BA (Hons) Education, Special Educational Needs, and Inclusion with a Year Abroad
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- X61A
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Education is a vital part of our lives and can help us understand the world around us. As such, it’s deeply important that education is inclusive, and that we can support learning for all. On UEA’s Education, Special Educational Needs, and Inclusion course, you’ll explore inclusive education through a range of lenses, including issues of disability, globalisation, equality, race, gender, language needs, and much more.
You’ll be taught by leading experts and practitioners, gaining the knowledge and skills you’ll need to ensure education is available for everyone. You will have sessions from experts in sociology, psychology, philosophy, art, media studies, and many other fields.
You’ll be able to shape the course to follow your own interests across a range of specialisations. You’ll explore art and creativity, the human brain, nature and outdoor learning, AI and digital technology, and so much more.
At our vibrant campus in the heart of Norwich, you’ll be able to take advantage of our facilities and links to the local area. Gain experience through practical placements, explore the stunning landscape of Norfolk, learn from museums and galleries like the Sainsbury Centre, and hear from local practitioners.
You’ll be supported towards a wide range of career pathways, focusing on careers and further study exploring issues of inclusivity, disability, and Special Educational Needs. This includes pathways of counselling, SEND teaching, therapy, educational psychology, and other roles supporting Special Educational Needs and inclusivity more broadly in a range of contexts and settings.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll spend your third year abroad at one of our partner universities across the globe before returning to UEA to finish your course. During your time abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about education in a whole new cultural and academic setting. This is particularly useful for your special education needs and inclusion course as you’ll be exposed to learning and studying in a new context, exploring issues of education practice and theory from international experts.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
At the beginning of your degree, you'll be learning the key ideas and issues in education to build a strong foundation. You’ll study education from different angles like sociology, psychology, history, and philosophy, which will help you understand how education works in today's society. You'll also look at real-life examples to see how education is different around the world and how technology is changing things.
You’ll also learn useful study skills, like learning reflections and academic writing.
In the first year, everyone on our different Education BA course titles studies the same subjects. Because of this, after your first year you’ll have the option to switch to one of these courses:
- BA Education
- BA Education, Learning and Teaching
- BA Education, Childhood and Culture
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn in a variety of environments, from large lecture groups to smaller seminar groups. You’ll be given independent and group-based work to support teaching of key issues. In many sessions you’ll draw on your own educational experiences. In the first year, you’ll be taught skills such as academic reading, note-taking and academic writing.
Alongside your taught sessions, you’ll work both independently and with your peers in groups. You’ll also develop the skills to find readings on your own, helping you to expand your teaching portfolio.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a range of course-based assignments, from more traditional methods like essays and presentations to creative methods which will help you build your repertoire.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll study how to make education accessible, how psychology fits into education, and how to research topics in education. You’ll learn how to study effectively, and you’ll be able to get some hands-on experience.
You'll also be able to choose from a range of elective subjects, such as developmental stages, outdoor learning, languages, and a range of other important topics.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll continue to learn in a variety of settings. You’ll build upon key skills introduced in Year One, including team-work and communication, academic reading and writing skills, higher order thinking (critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation) and linking theory and practice.
We’ll help you to develop transferable skills that will ease your path into future work settings. You’ll grow your independent learning skills, use independent and collaborative learning strategies and conduct small-scale, informal investigations.
Assessment
You’ll continue to be assessed in much the same way as your first year, with a range of coursework-based assignments from essays to creative projects.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner universities across the globe. What you study will depend on what’s offered at your host university, but you’ll be certain to experience novel approaches to inclusivity in education in a global context.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
During your year abroad, you’ll learn from a whole new range of experts in your field, allowing you to further widen your understanding to teaching people from all backgrounds. Studying in another cultural context will give you a better perspective on how educational needs and approaches differ across cultures.
Assessment
During your year abroad, you’ll be assessed by the lecturers and instructors at our partner university, exposing you to a new set of teaching and assessment techniques.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll learn how to teach English as a second language, exploring the theories and practices behind the inclusive teaching of language. You’ll also complete a research-based dissertation module where you pick a topic to explore under the supervision of a lecturer.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll continue to learn in larger lecture groups and small seminar groups. Additionally, during your final year you’ll complete an independent research project, improving your independent study skills and letting you organise, design, conduct, and communicate your own research within the exciting field of education.
Assessment
Your final year assessment will continue as it has in previous years, with the addition of your dissertation research project. For this longer project, you’ll work closely with a supervisor who will provide you with formative feedback throughout the process.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
Contextual: BCC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Education and Early Years, or Science
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AABBB
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
NCFE/CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma
Grade B or above in the following subjects:
- Children's Care, Learning and Development
- Children's and Young People's Workforce
- Health and Social Care
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
BBB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate as a skilled and confident advocate for education, with a key focus on inclusivity, SEND, and disability. This will give you a strong foundation for further studies or careers related to inclusivity in education. You may wish to pursue careers such as teaching or public sector work and advocacy.
You’ll also graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to progress to postgraduate courses such as a PGCE primary school teaching.
Beyond teaching, you could go on to work in a range of sectors, including educational management and administration, youth, community or charity work, social work, occupational therapy, museum and gallery education.
Or you could continue your studies and research, undertaking other postgraduate courses, including Master’s degrees such as MA in Education, MA in Social Work, MRes in Social Sciences, or MSc in Occupational Therapy.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- SEN teacher
- Counselling
- Governmental work and public advocacy
- Public Policy Development
- Charity Commission
- Disability and Inclusion Advisor
Discover more on our Careers webpages.