Education: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities PGCert

Program Overview

This postgraduate certificate program in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) equips students with a comprehensive understanding of SEND pedagogy, practice, and policy. Through distance learning, students engage with current research and evidence-informed practices to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting learners with SEND. The program offers flexible study options and prepares graduates for various career opportunities within the SEND field.

Program Outline

Outline:

Program Content:

The program aims to equip students with a systematic understanding of SEND, exploring pedagogy, practice, and policy within the field. Students will engage critically with current research and evidence-informed practices to enhance their understanding of SEND across various phases of education. The program caters to both individuals new to the field and those with existing experience.

Program Structure:

The program consists of two level 7 modules, each contributing 60 credits at the postgraduate level. These credits can be transferred towards a Master's degree at St Mary's University.

Modules:

• Critical perspectives on SEND and inclusive practice in schools (Core)
• Developing effective and inclusive pedagogies for learners with SEND (Core)

Course Schedule:

The program is offered via distance learning and can be completed within one year on a part-time basis. Students can choose to attend taught sessions and individual tutorials in person, online, or a combination of both.

Assessment:

The program utilizes various formative and summative assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Reflective journal
• Literature reviews
• Audit of current practice in the student's own setting
• Proposal for change
• Seminar and conference oral presentations

Teaching:

The program employs diverse teaching methods to facilitate learning, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Presentations
• Debates
• Reflection on practice
• Scenario planning
The program features a team of experienced faculty with expertise in the field of SEND, ensuring a high level of relevance and practical application of the course content.

Careers:

The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue various career opportunities within the field of SEND, including:

• Teachers and teaching assistants specializing in SEND
• Educational psychologists
• SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators)
• Inclusion specialists

Other:

• The program is open to students from diverse backgrounds, including those with no prior experience in SEND.
• Students can access excellent online resources and facilities provided by St Mary's University.
• Graduates of the program often achieve internal or external promotion to middle and senior educational leadership positions within the SEND field.

• Home: £2,860
• International: £5,660