Fd Childhood, Youth & Special Educational Needs at Canterbury Christ Church University

Programme overview

Advance your career in childhood education with our two-year Childhood, Youth & Special Educational Needs Foundation Degree. Designed for professionals already working or volunteering in education, childcare, or support roles, this flexible Level 5 course will allow you to study alongside your current job role. This interdisciplinary-focused course is perfect for those who are looking to upskill and specialise in special educational needs (SEN) across early years, schools, or youth services.

Faculty: School of Social Work, Education, and Teacher Education | Department: Teaching, Education and Childhood | Duration: 2 years (Full-time) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: September 2026, September 2027 | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Explore neurodiversity, autism, and how to adopt inclusive teaching approaches to support diverse learners. Critically analyse education policy and its real-world impact on children with SEN and their families. Core modules include Year 1: Introduction to Childhood, Youth & Academic Practices, SEND and Neurodiversity, Theories of Development in Children and Young People, Communication, Language and Dialogue, Student Success Modules; Year 2: Creating Safe Learning Environments, The Interdisciplinary Professional, Representations of Children, Childhood & Youth in the Media, Knowledge without Borders, Researching with Children and Young People.

Career pathways

This course is designed to support your career progression within the childhood and education sectors. As an employment-based Foundation 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

A-Level or level 3 course in a related field. Applicants are required to hold a qualification at A level (or an equivalent level 3 qualification). HLTA status may also be accepted as a level 3 equivalent qualification. If you do not meet the level 3 entry requirements, but have the appropriate work experience, you may be offered an opportunity to join the course, subject to the agreement of your employer. In this case, you will be required to take and pass the Academic Skills short course prior to starting, for which there is a charge. 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 8,705 a year (2026/27). Full-time annual tuition fee (UK) Source

International applicants: GBP 14,585 a year (2026/27). Full-time annual tuition fee (overseas) Source

Intake: September 2026, September 2027

Duration: 2 years (Full-time)

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