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Learning and Teaching (Special Educational Needs and Disability), Foundation Degree

University of Leeds, the United Kingdom

University of Leeds

Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
Foundation DegreePart-time3 yearsSeptemberfind outfind out

About Learning and Teaching (Special Educational Needs and Disability), Foundation Degree - at University of Leeds

This Foundation Degree is designed for people currently working, or intending to work, with learners with special educational needs and disability (SEND) in specialist or mainstream settings.

A key part of the course is the opportunity to complete a work-based learning module in an SEND setting.

The course is taught one afternoon a week so you can fit study alongside your other work and family commitments. You'll be taught by friendly and supportive staff, experienced in working with adult learners and with substantial professional experience in the sector. Our student support service offers advice and guidance, academic skills support, welcome events and social events throughout your studies.

On successful completion you can progress to the Learning and Teaching (SEND) BA top- up degree. Many of our Foundation Degree and BA graduates progress to managerial positions both within and outside the education sector.

The Foundation Degree is aimed at those currently engaged in providing support for learners with special educational needs and disability, in specialist and mainstream settings. It will enable you to develop your understanding and expertise in this area and so increase your career opportunities.


The course runs one afternoon a week so you can fit in study alongside your work and other family commitments.

  • Course content

    The course combines the development of specialist knowledge through optional modules with core modules on how learners learn, typical and atypical development, developing teaching skills and broader issues in education. There is also an opportunity in year 2 to experience a different SEND-related educational setting for a work-based learning module. This will enable reflection on differences in professional structures and practice.

    The Foundation Degree is designed to produce practitioners who are able to question and critically analyse education policies and initiatives and who can make an informed contribution to their organisation. It is structured and delivered in such a way that you have the opportunity to understand and assimilate new ideas and concepts and to apply these in practice. The Foundation Degree and top-up BA are firmly rooted in professional practice and combine scholarly activities with learning through experience of work. The course develops your skills in supporting learners and optional modules allow you to develop more specialised skills and knowledge in areas which affect your own practice.

    On successful completion of the Foundation Degree, you can progress onto the BA Learning and Teaching (SEND) top-up degree, which will involve a further two years part-time study.

    Course structure

    These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

    Year 1

    Compulsory modules

    • Entry requirements, fees and applying

      Entry requirements

      GCSE: English and Maths grade C/4 or above, or equivalent

      • Career opportunities

        A qualification from the University of Leeds counts: our graduates are highly valued by employers. When you complete your degree programme you will also become part of a network of highly employable graduates.

        A University of Leeds degree will make you very attractive to employers and enhance your career prospects. The Learning and Teaching (SEND) course provides you with skills that can help you develop in your present employment or access a diverse range of roles which involve supporting learners with SEND in specialist and mainstream settings, some of these are in education but many are in other areas (eg public and college libraries, voluntary sector organisations, children's centres and hospitals). Many students go onto learning support and managerial roles in education such as managing teams of learning mentors, teaching assistants and behaviour support workers. Successful completion of the BA enables students to apply for a postgraduate teacher training course.

        Careers support

        Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

        The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.

        Read more at Careers support for LLC students and on the University's Careers website.

      • Related courses

        Learning and Teaching BA (Part time)
        Learning and Teaching (Special Educational Needs and Disability) BA (Part time)
        Learning and Teaching FD (Part time)
  • Entry requirements for this course

    Contact University of Leeds to find course entry requirements.

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