BA (Hons) Special and Inclusive Education

The BA (Hons) Special and Inclusive Education at Manchester Metropolitan University is designed for students who want to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The course combines academic study with hands-on, practical experience, allowing you to explore inclusive teaching approaches, disability awareness, and educational support through real-world engagement. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how to create learning environments that are supportive, accessible, and empowering for all learners.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout the course:

• Professional placements in schools, specialist settings, and community organisations, giving you direct experience of working with children and young people with a range of needs.

• Observation and reflective practice built into your studies, helping you link theoretical knowledge to real-world inclusion strategies.

• Workshops and interactive seminars that explore communication strategies, assistive technologies, and classroom adaptations for diverse learners.

• Opportunities to collaborate on group projects that address inclusive practice, policy, and innovation in education.

• Access to specialist learning facilities within the Brooks Building, including simulation classrooms and spaces designed for inclusive and creative teaching.

• Modules led by experts in special educational needs, psychology, and social inclusion, ensuring your learning is informed by current research and practice.

• A final-year research project or dissertation focused on an area of special and inclusive education that interests you most, often inspired by your placement experiences.

• Strong links with local schools and educational organisations, offering networking opportunities and professional experience before graduation.

This degree prepares you to make a real difference by supporting learners with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. Graduates gain the knowledge and confidence to promote inclusion and equality across schools, communities, and specialist learning environments. Typical job roles include:

• Inclusion Support Officer or Learning Support Practitioner

• SEN Coordinator Assistant or Special Educational Needs Practitioner

• Disability Advocate or Inclusion Advisor within local authorities or charities

• Educational Practitioner in alternative provision or therapeutic settings

Here’s how Manchester Metropolitan University helps you build your professional future:

• Career Support: You’ll have access to the University’s Employability and Careers Service, offering one-to-one guidance, placement opportunities, and support with applications and interviews. The course includes professional practice modules and placements that give you real-world experience in inclusive settings.

• Employment Outcomes and Salary Figures: Around 86–87% of Education and Teaching graduates from Manchester Met are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. Graduates entering inclusion or education-related roles typically start with salaries between £28,000 and £30,000, with strong potential for advancement.

• University–Industry Partnerships: The programme benefits from close connections with local schools, special educational settings, local authorities, and inclusion-focused organisations. These links ensure your studies are relevant to current practice and provide valuable placement opportunities.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value: Combining theory with practical experience, this degree builds a foundation in inclusive education, disability studies, and child development. It’s a respected qualification that remains highly relevant as the demand for skilled inclusion professionals continues to grow.

• Graduate Outcomes: You’ll graduate ready to work in mainstream and specialist schools, educational charities, or community services, supporting learners with additional needs. This degree also gives you the flexibility to move into leadership, consultancy, or policy roles promoting educational inclusion.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can advance to postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion, Educational Leadership, or Child and Adolescent Development. If you wish to teach, you can pursue a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) specialising in inclusive or special education. You could also progress to an MRes or PhD in Inclusive Education or Disability Studies, opening doors to research, academic, and policy-focused careers.