• Education at Derby has been ranked in the Top 25 in the Guardian League Table 2020
• Choose our foundation year route if you want to strengthen your knowledge and skills before you progress to stage one of the BA (Hons) SEND degree
• Look forward to a career where you can make a genuine difference – from family liaison and inclusion support to teaching assistance and mentoring
• Gain an in-depth understanding of the theories, factors and contexts for special educational needs and disability (SEND)
• Develop your practical, professional and intellectual skills through a variety of work placements
• Be inspired by experts in the fields of education, health, psychology and social work so that you gain real insights into professional life
• Take the opportunity to spend time studying abroad through the Go Places, Go Further international exchange scheme 

Make a difference in your career

We will equip you for a broad range of roles where you can improve the life experiences of individuals with special learning needs. You’ll build the skills and knowledge to support children and adults with diverse needs, such as specific learning difficulties, physical disabilities, behavioural problems and sensory impairments.

You will gain an in-depth understanding of all aspects of SEND. We engage you in discussions and debates, harnessing the latest research to stimulate your thinking and challenge your ideas. You will also explore the possible psychological, sociological, philosophical and biological causes of SEND. 

A whole range of professionals – including carers, social workers, special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs) and therapists – come together to deliver SEND support. As part of the course, you’ll take a close look at the importance of this multi-agency support and the positive impact it can have on individuals. 

A strong focus on real world learning

To ensure that you’re ‘career ready’ when you graduate, you’ll learn a range of practical techniques to support individuals both inside and outside the classroom. 

As part of your studies, you’ll undertake two placements which will give you important insights into professional practice. You can choose to be based in settings such as hospitals, schools, social services, adult provision or charitable organisations. 

Expertise, influence and inspiration

You will learn from a dedicated and enthusiastic team, including experts in the fields of education, health, psychology and social work. They will share their experiences with you and provide fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of working in SEND. 

Our course is underpinned by the latest theories and innovative ideas in SEND and inclusive practices. Our lecturers regularly publish their work and have conducted important studies into a wide range of subjects, such as managing the inclusion of SEND pupils in the classroom.

Raise your professional profile

Throughout the course, your learning will be enriched by our strong professional links. We will introduce you to leading practitioners and our Visiting Professors include notable figures such as Brian Lamb OBE, who chaired a high-profile inquiry into parental confidence in SEND and whose work has influenced major policy changes. 

We have launched a Professional Development Network for SEND and Inclusive Practice which brings together practitioners working to ensure positive, effective and inclusive education across the special and mainstream sectors. 

By joining this professional community, you can take part in our annual SEND conferences which attract influential guest speakers and spark important debates about how to improve SEND provision.

A vibrant learning experience 

We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, welcoming learning environment where you will receive plenty of encouragement and guidance. Our tutors are approachable, dedicated and passionate about their subjects.

You’ll learn in our Kirtley Building which offers first-rate facilities, including specially designed collaborative learning spaces and a large hall for practical activities and observing learning in action.

Build a course that matches your interests

Our choice of optional modules means that you can tailor your studies to reflect your personal interests and career aspirations. These could cover themes such as autism in children and adults, attention disorders, diversity in social, emotional and behavioural development, and diversity in communication, speech and language development. 

To broaden your horizons further still, you also have the opportunity to spend part of your course studying abroad. Under the Go Places, Go Further international exchange scheme, we have agreements with universities in Amsterdam and Brussels where you can explore a new culture and add an extra dimension to your CV.