The BA (Hons) Applied Special Educational Needs and Disability Top Up provides an opportunity for those with a relevant Foundation Degree to enhance their studies to a full Honours degree.

Applicants are required to be working or volunteering in an educational setting, working with those who have a special educational need or disability. The course is designed for students to continue in their role while developing their knowledge and understanding towards career enhancement and progression.

On completion, many of our graduates apply for an employment-based route to Qualified Teacher Status or undertake a PGCE course. Those working with unqualified teacher status can undertake the assessment route only to gain Qualified Teacher Status.

Students not wanting to go on to become teachers are able to progress in management roles or go on to complete further specialised training in areas of their choice.

Course description - Applied Special Educational Needs and Disability BA Hons (top up)

Student Testimonials

Vikki Ranson

Before enrolling for my BA, I successfully completed a two-year Foundation Degree in Early Years Studies, at the University of Bedfordshire. My journey began when I started working at a school for learners with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties. I was employed as a class tutor (class lead) on the understanding that I achieve my degree and progress to become a qualified teacher. Obtaining a BA has enabled me to continue my role as a class lead and progress on to a postgraduate course.

I found all staff across the campuses at Beds to be supportive and encouraging throughout my studies. It was such an enjoyable experience listening to the academic team describe the experiences that led them to becoming the experienced lecturers they are.

Having spent three years studying for the Honours degree, I felt I still wanted to continue my studies and enrolled on a Master's course in Education (Practice), deferring becoming a qualified teacher for another three years.

Alex Jefford

I am currently on a SCITT course and working full time in a behaviour unit for children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. I starting working in the unit after a massive career change. A year into my new job, I decided becoming a teacher is what I wanted to do.

I started a Foundation Degree course in applied education through the University of Bedfordshire before applying for a BA (Hons) top-up in SEND, as this was the qualification I needed to apply for teacher training.

As I worked with children who had SEND, I thought this course was perfect for me. I gained a lot of knowledge and was able to apply this within the setting I worked. The tutors were very knowledgeable and had many years of practical experience to reinforce the theories they were discussing. For me, having someone that has had practical experience means they could bring the lessons to life; students in the class were also included through their stories and experiences.

The support from my tutors through assignments and my dissertation was amazing. Tutors suggested ideas and posed questions, making the understanding clearer in my head. Once my teacher training has been completed, my degree in SEND will give me the confidence to apply for jobs both in mainstream settings and specialist ones. I feel the degree I chose has put me in great stead for my future career in whichever direction that may take me.