BA Special Education

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of East London

Program Overview

This three-year degree focuses on understanding and supporting learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It’s ideal for students passionate about inclusion, child development, and creating meaningful change in educational and community settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll explore the foundations of special and inclusive education through modules such as Mental Wealth: Academic and Professional Skills for Life 1, Exploring Social Worlds, and Key Principles for Inclusion and Diversity. You’ll also begin developing your research awareness and professional confidence through Emerging Research Communities and Practice Modules 1 and 2, gaining early exposure to real-world education contexts.

Year 2:
Your second year deepens your understanding of specific learning needs and inclusive practice. Modules include Identity and Social Justice, Specific Learning Difficulties, Building Research Communities, Contemporary Issues in Education, and SEND Careers. You’ll engage with key issues such as equality, accessibility, and supporting learners with dyslexia, autism, or communication challenges.

Year 3:
The final year brings your learning together through advanced research and professional practice. You’ll study Critical and Global Perspectives on Education, Communication and Interaction, Mental Wealth: Academic and Professional Skills for Life 3, and complete an Independent Research Project. A Volunteering module offers valuable hands-on experience in educational or community settings, preparing you for your future career.

Focus areas:
Inclusive education · Special educational needs · Child development · Communication and interaction · Research in education · Professional practice

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to evaluate and improve inclusive practices, understand a wide range of learning needs, design supportive educational strategies, conduct independent research, and contribute effectively to the SEND field.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While this programme does not include Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), it’s closely aligned with professional SEND practice and provides a strong foundation for roles such as special needs support, inclusion coordination, or further postgraduate teacher training.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of East London is recognised for its commitment to inclusion and teaching excellence. The Special Education programme has consistently high student satisfaction, with graduates moving into roles across schools, local authorities, and community organisations that support children and young people with additional needs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA (Hons) Special Education at the University of East London gives you more than classroom knowledge — it’s an immersive, hands-on degree that prepares you to work confidently with children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). From your first year, you’ll blend theory with real-world experience, observing teaching strategies, exploring inclusion practices, and engaging with local schools and community organisations.

At UEL’s Stratford campus, you’ll study in an inspiring, inclusive environment, with access to interactive workshops, dedicated study spaces, and professional development opportunities. The course encourages reflection, creativity, and collaboration so you can become the kind of educator who makes a real impact in diverse learning settings.

Here’s what experiential learning looks like on this course:

Practice-based modules: You’ll complete modules focused on applying your learning in real education settings — observing classrooms, supporting teachers, and reflecting on inclusive practices.
Independent Research Project: In your final year, you’ll carry out an individual research project on a topic that inspires you — from autism support to classroom inclusion strategies — building valuable research and analytical skills.
Volunteering and community engagement: You’ll take part in volunteering modules that let you contribute to local schools and community centres, gaining direct experience in working with children who have a range of needs.
Collaborative learning environment: Many classes include group discussions, peer learning, and joint projects that help you develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
Digital learning and reflection tools: You’ll use UEL’s digital platforms to plan lessons, access materials, and reflect on your progress through e-portfolios and online learning systems.
Career development modules: Dedicated modules help you explore SEND careers, professional pathways, and employment opportunities — preparing you for roles in education, community work, or further teacher training.
Access to supportive facilities: You’ll study in modern classrooms and libraries with tailored resources for education and child development, as well as dedicated student support and academic guidance.

Why this course stands out

You’ll gain a strong understanding of inclusive education, learning support, and child development — all grounded in real practice.
The course has been praised by students for its approachable lecturers, hands-on teaching style, and career-focused learning.
You’ll graduate with valuable experience and confidence to work as an inclusion officer, behaviour support assistant, or move into teacher training.
Studying in East London offers you exposure to one of the UK’s most diverse educational communities — ideal for learning how inclusion works in real life.
The programme prepares you for both professional employment and postgraduate routes, including educational psychology or SEND leadership.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you’re passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and supporting students with diverse needs, the BA (Hons) Special Education at the University of East London (UEL) is the perfect choice. This course equips you with the skills to make a real impact in education, preparing you for roles such as special educational needs (SEN) coordinator assistant, inclusion development officer, teaching and learning support assistant, or children’s services specialist.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University support: Through UEL’s Career Zone, you’ll receive personalised career coaching, mentoring, and access to a “Career Passport” that tracks your professional growth. The service also helps you find placements and employment opportunities within special and inclusive education settings.
Employment outcomes: Around 75% of graduates from this subject area are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, with an average salary of approximately £30,000.
Industry partnerships: The course benefits from strong collaborations with local schools, SEND organisations, and educational charities—allowing students to gain real-world experience and network with professionals who work directly with children with special educational needs.
Long-term value: The degree reflects the growing demand for specialists in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusive teaching. It provides a respected qualification that employers across schools, local councils, and children’s services recognise and value.
Graduate outcomes: On graduation, you’ll be ready to work in mainstream or specialist schools, local authority support services, or pursue roles in early intervention, educational therapy, or inclusive education policy.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA (Hons) Special Education, you can progress to postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Special Educational Needs (SEN), Inclusive Education, or Educational Leadership. These qualifications open doors to senior positions like SEN coordinator (SENCo), educational consultant, inclusion manager, or even educational psychologist with further training.