The BA (Hons) Applied Special Educational Needs and Disability Top Up degree provides the opportunity for those with a Foundation Degree to enhance their degree 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, whilst 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, BA (Hons) Applied Special Educational Needs and Disability (Top Up)

My name is Vikki Ranson, I have recently completed a BA Hons top up year in Applied Special Educational Needs and Disability Studies. I graduated in July 2020 with a first class degree after studying at the Bedford Campus. Before achieving my BA I successfully completed a two year Foundation Degree in Applied Early Years Studies, at the Milton Keynes Campus.

My journey with The University of Bedfordshire 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.

Having spent three years studying I felt I still wanted to continue studying in Higher Education and enrolled on a Masters Degree in Education (Practice), deferring becoming a qualified teacher for another three years. Having obtained 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 Uni to be supportive and encouraging throughout my studies. Their knowledge inspired me to continue with my studies. It was such an enjoyable experience listening to the lecturers describe the experiences that lead them to becoming the experienced lecturers they are.

Alex Jefford, BA (Hons) Applied Special Educational Needs and Disability (Top Up)

I am currently on a SCITT course and working full time in a behaviour unit for children with social, emotional, 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 at Aylesbury College through Bedfordshire University. After this I applied for a BA (Hons) degree top-up year in SEND, 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. During the course 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 theories they were discussing. For me, having someone that has had practical experience means they could bring the lessons to life, they included stories, discussions and experiences of the students within the class.

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.