Special Educational Needs & Inclusive Practice Foundation Degree FdA

Why choose this course?

Do you work in a school, college, alternative provision or in early years setting? Do you work with children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities, or those with differentiated and/or additional needs up to the age of 25 years?

This two-year foundation degree explores the requirements of the Special Educational Need and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice and considers the voice and needs of the child or young person. You'll study developmental theories, systems to support learning, legislative frameworks that govern practice, multi-professional perspectives and working with families and carers. You'll develop reflective skills to enable you to consider how to improve practice.

This course enables you to combine academic study with work-based learning. It is suitable for those working with children and young people with additional learning needs in a range of settings including early years, primary, secondary, post-compulsory education, Pupil Referral Units, intervention support services and residential settings.

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Where taught Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
Kingston Hill 2 years full time (employment based) X360 2022
2023

Please apply for this course via the UCAS website using the relevant code.

Location Employment based, with some attendance at Kingston Hill
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Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Kingston is No.2 in the UK for Education (Guardian League Tables 2022).
  • You will be able to earn as you learn, combining workplace learning with part-time study at Kingston University.
  • Once you complete this foundation degree, you can take a further year's study and top-up your qualification to a BA (Hons) degree at Kingston University.

What you will study

The course covers personal and professional development, developmental theories, current legislative frameworks governing practice, multi-professional perspectives, and working with children and young people, families and carers.

Year 1

Year 2

In Year 1, you will build on your existing knowledge and experience of working with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and develop your academic writing and research skills.

Core modules

Professional Development through Reflective Practice

30 credits

The content will explore the knowledge and skills required of higher education and will examine the meaning of academic terminology. Students will explore what constitutes reflective practice in a work-based environment and will be encouraged to identify their previous knowledge and experience and to recognise intrinsic and extrinsic influences on their practice. The main features of the module include the introduction of theory and the interface with work-based learning. Students will be supported in recognising their strengths and areas for enhancement enabling them to reflect on their professional development.

Child Protection and Ethical Practices of Working With Children

30 credits

This module introduces students to the legal and ethical requirements for ensuring that all children and young people are protected and make progress in learning and development. Students will examine challenging case studies and will explore strategies for communicating and working effectively with children and young people, their families/carers and other professionals to ensure that their needs are met.

Learning, Teaching and Development in the Field of Special and Inclusive Education

30 credits

This module introduces students to the development of individuals from birth to 25 years. The content explores factors that may affect children and young people's learning and development and how this is effectively monitored and reported. Students will examine theories, legislation and techniques of data gathering and relate these specifically to practice.

Inclusive Practice

30 credits

This module provides an exciting opportunity for students to undertake visits to investigate how inclusion is interpreted in other educational settings. Students will be encouraged to explore and critically examine the principles of inclusion. They will examine the impact of theory and legislation on professional practice and identify strategies to meet the individual needs of children and young people in their educational settings.

In Year 2, you will further your professional practice, knowledge and expertise, learning about international systems, effective communication, leadership and management and conduct your own special project.

Core modules

Effective Communication Skills

30 credits

This module provides students with the opportunity to develop effective communication skills for different audiences and contexts. Students will explore theory underpinning the acquisition of effective communication skills through a variety of written, verbal, visual and auditory media. Students will learn through a range of exciting teaching and learning approaches. The module will enable students to recognise the flexibility required to address different contextual situations and to develop the communication skills necessary to meet the demands of various roles and responsibilities.

 

Special Project

30 credits

The module enables students to extend their professional development in a chosen area of practice within the field of special educational needs and inclusive practice. The module supports students to implement an independent, systematic enquiry in order to critically reflect upon an aspect of pedagogy and/or practice and to initiate changes that may improve the educational experiences of children and young people.

International Systems to Support Learning

30 credits

This module introduces students to international systems that have been designed to support the learning and development of children and young people who have a range of differentiated learning needs. Students have the opportunity to compare and contrast different systems and to critically evaluate their use within the English educational context. Students have the opportunity to visit other settings where the use of internationally developed systems are used. Students will investigate how the systems may be adapted or amended and examine, with other practitioners, their effectiveness in supporting children and young people's learning and development.

Leadership in the Field of Special and Inclusive Education

30 credits

This module offers the students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of leadership theory and how this applies to their professional role in the work place. Students will examine issues relating to personal values and beliefs that may impact upon their ability to lead and support others in the field of special educational needs and inclusive practice. Students will be encouraged to evaluate the methods, strategies and approaches that they use to manage themselves and others.

The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2023

Employment in an appropriate setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for duration of the course. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.

  • A relevant Level 3 qualification (or equivalent)
  • Employment in an appropriate setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for the duration of the course
  • Normally two years' work experience in an appropriate setting

Typical offer 2022

Employment in an appropriate setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for duration of the course. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.

  • A relevant Level 3 qualification (or equivalent)
  • Employment in an appropriate setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for the duration of the course
  • Normally two years' work experience in an appropriate setting

Additional requirements

The selection process involves interview at your chosen college, selection exercises and a current DBS check.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative qualifications or experience that is equivalent to the typical offer.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is offered for those who are unsure of the current value of their qualifications. We actively welcome applications from students from a variety of backgrounds. We are seeking people who wish to enthuse and motivate young children as well as developing further their own knowledge, skills and understanding in young children's care and education.

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking coursework assignments and preparing and giving presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, support you throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University. 

Your workload

Year 1

Year 2

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 1040 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 160 hours
  • Field work: 512 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 600 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 344 hours
  • Field work: 0 hours

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

How you will be assessed

Assessment is coursework based, including presentations, essays, reports, child studies, self-assessment and a special project.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 1
  • Coursework: 100%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 100%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback to you on your assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Students studying at partner colleges will receive their timetable from the respective colleges. Please contact your college for further details regarding your timetable.

Who teaches this course?

This course is taught at Kingston Hill.

Teaching includes lectures, work-based learning activities, tutorials, online learning, workshops and seminars. In addition, you will be supported by a work-based professional advocate.

Course fees and funding

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a ‘Home' (UK) or ‘International' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £6,300*

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

You should be aware that if you progress directly to the BA (Hons) top-up, the fee for the top-up year for home (UK) students is a reduced fee of £7,300. This only applies to foundation degree students from our franchise partners who progress directly from the FdA to the Top-Up. If there is a break between the two courses then the full fee will apply, currently £9,250 for the 2022/23 academic year.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2022/23 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a ‘Home' (UK) or ‘International' student. In 2022/23 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £6,000*
International Year 1 (2022/23): £15,400
Year 2 (2023/24): £15,800

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

You should be aware that if you progress directly to the BA (Hons) top-up, the fee for the top-up year for home (UK) students is a reduced fee of £7,300. This only applies to foundation degree students from our franchise partners who progress directly from the FdA to the Top-Up. If there is a break between the two courses then the full fee will apply, currently £9,250 for the 2022/23 academic year.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies for 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting in 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees; this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston-upon-Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Alternative settings

You may need to pay transport costs to visit alternative settings.

DBS check

The University pays for the processing of the application which is £51 but students are expected to pay a small fee (approximately £7) to the Post Office to get their ID documents verified and £13 per year for subscribing to the Update Service. This subscription allows universities and potential employers to view any changes to students' DBS.

Facilities

The Kingston Hill campus features an outdoor learning environment where trainee teachers lead curriculum-linked natural sciences activities with children. It includes a specially built 'cubby house', outdoor pond, beehive and nature trail. It offers early years students the opportunity to simulate teaching and learning with natural materials.

There are a number of teaching rooms set up to replicate actual classrooms. Each classroom is subject based – such as an art room, science lab – and is equipped with all the relevant facilities you will need to practise your lessons before taking them into school.

Our library (the Nightingale Centre) has an excellent range of teaching resources to help you plan and teach your lessons, such as a range of children's topic books, music and nursery rhymes on CD, as well as artefacts and kits that can be used to illustrate historical periods, different religions, science, mathematics and music.

Facilities

After you graduate

This qualification is valued by employers and is a mark of your professional excellence and expertise, enabling you to develop your career.

Your course will be delivered at your local college. Candidates who successfully complete the foundation degree can take a further year's study and top-up their qualification to a BA (Hons) degree at Kingston University.

Once you have completed your FdA followed by the BA (Hons) top-up, you will be well-placed to pursue postgraduate opportunities. Many students return to Kingston University for postgraduate and continuing professional development studies including Early Years Initial Teacher Training leading to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and masters qualifications such as the MRes at Kingston University, subject to meeting course requirements.

Please note: to progress to EYTS or QTS, you will need GCSE (A*–C or comparable numeric scores under the newly reformed GCSE gradings) in English Language, Maths and Science.

What our students say

The SENIP degree is run by very experienced lecturers that not only bring deep academic knowledge, but a significant amount of experience from a wide range of settings, all of which bring this course to life in a meaningful way. By the end of year two of the SENIP foundation degree, this course enabled me to get a fantastic job as a Learning Mentor, and I use what I have learned on the course practically every day. The combination of weekly lectures that are aligned with the work experience make this the perfect way to study, and I would recommend this course to others."

Diane, Special Educational Needs & Inclusive Practice Foundation Degree FdA

Key information set

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