recognised prior learning.

Funding

For information on available funding, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/scholarships/pg

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/course/applicationform

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This qualification is a requirement for recently appointed special educational needs coordinators (SENCO) working in the UK. The course is also highly relevant to inclusion and special educational needs leaders and managers who wish to improve the quality of inclusion and SEND provision in their setting, whether they are working in the UK or abroad.

Developed in collaboration with academic staff and expert practitioners, the course provides an exceptional distance learning programme supported by high-quality personal tutoring. Working closely with your tutor, you will undertake a thorough self-evaluation to identify gaps in your knowledge and understanding. This will help you link your learning to your professional practice and allow you to steer the direction of your development.

A virtual learning environment will enable you to connect with your personal tutor and share your experiences with your peers. You will be encouraged to collaborate with fellow students on the course and colleagues in your school in order to refine your knowledge and get the most from the programme. You will be provided with online resources, including recorded expert presentations, and key information throughout the year to help you meet the learning outcomes for your course.

Your tutor will support you in managing your programme of study. Your portfolio of evidence will include four assignments, set at regular intervals throughout the year, and will show how you have successfully met the course requirements.

Our vision for children with special educational needs and disabilities is the same as for all children and young people - that they achieve well in their early years, at school and in college, and lead happy and fulfilled lives.

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: twice as many of our staff - 220 - were entered into the research assessment for 2014 compared to the number entered in 2008.

Visit the website http://courses.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/specialeducationneeds_pgcert

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

You will be able to practise as a SENCO in any maintained school and develop the essential skills in SEN diagnosis and intervention, provision management, coaching and mentoring and working with outside agencies and stakeholders. You will also have the confidence to take on a high profile, leadership role in your school and successfully motivate other teachers to promote inclusion in their classrooms.

- SEN Co-ordinator
- SEN Teacher
- SEN Teaching Assistant
- SEN Support Worker

Careers advice: The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit the careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

You will have access to our Library's extensive range of electronic resources, and support from your personal tutor will provide you with formative feedback to improve your learning experience.

Your course will enhance your knowledge and understanding of inclusion and special educational needs theory and practice. One of the most important goals of the course will be to grow your confidence so you can coordinate SEND provision effectively.

At the end of this course you will have completed the first 60 credits towards our MA Education qualification (Pathway: Special Educational Needs). For more information on this course, visit http://courses.leedsbeckett/education_ma.The learning outcomes will support you to develop a greater understanding of:

- Leadership and management.

- Pupil progress.

- Different types of special educational needs and their impact on learning.

- Intervention and provision management.

- The role of teaching assistants.

- Coaching and mentoring.

- Working with outside agencies and stakeholders.

Dr Michalis Kakos

Senior Lecturer

"I have taught in primary schools, pupil referral units, special, grammar, comprehensive and preparatory schools around the world. This diversity of experience enables me to question the effects of formal education on students' socialisation. I am currently studying students' political socialisation in the current economic and political turmoil in Greece."

Exploring citizenship and intercultural education as well as special educational needs, Michalis is well-versed in the issues concerning a wide spectrum of pupils and teachers.

Facilities

- Library
Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- Headingley Campus
Our historic Headingley Campus is set in 100 acres of parkland with easy access to Leeds city centre.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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This course has been developed for those who are currently working as special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs).
You learn to lead, develop and evaluate inclusive cultures, systems and approaches to education. These new skills help you to make a difference in your school and to the wellbeing, participation and achievement of children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities.

You reflect on, analyse and respond to current issues of practice through professional learning in the workplace and you are supported by experienced local special educational needs and disability (SEND) professionals. You develop:
-A critical understanding of the values, principles and dilemmas of inclusive practices and policies.
-A specialist knowledge base enabling you to obtain, evaluate and communicate current information regarding special educational needs and disabilities.
-An active community of practice with SENCOs and experienced SEN professionals supporting your leadership of change.
-The skills and practices of reflective practice to develop effective partnership working with pupils, families and colleagues.
-The skills and practices of professional enquiry to enable you to evaluate the impact of practice.

For more information, see the website: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/find-a-course/pgcert-special-educational-needs-coordination

You have access to current SEND practitioners who share up-to-date practice. Your university tutors specialise in SEND and have complementary experience across age phases and special and mainstream schools. Their expertise supports your understanding of inclusive principles and practice, using research and theory to support your reflections, enquiries and study skills.

You complete a number of assessments that are focused on the development of effective practice in your school. Assessments consist of two practice-based portfolios:

Portfolio 1 – SENCO as manager
This consists of:
-An evaluation of school policy relating to special educational needs and disability in relation to current national policy and guidance. This involves engaging with parent voice.
-An evaluation of the school’s additional provision for children and young people with special educational needs. This includes an analysis of school data and lesson study to inform effective provision mapping.

Portfolio 2 – SENCO as leader
This consists of:
-Developing the role of SENCO as leader through evaluating and developing effective partnerships with other stakeholders.
-Designing professional guidance materials to support colleagues in making effective provision for children with particular SEN or disability.

Course structure

12 months part time. You attend up to ten teaching/tutorial/study days which are spread over the course duration. Starts September

Core modules
-SENCO as manager: evaluation and developing policy and provision
-SENCO as leader: people, principles and partnerships

Modules
Modules cover:
-Inclusive principles and values
-Social and medical modules of disability
-The role of the SENCO in analysing organisational needs and managing change
-The national policy context for SEN and disability including the SEN Code of Practice
-Equality and data protection requirements
-Formulating and reviewing policy
-Accessing and interpreting school data - tracking progression and participation
-Provision mapping
-Designing, evaluating and reporting on systems and provision
-Lesson study and action research methods
-Rights and duties under equality legislation
-Person centred planning and partnership working
-The local context for the implementation of Child Assessment Framework (CAF), school support and Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs)
-Leadership
-Role of the SENCO in leading professional learning
-Holistic assessment
-Researching and evaluatiing current knowledge and debates regarding high incidence special educational needs and disabilities
-Theories of learning and development
-Identifying needs and barriers to learning and participation
-Systematic evaluation in professional contexts

Assessment:
-Portfolio 1: evaluation and review of policy, and analysis of additional provision for children and young people with SEN.
-Portfolio 2: evaluation of partnership with stakeholders, and design of professional guidance materials.

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This Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) fulltime, campus- based programme is designed for educational and health practitioners that work with, or have an interest in working with, children identified as having special educational needs and disabilities. It provides opportunities for participants to reflect on their practice, to critique the conceptualisation of disability within culture and society, and to be analytical as to SEND practices and policies.

This course is internationally focused, and examines SEND practices around the world. Students will, however, be given opportunities to experience UK schools and to engage in research at both the UK and international level.

Awards available on the SEND programme
PG Cert – 3 modules (60 credits at M Level)
PGDip – 6 modules (120 credits at M Level)
MA – 6 modules plus a 15,000 word dissertation (180 credits at M Level)

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) programme will enable you to deepen and extend your knowledge and understanding of educational and social theories which are related to working with children and young people with a range of special educational and individual learning needs.

The programme utilises lectures, seminars, tutorials, school visits, practical tasks, and discussions. Lectures and seminars are facilitatedby academics who are leaders in research in the field of SEND.

The programme has been designed to allow opportunities for individualisation of content to ensure that it is relevant to your professional and personal needs. As a student on the programme, you will be expected to be self-directed in your learning, and propose projects that can be practical, theoretical, or both. If you choose to pursue the MA award, you will have the opportunity to design and implement research that will allow you to gain skills in research design and methodology.

This programme is designed to supplement professionals already working in the field, or those seeking a general introduction to topics within special educational needs and disabilities. In general, this includes educators already working with students with special educational needs and disabilities, support workers in places such as a university or workplace disability service unit, a social worker or nurse providing care for persons with disabilities, someone working for a non-governmental organization dealing with disabilities issues, or a staff member of a Ministry of Education or Ministry of Health, amongst other things. This programme is not intended to be a training programme for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs), nor will it provide specific teacher training to directly work with students with disabilities in education or health settings.

About the School of Education

The School of Education has a long-standing reputation as a centre of excellence for teaching and research in a wide range of areas of educational practice and policy. It is an international leader in education with a history of top rated research. In the 2016 QS World Rankings, it was ranked 28th in the World and joint 7th in Europe/UK.
The School employs over 100 academic staff who teach more than 2,500 students. It is home to a number of departments and research centres with a history of top rated research and is an international leader in education.
School of Education ranking:
- Ranked 6th in the Guardian University League Tables 2017
- Ranked 10th in the 2017 Complete University Guide
- In Top 3 for HEI provision in the Good Teacher Training Guide
- Ranked 28th in the World in the 2016 QS World Rankings
- Ranked 9th overall for Research in the 2014 REF (with more than 82% of research rated as ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) or ‘world leading’ (4*).
- Rated 'outstanding' in latest Ofsted inspection (2013) for its Teacher Training programmes
- Ranked third for Education in The Times Good University Guide 2017

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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Primary: Have satisfactorily completed their probationary period. Be qualified teachers who hold
A) position in a sanctioned post in an area of special education or learning support, or taking up such posts in September.
B) position as mainstream class teacher and has contact with children with special educational needs

Post Primary: Must be qualified teachers who hold
A) position in a sanctioned post in an area of special education or learning support, or taking up such posts in September
B) position as mainstream class teacher and has at least 10 hours of contact time with children with special educational needs

Special Schools: Special School teachers. Qualified teachers who hold a position in a sanctioned post in a Special School or are taking up such posts in September.

Other Educational Services: Qualified teachers employed by VECs as literacy and/or numeracy tutors in Youthreach and who are assigned to Learning Support work (with individuals, groups or classes of not more than 15 pupils) for a minimum of 10 hours per week. At least four class periods should be allocated to teaching individuals or groups of not more than six students.

It is particularly important that, in their schools, teachers participating in the programme are given the type/level of duties and teaching responsibilities (as required by the programme providers) which will permit them to benefit fully from the training being offered.

Overview

This Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs is a recognised postgraduate qualification for teachers working in the area of special educational needs and learning support in mainstream primary and post primary schools and for teachers in special classes/units, special schools and other relevant educational settings. The aim of the programme is to provide substantial theoretical and practical training for teachers working with pupils with special educational needs and pupils who require learning support.

See the website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/froebel-department-primary-and-early-childhood-education/our-courses/postgraduate-diploma-special-educational-needs

Course Structure

The programme runs from September until May and is delivered by a core team supported by a cohort of associate lecturers with a wide range of expertise. Issues pertaining to inclusive education and special needs will be explored and teachers are supported in implementing skills to support the learning and teaching of students with special educational needs. The programme also includes supervised work in the teachers’ own school and supported ongoing study throughout the year using a variety of modes of content delivery. In addition, it also involves online and distance learning and teachers will be required to attend lectures and workshops at Froebel Dept in Maynooth over the course of approximately 15 weekends (Friday 4pm-8pm and Saturday 9-4pm).

Career Options

Graduates of the course will be better equipped to address the ever changing challenges of the modern educational environment in mainstream or special schools. Graduates will be qualified to work as educators in the area of special education i.e. as special class teachers, learning support teachers or resource teachers.

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity



As part of the application process you will be required to upload the following:

Transcripts

Evidence of Garda Clearance

Evidence of Teaching Council registration

Two references

Letter from your Principal confirming that you meet the minimum required contact hours with students with SEN (10 hours) and that you are on a fixed contract or in a permanent position.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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The programme aims to develop participants’ professional knowledge and critical understanding of key concepts and debates addressed in the academic and professional literature in order to lead and co-ordinate special educational needs and disability (SEN and D) provision across an educational setting.

Degree information

By the end of the programme students should be able to:
-Contribute to contemporary debate in the fields of both special education as well as inclusion and disability studies.
-Produce and communicate reasoned and informed reflective argument, both in writing and orally.
-Carry out a focused practitioner inquiry relating to the role of the SENCO, supported by relevant literature sources.
-Improve professional practice through greater knowledge, skills, understanding and awareness.

Students undertake modules to the value of 60 credits. The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits each). There are no optional modules on this programme.

National Award for SEN Co-ordination Postgraduate Certificate

Core modules
-Special Educational Needs Coordination: Improving Teaching and Learning
-Special Educational Needs Coordination: Leading and Managing Change

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Each module is delivered over six days. A Learning Log needs to be completed as the practical component. Assessment is through a practitioner enquiry assignment for both modules consisting of 4,500-5000 words each. The focus is on the practitioner as researcher within the participants’ own education institution.

Careers

Upon successful completion of this programme, students are able to transfer the 60 credits into UCL's MA in Special and Inclusive Education or MTeach in Special Educational Needs.

Employability
This programme will prepare participants for progression to employment as SEN co-ordinators or for senior leadership roles within schools in a variety of settings.

Why study this degree at UCL?

This programme is run by the SENJIT (Special Educational Needs Joint Initiative for Training) centre at UCL, which has a national and international profile in delivering Master's programmes in special educational needs (SEN). It is delivered by specialists who currently practise in the field along with researchers with international profiles in SEN, disabilities and inclusion.

Students will get the opportunity to meet regularly with colleagues working in different local authorities in London and further afield.

SENJIT offers research-informed and practice-orientated courses and knowledge exchange activities and fosters strong links with local authorities, academy federation trusts and teaching school alliances.

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Taught at our Riverside Campus in Chester, our MA in Special Educational Needs and Disability will provide you with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to become an advanced practitioner and leader in your setting.

The MA in Special Educational Needs and Disability is a postgraduate course designed in response to a changing agenda for special education. It aims to provide you with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to become an advanced practitioner and leader in your setting.

You can receive credit on the Special Educational Needs and Disability course at three different levels.

You may wish to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disability. The Postgraduate Certificate comprises three specialist special educational needs (SEN) modules from the course (60 credits). If you wish to undertake a Postgraduate Diploma, you can then add three more specialist modules from the SEN options, including Autism, Dyslexia or Dyscalculia (another 60 credits). Your final 60 credits would then be your Dissertation based around a topic within SEN. Successful completion of all of these would then give you a full MA in SEN.

The MA takes as its ideology the notion that person-centred, inclusive thinking that foregrounds individual interests and needs of children, young people and adults with SEN and/or disabilities is at the heart of all practice. It is based on the premise that parents and carers are equal partners in securing achievement, progress and well-being, and that value-free understanding of social and familial contexts is crucial in responding to a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

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The MA in Education - SEND is relevant to a wide variety of settings and across the age range from early years through to post compulsory education in college, university and other contexts. There is a strong focus on social justice and inclusion and the opportunity to reflect on your own professional practice throughout the courses.

MA in Education SEND is designed for people with an interest in autism and critical disability studies and for practitioners across the age range into post compulsory education. Based on the principles on 'nothing about us without us' content is informed by the experiences of people who identify personally with autism and /or SEND.

You'll develop a particular strand of interest into the dissertation and have opportunities to disseminate your findings to the work place and throughout the course. The Centre for Educational Research has a number of ongoing disability focused research projects and hosts the Disability Equality Research Network (DERN). This provides a vibrant supportive environment for your research and ensures that course content is always research-informed.

The programme will take place at LSBU (K2 Building) or in Special Educational Needs partners' schools and be delivered by academics and experts from the Special Educational Needs sector. Evening and weekend taught sessions are complemented by an extensive virtual learning environment and delivered on campus or elsewhere by arrangement. Students, wherever located, become part of diverse and stimulating LSBU community and the vibrant Centre for Education Research.

National Award for SEN Co-ordinator

You can also choose to take the recognised award of 'National Award for SEN Co-ordination' or options that will further deepen your understanding of SEND.

Modules

All modules are assessed by a mix of assignments, presentations, research projects and portfolio development.

Year 1

Students take two of the optional modules list below in year 1:

Special educational needs and disability
Part 2 SENCO National Award
Teaching and learning:
Understanding autism and learning
Autism individuality and identity
Part 1 SENCO National Award

Year 2

In addition to one of the modules listed above

Research Methods (compulsory)

Year 3

Dissertation (compulsory)

Timetable

Weekly evening seminars during term time.

Bespoke CPD sessions can be delivered on request.

Teaching and learning

You'll be taught by Dr Nicola Martin who has substantial experience in the field of autism including working with Professor Baron-Cohen on the Cambridge University Autism Project. She was also formerly director of the Autism Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. Dr Martin is currently a lecturer at LSBU and is a Principal Investigator for Research Autism.

You'll also be taught by Gianna Knowles who has considerable experience of working with school staff to develop their Special Educational Needs Departments. Gianna has published a range of academic textbooks that support staff development in this area.

You'll benefit from an up to date Virtual Learning Environment via Moodle and be actively encouraged to make use of the extensive range of support services across the university. You'll have access to a supervisor during the dissertation phase.

Placements

Access to the workplace (including voluntary work) is essential for most of the modules within the MA.

Professional links

The department has wide professional links within and beyond the university and the UK. Examples include:

• The Equality Challenge Unit
• The Alliance for Inclusive Education
• Equality and Diversity Forum Research Network
• The Leadership Foundation
• Research Autism
• Theorising Autism Project
• Teacher Education for Equality and Sustainability Network (TEESNet)
• National Association of Disability Practitioners
• Commonworks (for a just and sustainable world)

Recent guest lectures have been given by disabled academics and parents of pupils who have experienced special education.

Employability

MA Education Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) is designed to deepen your understanding of working with pupils /students in any educational setting, across the age range into adult education. It is therefore relevant to employment in school, college, alternative education settings and to work with disabled students at university. Content is applicable to teachers and staff in non- teaching roles, such as mentor, disability officer or learning support assistant. The content is also relevant to staff in strategic and operational leadership roles.

It is a professional and academic degree that provides an in-depth understanding of inclusive practice in education across the age range (in keeping with the 0-25 framework in the Children and Families Act 2014). The degree is relevant from early years to post-compulsory education in a wide variety of settings. The diverse requirements of learners identified with SEND and best practice to support inclusive learning and achievement will be explored. You'll be encouraged to critically engage with relevant theory and legislation contextualised and applied in practice.

This programme will contribute to your employability and the National SENco award may be a requirement of your workplace.

Students wishing to achieve promotion or develop a career in education benefit from having a higher degree. Progression from the MA to the EdD further enhances employability and promotion prospects, particularly in academia and research. CVs are improved by having publications in refereed journals and this is encouraged and supported on the MA as well as the Doctorate in Education.

LSBU Employability Services

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• Direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• Mentoring and work shadowing schemes.

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Gain the qualification you need to teach in the area of special educational needs in post-16 and further education, previously known as post-compulsory education and training (PCET), and including 14-19 provision.

It is suitable whether you are new to teaching and need us to find you a placement, or if you are already working as a teacher or trainer within the SEN context and want to become qualified.

The course maps to the national framework for teaching qualifications in post-16 and further education, the new Diploma in Education and Training for Disabled Learners (DET, previously DTLLS). The course is recognised by the professional body, currently the Institute for Learning (IfL) and sector body the Education and Training Foundation (EtF). It enables you to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status for post-16 and further education, which is equivalent to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in schools. QTLS is currently awarded by IfL who charge a fee for membership and QTLS registration. An employer may be willing to pay the fee for you.

On the course, you:
-Develop as a teacher in special educational needs.
-Develop your knowledge and understanding of educational ideas and theories.
-Engage with the latest developments for special educational needs in the post-16 and further education context.

You apply the course theory through your teaching practice. This consists of at least 120 hours teaching over either one year or two. During the course, University staff and your placement or workplace mentor assess your teaching practice eight times.

Key areas covered include:
-Planning and preparing to teach.
-Assessment for learning.
-Teaching methods.
-Behaviour for learning.
-Using technology in teaching and learning.
-Progression against the professional standards.
-Understanding your wider professional context.

Areas of post-16 and further education and training include:
-Further education colleges.
-School sixth forms.
-Higher education institutions.
-Adult and community learning providers.
-Private training companies.
-Public services.
-14-19 educational providers.

After successfully completing the course, you gain a level 7 qualification equivalent to DTLLS or the new Diploma in Education and Training, but at masters level, and you can use these 60 credits towards a masters course.

We have partnerships with a range of settings across the post-16 and further education sector, who provide you with a wide range of placement opportunities.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree or equivalent and need an initial teaching qualification, you can study our CertEd Post-16 Education and Training. This route is not available with the special educational needs specialism.

For more information, see the website: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/find-a-course/pgce-pgce-post16-and-further-education-special-educational-needs

Further information

For more information regarding our routes into teaching, including funding, placements, QTS skills tests and career prospects visit our teach site: http://www.shu.ac.uk/teach/

Professional recognition

The course is recognised by the Education and Training Foundation (EtF).

Course structure

Full time – typically 1 year. Starts September.

Modules
-Introduction to learning, teaching and assessment
-The learner experience (SEN)
-Professional practice 1 and 2 (SEN)
-Exploring your specialist context (SEN)
-Extending teaching for learning

Assessment: assessment of practical teaching; presentations; planning and evaluation exercises; preparation of teaching materials; written assignments.

Other admission requirements

If you already have a relevant qualification such as PTLLS or CTLLS you may be able to enter with prior credit, although you will need to complete all the specialist modules. We actively support widening participation and normally interview all applicants who demonstrate on application that they meet our entry criteria.
*GCSE mathematics and English equivalents are:
-Equivalency test from http://www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
-Functional skills English and functional skills maths.

If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in all skills or equivalent. For equivalents see our English language entry requirements: http://www.shu.ac.uk/international/english-language-entry.html

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MA Special Educational Needs (SEN) is for people working with children or young people whose development is affected adversely by difficulties in learning or by behaviour.

The MA SEN course will be highly beneficial if you’re a teacher from a primary, secondary or special school, or a lecturer from a further education or higher education setting. Also if you are a social worker or police officer, or if you work with young offenders or other caring professions.

Studying the MA SEN, you will enhance your knowledge of the key issues related to special educational needs, and will develop your professional awareness of this area. You’ll experience a course that caters for both academic and practitioner driven interest in special educational needs.

There is a wide range of specialist modules to choose from, providing the opportunity to have a postgraduate course specifically tailored to meet your individual professional needs. MA SEN is also compatible with the TTA SENCo standards, and has been designed to provide continuous professional, academic and personal development.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1237-ma-special-educational-needs-sen

What you study

You will study the specialist core module, Understanding Learning Difficulties/Disabilities.
On completing this module, you will be expected to make a decision to specialise in a particular subject area. You will select two optional modules from the MA Special Educational Needs programme. Examples of modules include:

- Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties - This specialist module relates to the increasing numbers of children and adolescents with problems in understanding (because of poor receptive skills) and in being understood (because of poor expressive skills).

- Specific Learning Difficulties - Focuses not only upon specific difficulties in literacy and numeracy, but addresses the wider spectrum of potentially associated conditions eg Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome.

- Child and Adolescent Mental Health - This focuses on the causation, presentation and implications of mental health difficulties in children and young people.

- Supporting Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - This is an introduction to ASD module in which you will examine a wide range of strategies that can be used to support children with ASD.

Awards are available at Postgraduate Certificate level (after completion of two taught modules) and Postgraduate Diploma level (after completion of four taught modules).

- Dissertation
To complete the full MA SEN you go on to study a specific SEN topic that you are interested in and complete a 17,000 word dissertation.

An MA award demonstrates that you have developed advanced level skills in analysis, evaluation and research. If you are interested in the possibility of gaining a higher degree by research, your tutors will be pleased to discuss the opportunities at the University of South Wales.

Assessment methods

Modules are normally assessed by a written assignment of 5,000 words.

Work and Study Placements

Those who undertake the SpLD modules, with a view to gaining accreditation from the British Dyslexia Association, will undertake a specialist teaching practice. For other students, there may be opportunities to link with specialist settings on a voluntary basis.

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The Inclusion and Special Educational Needs programme is a distance learning programme designed for students who wish to study a range of modules relating to Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (ISEN).

This programme is designed for participants who wish to combine modules from two SEN related programmes.

The ISEN programme is suitable for:

UK, European and overseas students
professionals in schools, further education, social services or health related roles who are interested in the education and needs of children or students with a range of special educational needs (SEN)
people who have completed a first degree and are attracted to study and gain knowledge about children and students with special educational needs
The programme utilises material for home study, tutorial and seminar groups, together with a university-based residential weekend in Birmingham. Our distance learning programme has a reputation for excellence both nationally and internationally.

Levels of Award:

The level at which an individual is admitted to study on the programme will depend on their previous academic qualifications as well as their professional experience.

About the School of Education

The School of Education has a long-standing reputation as a centre of excellence for teaching and research in a wide range of areas of educational practice and policy. It is an international leader in education with a history of top rated research. In the 2016 QS World Rankings, it was ranked 28th in the World and joint 7th in Europe/UK.
The School employs over 100 academic staff who teach more than 2,500 students. It is home to a number of departments and research centres with a history of top rated research and is an international leader in education.
School of Education ranking:
- Ranked 6th in the Guardian University League Tables 2017
- Ranked 10th in the 2017 Complete University Guide
- In Top 3 for HEI provision in the Good Teacher Training Guide
- Ranked 28th in the World in the 2016 QS World Rankings
- Ranked 9th overall for Research in the 2014 REF (with more than 82% of research rated as ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) or ‘world leading’ (4*).
- Rated 'outstanding' in latest Ofsted inspection (2013) for its Teacher Training programmes
- Ranked third for Education in The Times Good University Guide 2017

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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The Post Graduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs Co-ordination is designed to critically engage with current thinking and ideas about inclusive and specialist education, with a focus on learning outcomes required for qualification as a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo). The programme covers inclusion and leadership within Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The programme draws upon current legislation and national/international research evidence to inform practice. The programme is relevant to both mainstream and specialist settings.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs Co-ordination will provide participants with the capacity to meet legislative requirements for pupils with SEND and to meet specific and general needs of learners. The programme supports the development of the SENCo. Students wishing to complete the National SENCo Award will also need to fulfil the learning outcomes covered by the Work-Based Practice Portfolio, which covers all learning outcomes required by the DfE for SENCo qualification (NCTL, 2014).

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This successful one year training programme is designed to support the professional development of special educational needs coordinators (SENCOS). Gain 60 credits at masters level and join the hundreds of SENCOs in the South West Consortium who have already gained the award. Discover how you can get involved and make a positive impact on practice, and the achievements of schools and their pupils.

Key features

-Take the opportunity to undertake this Department for Education (DfE) approved post-graduate qualification which must be achieved by teachers new to the role of SENCO. If you are an experienced SENCO or working in a related professional role you can also apply. To achieve the National Award you must have QTS/QTLS, and if not it may be possible for you to achieve the PgCert Inclusive Education (60 masters level credits).
-Benefit from an award offered through the South West Consortium consisting of Plymouth University and the University of Exeter, working in partnership with the local authorities of Bournemouth, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Plymouth, Poole and Somerset.
-Take part in a programme which runs in Bodmin, Plymouth, Exeter, Ilminster, and Dorchester. The local tutors are mainly Special Educational Needs (SEN) advisory teachers and experienced SENCOs, working in conjunction with university tutors.
-Gain experience working with a tutor allocated to you, offering extensive expertise, knowledge and experience and high quality local personal tuition.
-Draw on support from a professional learning community through face-to-face and virtual learning support and resources. Access valuable university facilities and online resources.
-Gain 60 masters level credits which can be used towards a masters degree (e.g. MA Education Special Educational Needs).

Course details

You'll complete two modules (each worth 30 masters level credits) which include a total of six days attendance at sessions in your local authority location. As well as four school focused/research days. Each module consists of three full days taught sessions and two recommended study days (four total) which you will individually agree with your own organisation. The modules are designed to explicitly relate to the DfE SENCO Learning Outcomes.

Optional modules
-PGSEN703CW National Award for SEN Coordination Learning Outcomes
-PGSEN703DV National Award for SEN Coordination Learning Outcomes
-PGSEN703PL National Award for SEN Coordination Learning Outcomes
-PGSEN703SS National Award for SEN Coordination Learning Outcomes
-PGSEN704CW SEN: Organisational Contexts
-PGSEN704DV SEN: Organisational Contexts
-PGSEN704PL SEN: Organisational Contexts
-PGSEN704SS SEN: Organisational Contexts
-PGSEN705CW SEN: Leading on Teaching and Learning
-PGSEN705DV SEN: Leading on Teaching and Learning
-PGSEN705PL SEN: Leading on Teaching and Learning
-PGSEN705SS SEN: Leading on Teaching and Learning

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This MA is designed for practising professionals, or those interested in research, in special educational needs and disability (SEND) – usually in schools, the lifelong learning sector and universities.

Its modular structure allows you to personalise your choice of units and progress at a pace that best suits you, with a final phase focused on educational research via a dissertation.

The MA Education engages you with key issues in education and aims to encourage your evidence-based practice, as you make direct and meaningful connections between the course and your own experiences and aspirations.

The course helps you to broaden your knowledge educational ideas and research findings, as you identify and justify recommendations for further action. This places you in a better position to develop your work as a classroom practitioner or school leader.

Intermediate qualifications available:

• Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Masters level
• Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Masters level

Visit the website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/education-special-educational-needs

Course detail

• Study on a modular course designed for professionals in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), that allows you to accumulate credit at a pace that suits you, with assessments based around needs specific to your role in your educational organisation
• Explore the process of teaching, learning support and/or educational leadership, focusing on personal, academic and vocational interests relevant to your educational context
• Develop your understanding of assessment formats with a negotiated focus in support of both individual and organisational needs
• Gain from undertaking primary research that informs your current practice, as well as acquiring the necessary research skills to engage in future research and progress to a PhD or EdD programme
• Benefit from a course that provides a clear progression route following completion of your Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course, develops both you and the organisation within which you work and could be used as the basis for further study at doctoral level (PhD and EdD).

Modules

Units on offer include:

• Meeting Diverse Needs
• Understanding Pupil Behaviour in Schools or Understanding difficulties in literacy development and dyslexia (these are distance learning units)
• Leading change in Education
• Enhancing Practice in Educational Contexts
• Research Methods in the Workplace
• Dissertation (Special Educational Needs)
• Educational Leadership in Context
• Analysing Policy: Children’s Voice
• Exploring Coaching and Mentoring
• Early Years Education and Care

You will receive guidance on the units that are most appropriate for your career aspirations and interests

Assessment

You will complete a range of assessments, many of which you can tailor to your existing or developing interests and experience.

You will do a number of oral presentations, which not only improve your ability to present information in a professional and coherent way but also enable the sharing of research and experience amongst the group.

Written assessments include portfolios, case studies, essays and literature reviews.

You will develop your research skills throughout the course and apply them to a final applied project or dissertation

Careers

This Master’s qualification will enhance your chances for promotion and for employment in other contexts. Master’s study supports promotion to senior positions in the field of education.

The course is designed to help you engage, study and critique key issues in education as well as to be able to identify and justify recommendations for further action.

As a Master’s graduate, therefore, you will have the confidence, knowledge and critical skills to prepare and present a strong application to senior posts in the field of education.

Previous graduates have gone on to take up enhanced roles within their organisation; some have undertaken PhD study.

Funding

For information on available funding, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/scholarships/pg

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/course/applicationform

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As a serving SENCo, this National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination has been developed to provide you with a rich, critical and broad-based understanding of the theories and concepts surrounding inter-professional working with children and young people experiencing barriers to learning. It will help you further develop your practice as a committed, responsible and creative professional, capable of critical thinking and practical action and support you in enhancing whole-school provision for pupils who have Special Educational Needs or disabilities. Over 2,000 SENCOs nationally have benefited from the expertise of the Edge Hill SEN team.

What will I study?

The taught element of the course will comprise two Level 7 modules, one per semester, which provide elements applicable to Special Educational Needs, inclusion, understanding barriers to learning, leadership, and collaborative working.

How will I study?

You will study online and will be required to attend four face-to-face sessions during the programme.

The face-to-face sessions will be held in central locations such as Edge Hill University, London, Birmingham and Gateshead (subject to numbers).

How will I be assessed?

The programme will be assessed via two reflective portfolios (one in each module). These will include practice-based assessment tasks and a critical reflection of 2,500 words. You will also be required to collate a portfolio of evidence in relation to the 49 SENCo Standards.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by well qualified and experienced tutors with expertise in the field of special needs, together with potential input from the Local Authority.

What are my career prospects?

This award has been described as ‘mandatory’ by the Department for Education for new SENCos working in the mainstream sector. It is also considered as a ‘strongly advised’ qualification by the Department for Education for experienced SENCos in the same sector. The qualification is therefore central to career progression for all serving SEN Coordinators in schools.

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