The BA (Hons) Education (ALN/SEN) is an undergraduate programme for those seeking a career supporting learners across the sectors in educational settings, such as mainstream schools, resource provision units, special schools, post-compulsory provision or within the local authority support services.  

The course provides the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge, skills and work experience required for immediate transfer to the workplace, or to progress into teaching via a Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Post-compulsory qualification (PcET). Additional career options include employment in informal education settings or progression to further study.

Combining taught modules and placement experiences in a range of settings, our degree will enable you to interrelate the policy, theory and practice of learning and teaching for a range of learners. The interdisciplinary approach includes the sociological, historical, psychological, philosophical and contemporary aspects of education.

The programme is delivered through a broad range of approaches to learning and teaching such as practical workshops, projects, debates, role play, case studies, lectures and seminars. The experience gained on work placements is invaluable preparation for the education workforce, being attractive to prospective employers and helping to inform your career choices.

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The Education foundation year will introduce students to the theories of Child Development and how they can be applied and evidenced in practice. Students will be given an overview of the concept of health and wellbeing in the early years and the importance of providing a healthy, safe and secure environment for children. You will gain a theoretical and experiental basis of the necessary skills to work with children, young people and families.

MODULES 

• Introduction to Child Development
• Introduction to Health and Well-being
• Introduction to Counselling
• Introduction to Childhood and Youth Studies
• Working with Children, Young People and Families

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

In Year 2 you will develop your professional knowledge and skills in the following areas: aspects of the school curriculum, additional learning needs, developmental theories of children and young people, counselling skills and safeguarding, in addition to having a placement opportunity.

MODULES 

• Academic Development and Reflective Practice
• Protecting Children and Young People
• Development of Literacy and Numeracy
• Development of Children and Young People
• Introduction to ALN/SEN
• Foundations in Counselling Skills for Education

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

In Year 3 the course content includes further placement opportunities, supporting learners with behavioural, social and emotional and communication and interaction differences, inclusion and diversity, curriculum aspects and learning beyond the classroom.  

MODULES 

• Research Methods
• Inclusion and Diversity
• Curriculum (3-8 years)
• Supporting Children and Young People: Behavioural, Emotional and Social Differences (BESD)
• Supporting Children and Young People: Speech, Language and Number (ALN/SEN only)
• Learning Beyond the Classroom (ALN/SEN only)

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

In Year 4 there is an opportunity to engage in action research whilst on placement. Modules also include negotiated learning, further curriculum aspects, supporting children and young people with specific learning differences such as dyslexia and exploring multi-agency support.  

MODULES 

• Research Article
• Curriculum (7-14 years)
• Specialist Negotiated Learning
• ALN/SEN: Specialist Support
• Supporting Learners with Specific Learning Differences/Dyslexia