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

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

This four‑year honours degree begins with a foundation year to strengthen academic skills, build subject confidence and provide a gradual introduction into higher education — especially useful if you don’t yet meet the standard entry requirements.
Once students move into the honours years, the programme explores how to support children and adults with special educational needs and/or disabilities across a variety of settings — equipping graduates for meaningful roles in inclusive practice.

Curriculum structure

Foundation Year:
In the foundation year the student will lay the groundwork in academic study, introduction to education contexts and basic understanding of disability and inclusion, preparing them to step into the full honours programme.

Stage 1 (Year 2):
At this level the student begins to explore core themes in special educational needs & disability (SEND) — for example modules on Introduction to SEND Contexts, Inclusive Learning & Development and Fundamentals of Multidisciplinary Working. During this year they will start engaging with placement‑style experiences that connect theory to practice.

Stage 2 (Year 3):
In Year 3 the student moves into more specialised study — modules may include Neurodiversity & Communication, Policy, Society & Disability, and Research in Inclusive Practice. Placements deepen, and students begin developing leadership, advocacy and professional dialogue skills for working in SEND settings.

Stage 3 (Year 4):
In the final year the student consolidates knowledge and skills, undertakes a significant independent project (for example around practitioner innovation in SEND), and prepares for graduate‑level employment or further study. They may choose optional modules such as Advanced Practice in SEND or Adult & Community Disability Support. Professional readiness and employability are emphasised.

Focus areas:
Supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities (children and adults), inclusive education and multi‑agency practice, policy and research in SEND, advocacy and leadership in inclusive contexts.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to critically reflect on SEND provision, design and implement inclusive learning strategies, collaborate across agencies (education, health, social care), advocate for children and adults with disabilities, and take up roles in educational, community or support settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While this degree does not itself lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), successful students who meet specified requirements may be guaranteed an interview for the university’s PGCE Primary teacher training.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The Education department at Derby is ranked 2nd for teaching in the UK’s National Student Survey 2025 and in the top 5 for student voice. According to Discover Uni data, about 90% of students on related education courses go on to work and/or study 15 months after completing the degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on this 4‑year programme begin with a foundation year designed to build confidence, skills and knowledge before entering the honours stages. From Stage 1 onwards they engage in substantial practical learning: work placements in SEND settings, multi‑agency engagement, and real‑world inclusive practice. They are supported by the university’s campus facilities at Kedleston Road, including the library, collaborative learning spaces, and the dedicated outdoor learning environment.

Students’ practical learning includes:

Work placements: The course features two placements across children’s, adult, education or charity settings (e.g., special schools, hospitals, social services) — providing direct exposure to specialist inclusive practice.
Group work and interactive assessment: From Stage 1 onwards, assessment is centred around coursework, small‑group tasks, peer presentations and directed projects (rather than traditional exams).
Multi‑disciplinary insight: Teaching is delivered by staff and visiting practitioners from education, health, psychology and social work, offering insights into real professional roles in the SEND field.
Outdoor / experiential settings: Students benefit from the university’s Outdoor Learning Space — woodland‑based sessions and non‑traditional educational environments offer enriched, sensory‑rich learning opportunities.
Specialist facilities & campus resources: At the Kedleston Road campus, students have access to the large library, step‑free access buildings (including the Kirtley Building), and flexible study spaces tailored to inclusive and accessible learning.
Professional development and global outlook: While this programme may not automatically confer Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), it equips students for roles like SENCo support, advocacy, inclusion support and offers optional pathways to progression into postgraduate teacher training.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme are well‑prepared to work in roles such as inclusion support officer, SEND teaching assistant, or family liaison practitioner—and within a year or so they may progress into coordinator roles in settings that support learners with special educational needs and disabilities. The foundation year gives you a strong start, and the full honours degree opens doors across education, health and social care sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how the University supports you, what you’ll achieve, and your long‑term prospects:

University employment‑services support:
- The programme page confirms you’ll work with the Careers & Employability team to build your CV, prepare for placements in relevant settings and engage with employer‑facing opportunities.
- Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will act as a key guide from the foundation year through the honours years—supporting your academic development and helping you build your professional portfolio.
Employment stats & salary figures:
- For the corresponding honours route (without foundation year) the data shows average earnings ~ £24,000 15 months after graduation.
- The honours programme reports that ~96% of graduates from full‑time degrees at Derby are in work or further study within six months.
University–industry / professional partnerships:
- The course page highlights strong professional links and a “Professional Development Network for SEND and Inclusive Practice” which brings practitioners from the field into the University community.
- You’ll have work placements through the programme in real settings (schools, adult provision, hospitals, etc) to build hands‑on experience.
Long‑term accreditation value:
- While this course does not lead directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the University guarantees an interview for its PGCE Primary programme if you meet the entry requirements—so the qualification remains a strong base if you later decide to train as a teacher.
- The honours degree in SEND gives you a versatile credential which is relevant in education, social care and health sectors—meaning you’re not locked into one narrowly defined role.
Graduation outcomes – typical roles:
- Inclusion Support Officer / SEND Support Practitioner
- Teaching Assistant or Learning Mentor in mainstream or special schools
- Family Liaison Worker or Advocacy Officer within children’s services
- Adult Education or Careers Services roles supporting learners with disabilities
- With experience, progression to specialist roles (e.g., SEND Coordinator / Inclusion Manager) within educational or support settings

Further Academic Progression:
You could progress after graduating by enrolling in postgraduate programmes such as an MA in Education (Inclusive Practice, SEND Leadership), MSc in Applied Psychology / Disability Studies, or if you meet the criteria, a PGCE to become a qualified teacher. The University provides pathways and support for these next‑step options.