Applied Special Educational Needs and Disability (Top-up) BA (Hons)

Our education courses rank in the UK top 5 overall in their subject field (The Guardian University Guide, 2026).

This one-year course - specifically for those who have completed a relevant Foundation degree or higher education qualification - enables you to top up to a full degree and prepares you to develop your career within SEND settings. Using your own experience of working with children, you develop your knowledge of contemporary theories, policy and practices in SEND from a variety of professional perspectives.

Facilities and Specialist Equipment
• Designated online classroom and learning space.



• Forest School where you can deepen your understanding of the long-term educational benefits of outdoor learning opportunities



• Specialist Early Years and Sensory Centre to support your understanding of how teachers teach and children learn, within early years and SEND contexts



• Multi-media space for webinars and podcasting.



• Designated study space and activity agenda for all Saturday study days



Partnerships and Collaborations
• We have well-established partnerships with more than 500 schools and other associated organisations



• Work-based learners also have a unique opportunity to be a purposeful and active part of the Students’ Union-affiliated Work-based Learning Student Society.



Your Student Experience
• Our Bedford campus is a small, thriving academic community where academic staff get to know you well.



• Support from your own personal tutor, a unit and course coordinator, and the additional support of our experienced library staff, all of whom will help you throughout your student journey and with balancing study with work and personal commitments.



• You attend weekly sessions online that are enhanced and supported by the independent tasks your unit tutors allocate to you.



• The weekly sessions are extended during your Saturday study days, of which there are six across the academic year; these offer a unique mix of group work, tutor-led sessions and cross-course collaboration.



• You can put your learning into practice in your workplace while developing your individual area of interest in SEND.



• You learn skills that prepare you for working in multi-disciplinary education and care teams.



• You build skills to help you communicate effectively with learners, parents/carers, colleagues and other professionals.



• After graduating, you can explore the growing number of careers in SEND, become a SEND specialist or go on to further study to gain Qualified Teacher Status.

Tired of irrelevant modules? At the University of Bedfordshire, all courses are designed with the real world in mind.

From freshers week to after you graduate, you can expect outstanding careers support. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, paramedic, or engineer, you'll benefit from career-relevant teaching from industry experts and academics. Picture careers workshops, industry visits and placement years. That's what awaits at Bedfordshire.

You won't just find your footing in your career. You'll also be encouraged to become a confident, well-rounded individual, fully-equipped to make your mark on the world. That's why Bedfordshire is proud to host an enormous range of societies, where you can explore your passions and meet like-minded people. With Psychology, Swimming, French, Film, Dance, Volleyball and Beer & Conversation among the unique student communities in Bedfordshire, you'll feel right at home!

Register your interest now at the University of Bedfordshire.