Education And Special Educational Needs
Education is one of the most consequential areas of public life, shaping the opportunities and life chances of children and young people across society. Special educational needs (SEN) adds a critical dimension to this, examining how educational systems respond to children whose learning needs fall outside the mainstream, and how inclusive practice can ensure that all children access the education they are entitled to. This three-year full-time programme at Edge Hill University brings these two areas together, developing knowledge, analytical skills, and a sense of professional purpose.
You will study theories of learning and development, the history and sociology of education, educational policy, the legal and ethical frameworks governing SEN, and the practical strategies used to support children with a wide range of learning needs. You will examine conditions including autism, dyslexia, ADHD, sensory impairments, and speech and language difficulties, exploring how they affect learning and what the evidence says about effective intervention and support. The programme develops your ability to think critically about what education is for and who it serves, as well as the practical knowledge needed to work with children, families, and other professionals.
School-based experience is embedded in the programme, giving you direct contact with educational settings throughout your training.
Graduates from this programme enter a wide range of roles in education, including teaching assistant and SENCO (special educational needs coordinator) positions, educational psychology work, advisory and outreach roles, and leadership in inclusion. Many go on to postgraduate professional training, including initial teacher education (PGCE or school direct routes), specialist SEN qualifications, and master's degrees in education or educational psychology. The programme also prepares graduates for roles in the voluntary sector, social care, and organisations that support children and families outside formal education.