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Study around work commitments. Advance your own skills as a leader and reflect on how to develop the teams you work with. Enhance your teaching and learning for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities.
On completion of this qualification you will have qualified SENCO Status and the understanding to meet the requirements of this pivotal role in school provision. All SENCOs must have this qualification within three years of accepting the role so it is ideal for both new and aspiring SENCOs.
The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (DfE, 2014) requires governing bodies of maintained mainstream schools and the proprietors of academy schools (including free schools) to ensure that there is a qualified teacher designated as Special Educational Needs (SEN) co-ordinator (SENCO) for the school. Where a SENCO appointed after 1 September 2008 has not previously been the SENCO at that or any other relevant school for a total period of more than 12 months, they must achieve the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination within three years of appointment.
The PgCert NASENCO course is for professionals who have an interest in meeting the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
The SENCO course has been designed to fit around work commitments and is taught via distance learning under the guidance and support of the Programme Leader and Module Leaders.
You will be assessed with a portfolio of practice evidence to demonstrate your achievement of the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination learning outcomes. There are a range of assessments including a small scale practitioner enquiry and a critical incident which will support you in developing your practice using reflection and evidence-based research.
This course is made up of two 30-credit modules, both of which are at national level 7 (master's). When you graduate you will have a Postgraduate Certificate in either:
Are you thinking of becoming a special needs teacher? Here we’re exploring all about what Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) means in an educational context, including what you need to become a special needs teacher or Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).
Learn all about what it's like to become a SEND teacher
Online distance learning is a flexible way of taking a course without the need to attend traditional lectures at a college or university, with all of the course material being delivered online. Distance learners studying with the University of Sunderland benefit from lectures and support delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment, which is accessible from anywhere in the world.
Learn more about distance learning
Our typical offer is:
| Qualification | Minimum grade |
|---|---|
| a Canadian bachelor's degree | GPA 2.40 |
| a USA bachelor's degree | GPA 2.5 |
If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.
If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.
If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.
If you have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS), you'll qualify to be SENCO for all children and young people.
If you have Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYTS) or Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), you'll qualify to be SENCO for children 0-5 years.
Please note, along with your application form, you must upload the following documents:
Applicants from Ireland will need to have Qualified Teacher Status as recognised in England.
Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
All maintained mainstream schools, academies and free schools must have a qualified teacher who is designated as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator for the school. As a SENCO, you will provide leadership and professional guidance to your colleagues and the school.
As a SENCO in a mainstream school, you are legally required to gain a National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination within three years of taking the post. This course meets that legal requirement. It delivers the learning outcomes required by the National College of Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) for the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination.