MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BA Hons Education, Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (Placement)
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Gloucestershire's BA (Hons) Education, Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (with Placement Year) is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical experience necessary to create inclusive learning environments and pursue rewarding careers in education and related fields. This four-year full-time program (including a placement year) allows students to delve into contemporary issues in inclusion and special educational needs (SEN), exploring a wide range of specific needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), attachment difficulties, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mental health conditions, and dyslexia. The program fosters the development of personal values and philosophies concerning inclusion, encouraging critical debate on both the opportunities and challenges within the field. It's worth noting that the university's education courses have been recognized for their strong graduate prospects, ranking in the top 20 in the UK in this regard according to the Complete University Guide 2025.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of education in a broad sense, while allowing for specialization in inclusion and SEN. Early in the program, students typically study foundational modules like "What is Education?", "Education Policy," "Introduction to Psychology in Contexts," "Human Development," and "An Introduction to Working in Education." A key module focusing on inclusion is "Inclusion in Contexts," which helps students understand the concept of inclusion and exclusion and encourages them to consider vulnerability in its various forms. As the course progresses, students will delve into more specialized areas, including "Introduction to Researching Education," "Social and Emotional Development in Education," "Overcoming Barriers to Progress," and "Creating Inclusive Environments." These modules will equip students with the skills to critically analyze existing research, plan their own small research projects, and understand how to support learners with diverse needs. The program also emphasizes a global perspective, and a module such as "Education in an Ethnically Diverse Society" is likely to be included. A crucial element of the program is the "Education Studies placement year (ES5111)," providing a significant opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in an educational setting. The final year often includes a "Dissertation (ES6001)" where students conduct in-depth research on a topic of their interest, and a module like "Working in Inclusive Environments (ES6100)". There may also be optional modules that allow students to explore related fields, such as Psychology, Early Childhood Studies, English, Sociology, and Social Work, allowing for further personalization of their studies.
Research Focus: The program encourages students to engage with research in education, understanding its role and purpose. Through modules like "Introduction to Researching Education," students develop skills in critically evaluating existing research and planning their own research projects. While the undergraduate program's primary focus is on developing practical skills and knowledge for working in the field, it lays a foundation for understanding research methodologies and their application in educational contexts. For those with a deeper interest in research, the university also offers a Master's in Inclusive Education, which involves a more in-depth interrogation of the concept of inclusion within the context of SEN and wider inclusion groups. This postgraduate program emphasizes critically engaging with recent research and relevant literature in inclusive education.
Industry Engagement: A key strength of this program is its significant emphasis on industry engagement, particularly through the placement year. The University of Gloucestershire has extensive links with over 400 schools and other educational providers in Gloucestershire and beyond. This network provides students with opportunities to undertake a substantial work placement as part of their degree, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. These placements are designed to enhance employability by providing valuable practical experience and allowing students to develop skills in areas like skills auditing, target setting, and reflective practice. Beyond schools, students may also find placements or volunteering opportunities in a variety of settings such as children's centres, assessment centres, further education colleges, EAL/EFL/ESOL contexts, youth centres, and pastoral support 1 organizations. This diverse range of potential placements allows students to explore different career paths within the field of inclusion and special education.
Global Perspective: The program incorporates a global perspective on education, inclusion, and special educational needs. Students are encouraged to consider global issues such as climate change, inequality, migration, changing societies, and disability, and to analyze the role of education in these contexts. While the core of the program is rooted in the UK educational system, there may be opportunities to explore international practices and policies in inclusion. The university as a whole has a commitment to providing global opportunities, with students across various programs undertaking international placements and field trips to destinations around the world. While the specific BA (Hons) Education, Inclusion and Special Educational Needs program description might not explicitly detail a study abroad option, the university's wider commitment to global engagement suggests that there might be opportunities for students to gain an international perspective during their studies or placement year.
Location
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates of the University of Gloucestershire's BA (Hons) Education, Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (with Placement Year) are well-positioned for a variety of rewarding careers. The program's comprehensive curriculum and integrated placement experience provide graduates with the skills and knowledge highly valued in roles that support diverse learners and promote inclusive practices.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher: Graduates can pursue a career as an SEN Teacher in mainstream or special schools after completing a relevant postgraduate teaching qualification like a PGCE. Their in-depth understanding of various learning needs, such as ASD, ADHD, and dyslexia, prepares them for this specialized teaching role.
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo): With additional experience and a postgraduate qualification, graduates can aspire to become a SENCo within a school, leading and managing the provision for students with special educational needs.
Learning Support Assistant/Teaching Assistant: Providing in-classroom support to individual students or small groups with a range of learning needs, assisting with their academic and personal development.
Inclusion Support Officer: Working within local authorities or educational support services to provide advice and support to schools and families on inclusion and SEN best practices.
Family Support Worker: Supporting families facing challenges, including those with children who have special educational needs, by providing practical assistance, emotional support, and information about available resources.
Youth Worker: Working with young people in a variety of settings, including youth clubs and community centers, providing guidance and support, including for those with additional needs.
Disability Support Officer: Working for organizations that advocate for and support people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to education, employment, and other opportunities.
Community Education Officer: Developing and delivering educational programs and activities for diverse groups within the community, potentially including programs specifically designed for individuals with special educational needs.
Charity Worker: Many charities focus on supporting children and young people with disabilities or special educational needs. Graduates can contribute to these organizations in various roles, such as project management, support, or advocacy.
Further Study and Specialized Roles: The strong academic foundation and research skills gained during the degree, particularly from the placement year, prepare graduates for further postgraduate study in areas like Educational Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, or Inclusive Education, leading to more specialized and advanced roles in the field.
