BA Hons Special Educational Needs Disabilities and Inclusion

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Worcester

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion (SENDI) degree prepares you to become an advocate and practitioner for inclusive education — supporting children, young people, and families with special educational needs or disabilities, and ensuring equal access, support, and inclusion in education and community contexts. It’s ideal if you care about social justice, inclusion, mental health, and supporting diverse learners, and want a qualification that equips you to work in education, health, or social‑care settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year you build foundational academic skills and begin understanding inclusion and disability in education. You take Developing Your Academic Identity and Skills: Research, Reflection and Practice, which helps you become familiar with research, reflection, and academic study. Optional modules include Debates in Digital Media: Children and Young People's Wellbeing and Mental Health, ‘What If?’ Curriculum: Creative and Education, or Adapted Physical Activity, Sport and Disability — helping you explore disability, inclusion, wellbeing, and support for learners with varied needs.

Year 2
In the second year you deepen your understanding of SEND and inclusive education practices. You study modules that examine aspects of special needs, inclusion, neurodiversity, and support strategies. You may also have opportunities for placement or professional experience, allowing you to apply theory in real-world settings, such as special schools or support services, working directly with children or young people with SEND.

Year 3
In your final year you specialise and prepare for professional work or further study. Advanced modules cover inclusive pedagogy, statutory assessment and SEND law/policy, specific learning difficulties, and critical issues in inclusion. You also undertake a research project (dissertation) on a topic of your choice, investigating real issues in SEND or inclusion. Optional placements or work-based learning build your practical experience and employability.

Focus areas

Special educational needs (SEND), disability studies, inclusive education, neurodiversity, mental health and wellbeing, inclusive pedagogy and support strategies, policy and legislation around SEND, community support, health/social-care linkages, adapted physical activity and disability sport, research methods in SEND/inclusion.

Learning outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically understand how disability, social context, and systemic factors influence education; design and contribute to inclusive, supportive learning environments; support diverse learners including those with SEND; analyse and apply relevant policy and legislation; communicate and collaborate with professionals (therapists, social workers, educators) to support individuals and families; and engage in research or advocacy for inclusion and equality.

Professional alignment (career readiness)

While this degree does not automatically grant teaching qualification (QTS), it equips you with a strong foundation to work in a variety of professional roles supporting SEND — for example as a support worker, SEND caseworker, youth or community support worker, inclusion specialist, or in charities and social-care organisations. Graduates often pursue further training (e.g., teaching, social work, educational psychology, or therapy) to specialise further.

Reputation (employability / quality)

The SENDI course at University of Worcester is highly regarded: students report high satisfaction with teaching quality and engagement. The program’s strong links with local organisations, frequent placements, and real-world exposure make it well suited for students wanting to build practical, impactful careers in inclusion, education support, social care, or advocacy.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion (SENDI) at the University of Worcester is designed for students who want to understand and advocate for inclusive education. You’ll explore the social, psychological, policy, and educational aspects of SEND, disability, and inclusion, gaining a deep understanding of how education systems can support all learners. The course emphasises inclusive practice, equality, diversity, and the rights of children and young people with SEND.

Throughout the course, you engage in lectures, seminars, workshops, mentoring, placements, and project work, giving hands-on experience in supporting children and young people with SEND in real-world settings.

Key experiential features include:

Interdisciplinary approach — covering education, psychology, disability studies, inclusion theory, and practical support strategies
Practical placements and work experience — opportunities to work in special schools, local authority SEND services, and community organisations, gaining hands-on experience
Small group teaching and personalised support — tutors provide guidance and feedback to support your professional and academic development
Flexible curriculum — optional modules allow exploration of topics such as mental health, communication support, early-years inclusion, adapted physical activity, and social justice
Emphasis on research, reflection, and advocacy — final-year research projects develop critical analysis skills and understanding of SEND policy and practice
Preparation for diverse career paths — training equips you for roles in education support, social care, youth work, community services, SEND provision, and disability support

Progression & Future Opportunities

With a BA (Hons) in SENDI you become qualified and knowledgeable to support learners with additional needs and disabilities in a variety of settings. Typical career roles include:

Learning-support assistant or inclusion support worker in mainstream or special-needs schools
SEN (Special Educational Needs) coordinator or inclusion officer in schools or local-authority provision
Support worker or caseworker for disability services, social/community care, children’s services, or local authority SEND units
Youth worker, community outreach worker, or support practitioner working with disabled children, young people or adults
Roles in non-profits, charities, disability organisations — supporting education, accessibility, inclusion, and social support

You’ll be equipped to support individuals with SEND — helping ensure they receive equitable access to education and support that meets their needs.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Strong theoretical + practical training: The course covers disability, inclusion theory, educational policies, social justice, rights, barriers to learning, and how to adapt education/social settings inclusively.
Hands-on experience & placements: Many SENDI programmes embed work placements or practical experience in special schools, community-based SEND services, social care, or disability support settings — giving real-world exposure.
Flexibility of application — education, social care, policy or community services: Because inclusion and disability support span education, health, social care, and community services, graduates have wider scope than “just teaching.”
Focus on equity, diversity and social justice: The programme encourages critical thinking about inequalities, discrimination, and inclusion — preparing you to advocate for and implement inclusive practices and support marginalised individuals.
Preparation for further pathways: The grounding in SENDI gives a solid base if you choose to go for further study (e.g., special education, social work, therapy, or inclusive education leadership), or qualification routes to teaching or support roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA (Hons) in SENDI, you could:

Take a postgraduate qualification (for example a PGCE, or a master’s in Inclusive Education, Disability Studies, Social Work, Educational Psychology or Child Development), which can prepare you for roles like SEN coordinator, inclusive-education specialist, or policy/advocacy roles.
Move into professional support roles in social care, health, community services, or disability services — working as support workers, caseworkers, rehabilitation support, youth services, or advocacy.
Work in non-profit organisations or NGOs focusing on disability rights, inclusion, child welfare, community support — potentially in managerial, support, or advocacy positions.
Engage in research, policy, or programme design for inclusive education, accessibility, disability rights, and community inclusion — contributing to social change and support systems.