University of Hull

What you'll study

This programme combines core education studies with specialist modules on special educational needs, disability and inclusive practice. You will explore theories of learning and development, policy and legislation, assessment and differentiation, communication and behaviour support, and collaborative working across health, education and social care.

Typical module themes include:

• Foundations of Education: perspectives on learning, development across the early years and childhood, and sociological and psychological approaches.
• SEND Policy and Law: national and international frameworks, rights-based approaches, and the implementation of education, health and care plans (EHCPs).
• Inclusive Pedagogy and Curriculum Adaptation: strategies for differentiation, universal design for learning, assistive technologies and curriculum access.
• Assessment, Observation and Evidence: formative and summative assessment for pupils with additional needs, progress monitoring and outcome-focused planning.
• Communication and Interaction: supporting speech, language and communication needs, multisensory approaches and augmentative communication systems.
• Bespoke Intervention and Behaviour Support: positive behaviour support, trauma-informed practice and personalised interventions.
• Research Methods and a Final Project: applied research skills leading to an extended piece of independent study or dissertation related to SEND and inclusion.
• Work-based Learning / Placements: supervised placements in schools, specialist settings or community services to apply theory to practice and develop professional skills.

The degree typically mixes lectures, seminars, practical workshops and assessed placement work. Assessment methods include essays, project reports, portfolios, presentations and placement evaluations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a secondary school qualification profile such as A-levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification (for example BTEC National Diploma) at an appropriate standard, or an Access to Higher Education Certificate. Typical degree-course routes accept a range of qualifications and consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. Mature applicants and those with relevant work or voluntary experience in education, health or social care are encouraged to apply.

GCSE or equivalent in English and mathematics at a grade C/4 or above is usually required. Candidates will also need to meet any professional suitability checks required for placement, such as an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and health/fitness to practise declaration.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a wide range of roles supporting children and young people with additional needs. Common career paths include:

• Teaching assistants and higher-level teaching assistants in mainstream and specialist schools
• Learning support practitioners and specialist support workers in education and community settings
• SEND coordinator or inclusion support roles (subject to experience and additional qualification)
• Roles in educational charities, youth services, and local authority SEND teams
• Progression to postgraduate study such as PGCE (with appropriate subject/route), specialist postgraduate SEND qualifications, social work or educational psychology pathways
• Advocacy, family support and community outreach positions working with children, young people and families

The course emphasises employability skills—communication, multiagency working, assessment and reflective practice—and placements give direct workplace experience valued by employers.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull offers applied, research-informed teaching in education with strong links to local schools, specialist settings and community services across the region. Students benefit from experienced academic staff with expertise in inclusion and SEND, supportive placement coordination and accessible campus-based facilities for study and practical training.

Hull’s smaller cohort sizes in professional programmes support personalised guidance, while careers and employability services help you plan routes into practice or further study. The programme's emphasis on real-world placements and interprofessional collaboration prepares graduates to work effectively across education, health and social care contexts.