Special Educational Needs and Disability

This course will prepare you for a broad range of roles where you can improve the life experiences of individuals with special learning needs. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of all aspects of SEND, harnessing the latest research to stimulate your thinking and challenge your ideas. You will also have the opportunity to undertake work placements in the areas of education, health, or social care to develop your practical, professional, and intellectual skills within real-world environments.

Education at Derby has been ranked 2nd for teaching (National Student Survey 2025) and Top 5 for student voice (National Student Survey 2025).

Our distinctive degree paves the way to some of the most rewarding, inspiring and satisfying careers of all – working in special educational needs and disability support:


• Prepare for roles where you can make a genuine difference – from family liaison and inclusion support to teaching assistance and mentoring



• Build an in-depth understanding of the theories, factors and contexts for special educational needs and disability (SEND)



• Undertake work placements to develop your practical, professional and intellectual skills



• Learn from experts in the fields of education, health, psychology and social work to gain real insights into professional life



• Chart your future direction at a university with a strong track record for employability



• If you already have a Foundation degree then and wish to top it up to a full BA (Hons) then you can do so by applying directly to the university

Based solely on more than 24,000 student reviews, we were named Uni Compare's University of the Year 2027, and voted 1st in the UK for employability and 2nd in the UK for course quality. Not only that, but 97% of students would recommend the University of Derby*, which we can offer you industry-relevant teaching, state-of-the-art study spaces, multi-award-winning accommodation, and a welcoming, inclusive community.

*Uni Compare 2027