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BA in SEND Studies in Southend-on-Sea

Cost£24,000.00
Duration3 years
DeliveryClassroom based
Start15 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
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About this course

Level 6 Special Educational Needs and Disability Studies BA in Southend-on-Sea. Classes run at South Essex College Southend Campus, full-time during the day over three years. This special educational needs and disability studies BA course covers the theory, legislation, and practical skills needed to support people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental health needs across education and care settings. You'll complete work placements linked to your assessments, giving you hands-on experience alongside your studies. Entry requires a minimum of 64 UCAS points and GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or a Level 2 equivalent.

Who this course is for

This programme is for those looking to progress to teaching, social work or management in the special education and social care sectors and will give you the skills and knowledge you need to create safe, stimulating and supportive learning environments.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 64 UCAS points from one or more of the following: Access to Higher Education Diploma A Levels T Levels BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4) or equivalent EU/International qualifications GCSE English Language and Maths at minimum Grade C/ 4 or Level 2 equivalent such as Functional Skills Other qualifications may be considered Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, personal statement and reference.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the legislative and policy frameworks that govern SEND provision in the UK.
  • You'll study a range of conditions including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental health issues.
  • You'll learn how to assess individual needs using recognised tools and strategies.
  • You'll develop skills to create supportive and stimulating learning environments.
  • You'll apply classroom theory to real workplace settings through assessed work placements.
  • You'll analyse workplace policies and understand how they are put into practice.
  • You'll build skills in research, communication, and professional practice relevant to education and social care.

How you will learn

Teaching takes place in the classroom at South Essex College Southend Campus. Assessment is varied and includes essays, research projects, presentations, multiple-choice questions, short answer tests, and portfolios. Observation-based assessment is also used. There are no traditional exams as the sole method of assessment. Work placements are built into the programme and are directly linked to your assessments, so practical experience feeds into your academic work throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Essex College Southend Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • SEN Teaching Assistant: support pupils with special educational needs in schools.
  • Teaching Assistant: assist classroom teachers across primary and secondary settings.
  • SEND Support Worker: provide one-to-one or group support in educational settings.
  • Learning Support Assistant: help learners with disabilities in colleges or specialist provision.
  • Social Care Worker: support adults or children with disabilities in care settings.
  • SEND Coordinator (SENCO) trainee: work toward a specialist coordination role in schools.
  • Education Welfare Officer: support children's attendance and wellbeing in schools.

What you could study next

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) would allow you to qualify as a teacher, including in specialist SEND settings. A Master's in Special Educational Needs or Inclusive Education builds on this degree for those moving into research, leadership, or advisory roles. A Social Work degree is another route if you want to move into statutory children's or adults' services. Some graduates also pursue the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCo) to work as a SENCO in a school.

Apply on southessex.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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