BA (Hons) Childhood, Youth & Special Educational Needs top-up at Canterbury Christ Church University

Programme overview

Build on your existing expertise with our one-year Childhood, Youth & Special Educational Needs BA (Hons) Top-up degree. Ideal for those who have undertaken the equivalent Foundation Degree and are already working in early years, schools, youth services, or family support, this level 6 qualification will enhance your knowledge, leadership skills, and career potential. This course is perfect for you if you want to continue working alongside your studies.

Faculty: School of Social Work, Education, and Teacher Education | Department: Teaching, Education and Childhood | Duration: 1 year (Full-time) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: September 2026, September 2027 | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Lead inclusive projects that drive meaningful change for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN). Evaluate complex policy, research, and practice in childhood education through a critical, professional lens. Core modules include Building and Leveraging Partnerships in SEN, Imagining Futures: Sustainability and the Childhood Revolution, Influencing Positive Change, Ethical Research with Children and Young People, Independent Research Project.

Career pathways

This course is designed to support your career progression within the childhood and education sectors. As an employment-based degree, it enhances your professional knowledge and confidence, helping you take on new responsibilities in your current role or move into new areas of practice.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

240 level 4 and 5 credits. You are required to hold 240 credits of advanced standing (usually a Foundation Degree or similar; for example, a diploma of higher education or other accumulated credits at levels 4 and 5) in a related area and within five years of completion. Some Level 5 specialist apprenticeships will be considered. In order to study the SEN specialism at Level 6/BA Hons level, you will need to have been awarded relevant specialist credits at levels 4 and 5. GCSE English grade 4. If you do not have GCSE English Language or Literature grade C/4 then you will be required to complete an equivalency test. Please note that Functional Skills qualifications are not accepted as an alternative to GCSEs. For those intending to continue into teacher training, you are also advised to make yourself aware of the GCSE entry requirements for this career route, as mandated by the Department for Education. Placement in a setting working with children and/or young people. You must be employed (paid or voluntary) in a role working with children and/or young people for at least 15 hours per week throughout the course. This does not have to be in a specialist setting.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time annual tuition fee (UK) Source

International applicants: GBP 17,000 a year (2026/27). Full-time annual tuition fee (overseas) Source

Intake: September 2026, September 2027

Duration: 1 year (Full-time)

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