Special Educational Needs and Disability Part Time
Special Educational Needs and Disability is a field concerned with understanding and supporting children and young people whose learning, development, or participation in education is affected by disabilities, differences, or additional needs. The range of conditions and circumstances that fall within SEND is extraordinarily broad, spanning cognitive and learning differences, physical and sensory disabilities, social, emotional, and mental health needs, and conditions such as autism and speech and language disorders. Practitioners in this field draw on educational research, psychology, legislation, and ethics to provide effective, inclusive support.
At the University of Bedfordshire, this part-time programme provides a thorough grounding in research, theory, and practice across the SEND field, with a strong emphasis on real-world learning. You will explore concepts of need, inclusion, and disability, examining how they relate to educational policy, everyday practice, and the decisions made by schools, local authorities, and families. The programme includes experience-building visits, opportunities to engage with working professionals, and a placement in your second year, ensuring that your academic understanding is grounded in practical reality.
The degree is designed and taught by specialists with a national reputation in the field, and the part-time structure makes it accessible to those already working in education or care settings.
Graduates of SEND programmes work as SEND coordinators, learning support assistants, educational psychologists in training, advisory teachers, local authority SEND officers, and researchers and policy analysts in the field. The range of roles is wide, spanning schools, specialist provision, health services, charities, and government. Many graduates pursue postgraduate qualifications in educational psychology, inclusion education, or specialist teaching, building expertise that supports children with the most complex needs.
The field is one where dedicated and knowledgeable practitioners make a genuine difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people.