BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs and Disability (Top-Up) at University of Derby

Programme overview

If you already work or intend to work in a special education needs and disability (SEND) setting and hold a level 5 qualification, this programme allows you to top-up to a full BA (Hons) degree with one or two years of online study. This course will deepen your critical knowledge, skills and application to an understanding of the diverse and inclusive aspect of SEND. An online top-up degree is ideal if you currently juggle work and family commitments.

Department: Education | Duration: Part-time: 1-2 years | Study mode: online (part-time) | Intake: September | Location: Derby, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Stage 1 core modules: Autism: Research and practice, The Inclusive Classroom: Research and practice, Identity, Inclusion and Living with Disability: Research and practice, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties: Research and practice, Dissertation: literature review.

Career pathways

This programme is ideal for anyone currently working, or intending to work with children, young people, or adults with SEND across health, education and social care, or anyone interested in SEND as an academic discipline. It is suitable for those wishing to broaden their skills and career by taking additional qualifications.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You’ll need: 240 credits from a recognised qualification such as a Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma, or equivalent international qualification (consisting of 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5) in a relevant subject area; Alternatively, if you hold other relevant Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications in a relevant subject field, together with significant professional work experience in this field, we may consider your application on an individual basis. In assessing applications, we look for evidence that applicants are academically prepared to succeed at Level 6 study.; If you do not quite meet the entry criteria, we may be able to offer you a place on a 20-credit bridging module called Certificate of Credit in Preparing to Study at Level 6 (Education, Childhood and SEND) to support your progression onto this Top Up degree.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,730 for the whole programme (2026/27). Total course fee for online study; same fee for UK/EU/international students Source

International applicants: GBP 5,730 for the whole programme (2026/27). Total course fee for online study; same fee for UK/EU/international students Source

Intake: September

Duration: Part-time: 1-2 years

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