BA Single Honours Education and SEND with Foundation Year
Undergraduate
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Discover how inclusive teaching and specialist SEND knowledge can transform learning for every child.
The BA (Hons) Education and SEND at Birmingham Newman University offers a supportive, research-informed route for those who want to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). If you're committed to creating learning environments where every pupil feels understood, valued and able to thrive, this degree provides the practical insight, theoretical grounding and ethical perspective to help you do just that. You’ll explore the policies, approaches and challenges that shape inclusive education, while developing your own confident, reflective practice within a university community that champions collaboration, care and person-centred learning.
Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University
Start with confidence. Progress with purpose.
The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at Birmingham Newman University. It offers a flexible route into higher education for students who may not meet standard entry requirements or who are returning to study after time away. Whether you are exploring a new direction or looking to strengthen your academic foundations, this additional year of study provides the structure, support and space to help you succeed.
You’ll apply through UCAS for your chosen degree with Foundation Year. Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression criteria, you’ll move into Year 1 of your undergraduate course.
Who is the Foundation Year for?
• This route is designed for students who:
• Are returning to education after a break
• Do not currently hold the qualifications for direct entry onto a three-year degree
• Want to build confidence and academic skills before starting undergraduate study
• Are seeking a structured and supportive introduction to university life
You’ll be part of a learning community that recognises your potential and supports your development from the very beginning. The Foundation Year is not just a pathway into university. It is a purposeful and personalised start to your academic journey.
What Will I Study?
The Foundation Year focuses on helping you become a confident, reflective and independent learner. You’ll begin by exploring how you learn and identifying strategies that work for you. You’ll also engage with wider themes such as identity, inequality and the human experience in a digital world. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal insight, while connecting across subject areas.
You’ll develop core academic skills including writing, research, digital literacy and communication. These are taught through seminars, workshops, online activities and one-to-one support. The aim is not only to prepare you for your chosen subject, but to help you feel connected to your learning and to the university community.
‘For someone returning to education after a hiatus, this foundation (year) was essential in helping me regain my academic footing and feel prepared for the challenges ahead.’ – Alix Wyatt, Birmingham Newman University Alumna
What Happens After the Foundation Year?
Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression requirements, you’ll begin Year 1 of your undergraduate degree. You’ll already be familiar with the university environment, your subject area and the expectations of academic study, giving you a strong foundation to build on.
Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University
Start with confidence. Progress with purpose.
The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at Birmingham Newman University. It offers a flexible route into higher education for students who may not meet standard entry requirements or who are returning to study after time away. Whether you are exploring a new direction or looking to strengthen your academic foundations, this additional year of study provides the structure, support and space to help you succeed.
You’ll apply through UCAS for your chosen degree with Foundation Year. Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression criteria, you’ll move into Year 1 of your undergraduate course.
Who is the Foundation Year for?
• This route is designed for students who:
• Are returning to education after a break
• Do not currently hold the qualifications for direct entry onto a three-year degree
• Want to build confidence and academic skills before starting undergraduate study
• Are seeking a structured and supportive introduction to university life
You’ll be part of a learning community that recognises your potential and supports your development from the very beginning. The Foundation Year is not just a pathway into university. It is a purposeful and personalised start to your academic journey.
What Will I Study?
The Foundation Year focuses on helping you become a confident, reflective and independent learner. You’ll begin by exploring how you learn and identifying strategies that work for you. You’ll also engage with wider themes such as identity, inequality and the human experience in a digital world. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal insight, while connecting across subject areas.
You’ll develop core academic skills including writing, research, digital literacy and communication. These are taught through seminars, workshops, online activities and one-to-one support. The aim is not only to prepare you for your chosen subject, but to help you feel connected to your learning and to the university community.
‘For someone returning to education after a hiatus, this foundation (year) was essential in helping me regain my academic footing and feel prepared for the challenges ahead.’ – Alix Wyatt, Birmingham Newman University Alumna
What Happens After the Foundation Year?
Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression requirements, you’ll begin Year 1 of your undergraduate degree. You’ll already be familiar with the university environment, your subject area and the expectations of academic study, giving you a strong foundation to build on.
Why Study This Course?
The BA (Hons) Education and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Birmingham Newman University offers a thoughtful and compassionate exploration of inclusive education and the varied needs of learners. It’s an ideal choice if you’re keen to understand how children and young people experience education, as well as how professionals can support them to thrive. Whether you're interested in teaching, support work or shaping policy, this degree provides the knowledge and confidence to make a lasting difference in educational settings.
‘This is an exciting and dynamic course which explores the ever-changing world of SEND and Inclusion; inspiring our students to influence strong practice which enables all learners to succeed.’ Sinead Joyce – Head of Education, Childhood & Professional Studies
Explore Curriculum Design and Inclusive Practice.
You’ll explore how curriculum, teaching approaches and professional values shape inclusive education across a range of settings. Through modules focused on child development, safeguarding, trauma-informed strategies and inclusive support, you’ll build the knowledge and confidence to meet diverse needs. Learning is brought to life through seminars, work experience and reflective tasks that help you connect theory with practice and develop your own approach to inclusive education.
Supportive and Personalised Learning
At Birmingham Newman University, you’ll be part of a close-knit academic community that puts your development first. The Education and SEND team includes experienced educators who offer personalised support, small-group teaching and regular feedback to help you grow as a reflective and confident practitioner. Whether you’re planning to work in schools, community services or specialist settings, you’ll be supported to shape your future with clarity and purpose.

Got a question you’d like to ask?
Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry: 48 UCAS points Those with significant work and life experience of a complexity that demonstrates an aptitude to study at degree level, but with no formal qualifications, will also be favourably considered. Different degree pathway options available at the end of the foundation year may have different additional entry requirements. If you require any further information or clarification of entry requirements please contact our friendly, helpful Admissions department, who will be happy to help.
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is: £5,760
Additional Costs
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
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Placement Information
A work experience opportunity is built into the Education and SEND programme. You’ll gain practical insight by working in either a mainstream school or a specialist SEND provision, supporting learners aged 5 to 19. Experienced school-based mentors and university tutors will guide your development with regular feedback and structured observations, helping you apply theory in practice, build inclusive approaches and grow in confidence as an educator.

Where this course can take you.
You’ll graduate with a strong understanding of SEND provision and inclusive education, ready to pursue roles such as teacher, advisor, specialist support worker, mental health support worker and a range of jobs within the education sector. You’ll be well placed to support inclusive practice across schools, communities and wider education settings. Many students go on to complete a PGCE or other teacher training routes, while others find opportunities in charities, health and social care or educational policy. You’ll also be part of a supportive alumni network that champions inclusive practice across the sector.
Accreditations and Exemptions
This course does not award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), but it provides a recognised route into education and support roles across schools, specialist settings and community services. It offers a strong foundation for further study, including PGCE programmes and school-based training. While there are no formal exemptions from other professional bodies, the degree is valued across the sector and supports progression into roles such as teacher, advisor, specialist support worker, mental health support worker and a range of jobs within the education sector. It also forms part of Birmingham Newman University’s wider commitment to developing inclusive, reflective professionals who make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.
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