Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Course Overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Part-Time -
9 Months -
18 Sep 2023
This established course will enable you to gain the qualification which SENCOs are required to either have upon appointment or gain within three years of assuming the role.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Study entirely online in our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
- Have the skills to play your role in implementing the SEND Code of Practice
- Meet the NASENCO learning outcomes outlined by the Chartered College for Teaching and Leadership in England and Wales
- Enhance your knowledge and understanding of inclusion and special educational needs theory and practice
- Reflect on your implementation of the SEND Code of Practice for England and Wales
- Understand the role of the SENCO in schools, and their professional duties as outlined in the SEND Code of Practice
- Grow your confidence so you can co-ordinate SEND provision most effectively
- Have the chance to relate your studies to a range of related non-teaching roles such as those in the voluntary sector
- Complete self-evaluation and reflection exercises to address priorities for your development and maximise your impact
- Prepare and submit a final portfolio
This course was developed through collaboration with school leaders, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) policy specialists and sector experts including academic staff. It will encourage significant improvements in your practice, and as it’s built into your professional practice, it can be highly transformative and play an important role in your lifelong learning journey.
Your learning experience
You’ll be able to study around existing commitments such as supporting children, young people and families. You’ll independently plan your time and establish a study routine that works around you.
The design of this programme reflects innovation and expertise in digital pedagogy supported by a series of optional online webinars and access to an Online Learning Tutor, an Academic Tutor and Subject-Specialist librarian. Your personal tutor will guide your development and provide formative feedback to improve your learning experience. You’ll use engaging and up-to-date materials to conduct self-directed research and reading as you become part of our online professional learning community.
Further study
On completion of this course, you’ll have completed the first 60 credits towards our MA Inclusive Practice in Education. The masters course will enable you to further develop your understanding of:
- Participation and learning
- Intervention and provision management
- Autism and learning
- Literacy difficulties and dyslexia
- Inclusive pedagogy
- Working with multiple agencies and stakeholders
Why study the National Award in Special Education Needs Co-ordination at Leeds Beckett University...Â
- Build on your professional experience and qualifications – you’ll need to have achieved QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) to study this course
- Practice-based learning – develop a practical skillset
- Learn from experts – taught by a professionally experienced team
- Online learning - join our academic community from anywhere in the world
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a second-class honours degree. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered if they have significant relevant experience. All Applicants must also have either Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for teaching in schools or have Qualified Teacher of Learning and Skills (QTLS) for teaching in post-compulsory education, or EYTS for teaching in Early Years. Following the course, those with EYTS, rather than QTS, will only be able to work as a SENCO in Early Years settings.
Applicants will also need to have completed a satisfactory Induction Period in a school. Please note that, although it is not a requirement for entry on to the course, it is important, for the purposes of the assessment, that applicants are currently based in an educational working environment i.e. a school, virtual school, college or local authority, and have access to SEN related data. SENCOS currently employed in English state-maintained schools must complete their SENCO training within the first three years of their appointment.
All applications should be supported by a reference from a Head Teacher; you can download our reference template reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a second-class honours degree. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered if they have significant relevant experience. All Applicants must also have either Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for teaching in schools or have Qualified Teacher of Learning and Skills (QTLS) for teaching in post-compulsory education, or EYTS for teaching in Early Years. Following the course, those with EYTS, rather than QTS, will only be able to work as a SENCO in Early Years settings.
Applicants will also need to have completed a satisfactory Induction Period in a school. Please note that, although it is not a requirement for entry on to the course, it is important, for the purposes of the assessment, that applicants are currently based in an educational working environment i.e. a school, virtual school, college or local authority, and have access to SEN related data. SENCOS currently employed in English state-maintained schools must complete their SENCO training within the first three years of their appointment.
All applications should be supported by a reference from a Head Teacher; you can download our reference template reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
Distance learning
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you’ll have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you’ll also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Technical requirements for distance learning study are detailed in the full guide. Visit our distance learning website for more information.
Overall workload
Each module on our distance learning courses is individually designed to maximise your learning so study requirements will vary. As a general guideline, you’ll need to allocate around 10 hours per week to complete each module, plus a further five hours for additional reading and assignments. However, this may vary depending on the module. Teaching and learning will be delivered using a range of interactive resources. This typically includes audio and video content, group discussions, reflective exercises, quizzes, online reading and much more. All these resources are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment and can be accessed at a time and place that suits you.
What you'll learn
This module will cover a range of themes including inclusion, normality and special educational needs, and professional reflection. You'll also complete a case study, related to your individual professional context and interests.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£2,500
UK
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2023/24 is £41.67 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 60.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
£2,500
International 2023. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2023/24 is £41.67 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 60.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Fees & Funding
£2,500
For students entering in 2023. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2023/24 is £41.67 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 60.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- If you choose to study via distance learning, you’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£2,500
For students entering in 2023. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2023/24 is £41.67 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 60.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- If you choose to study via distance learning, you’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
My headteacher recommended the PG Cert Special Education Needs Coordination course at Leeds Beckett, and from the minute I walked in, I knew it was the correct choice. The course is very flexible around your busy personal life and the tutors are incredibly supportive. It’s been a fantastic experience, I have learnt so much and it will really benefit my role. I would recommend it to anybody.
Sarah Steel
PG Cert Special Education Needs Coordination
Career Prospects
You’ll have developed essential skills in diagnosis and intervention, provision management and coaching. These, alongside your ability to work effectively with outside agencies and stakeholders, will mean you’re ready to practise as a SENCO in any school. You’ll also have the confidence to take on a high-profile leadership role in your school, and successfully motivate other teachers to promote inclusion in their classrooms.
You’ll be prepared for a variety of SEND leadership roles including:
- SENCO
- Assistant head (inclusion)
- Virtual school leadership
- Local authority SEND advisor or lead
Our school system requires committed SENCOs who are passionate about their role and effective in leading others. Our NASENCO programme reflect this, giving participants the space to consider statutory requirements alongside next steps for their development as leaders within a school.
Tracy Edwards
Lecturer
Tracy Edwards
Lecturer / Carnegie School Of Education
Lecturer within the 'Digital and Transformative Pedagogy' subject area and a specialist in special educational needs, leadership in education, and inclusive practice.
Dr Steve Burton
Head of Subject / Carnegie School Of Education
Dr Steve Burton is the Head of Subject for Digital Transformative Education in the Carnegie School of Education. He undertakes research in digital learning, and lectures in the areas of digital learning, safeguarding, digital safety, leadership, and professionalism in education.
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