Primary and SEND Education with QTS BA (Hons)

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Become a primary school teacher. Develop skills for working with pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Be the teacher they remember all their lives.

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Overview

The BA (Hons) Primary and SEND Education allows you to specialise in supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities within a mainstream school, special school, or in an alternative provision.

You'll receive the same training and skills as our other teacher training courses, but with a focus which ensures you have the opportunity to develop further strategies for working with pupils with special needs such as autistic spectrum conditions, learning difficulties, and complex learning needs and disabilities.

The course includes specific SEND modules alongside opportunities to undertake placements in special schools, SEND units and/or resourced provision, where you'll gain hands-on experience and prepare yourself for a successful career in teaching.

Why us?

Our Education courses are in the top 50 in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2025)
We have a dedicated placement officer for SEND, ensuring you'll receive all the support you need to find your perfect placement
All qualified teachers will have a starting salary of at least £31,650, and this will be higher for teachers working in London
Our teacher training courses are internationally recognised and respected, opening up opportunities for potential careers abroad

Our strong links with placement providers all over the North East and Yorkshire mean that you can carry out your placement in a location that's convenient for you
A small cohort allows you to form key relationships with your fellow students and staff more easily, enhancing your learning and development within SEND
Our Education courses are in the UK top 50 for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)

Course structure

This SEND course is taught via lectures, seminars, group work, computer-based learning and independent learning.

In-school training is an important part of this course. During that time, you will benefit from practical learning and be supported by school-based trainers, University tutors and your peers.

Your progress will be assessed with written assignments, posters, presentations and computer-based assessments (including podcasts and vodcasts). Throughout the degree you'll have one-to-one support from academic staff.

Course modules

Year 1 (national level 4):

Core Curriculum Learning in a Primary Context 1 (30 credits)

This module will help you develop an understanding of core curriculum subjects in key stages 1 and 2 of the national curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage framework in literacy, mathematics, and scientific aspects of understanding of the world. You’ll gain knowledge of approaches to phonics and early reading, and pedagogical approaches to support effective teaching and learning in a primary classroom. You’ll then begin to devise lesson plans to demonstrate this knowledge. The module will have a strong focus on subject knowledge development, providing you with a basis on which to build throughout the course.

Wider Curriculum Learning in a Primary Context (30 credits)

In this module, you’ll be introduced to the content of the wider curriculum subject areas taught within the Early Years Foundation Stage and the primary national curriculum. The main focus will on the key concepts within each subject to develop your subject knowledge and confidence with delivering associated teaching. You’ll begin to identify and develop your understanding of some pedagogical and planning approaches and you’ll investigate the benefit of educational visits and learning outside the classroom.

Professional and Academic Learning in Primary Education 1 (30 credits)

This module will introduce you to the role of a professional teacher and key legislation, educational policies, and expectations. Sessions relating to safeguarding and Prevent and British Values, alongside child development, learning, theory, behaviour management, and SEND, will form part of the module, which will be considered in the early years and primary contexts. You’ll consider current curriculum models and plan for teaching and learning while thinking about how the two are linked. The module content will also support preparation for your placement module.

Preparing for Professional Practice in Primary/SEND Contexts (30 credits)

You’ll begin to develop purposeful integration between subject knowledge, pedagogical, and theoretical knowledge in this module, taught both in university sessions and in practical experiences in educational settings. You’ll learn the role, responsibilities, and requirements of the professional teacher across various settings including early years, key stages 1 and 2, and SEND contexts. You’ll also gain an introduction to SEND legislation and a range of learning needs.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Core Curriculum Learning in Primary and SEND Contexts 1 (30 credits)

This module will build on the knowledge gained in year 1, where you’ll continue to develop awareness of the core curriculum subjects in key stages 1 and 2 of the national curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage Framework in literacy, mathematics, and scientific aspects of understanding of the world. You’ll learn how the curriculums are taught and adapted within SEND contexts and take the four broad areas of special educational needs into account. You’ll also gain further knowledge of approaches to phonics and early reading. This will all help you develop an understanding of how to support effective teaching and learning in primary and SEND classrooms. You’ll begin to create your own lesson plans and learn how to meet the needs of all pupils.

Wider Curriculum and SEND Specialism in Primary and SEND Contexts 1 (30 credits)

In this module, you’ll further develop your subject knowledge in the foundation subjects within mainstream and SEND contexts. You’ll identify, refine, and develop understanding of pedagogical approaches, adaptive teaching, planning, and assessment strategies. You’ll also be guided to utilise research in the field, Ofsted, and Government documentation. You’ll continue to develop your knowledge of key SEND legislation, policies, and guidance, and different curriculum models to support learners with SEND and how these are applied in different contexts. Specific SEND needs and how knowledge of associated barriers to learning and individual strengths can be utilised to inform pedagogy will also be examined.

Professional and Academic Learning in Primary Education 2 (30 credits)

Building on the learning undertaken in year 1, you’ll explore significant barriers to learning within a primary context whilst supporting the development of planning, assessment, and how to provide challenge for all pupils. This links with the opportunities to observe, plan, and deliver interventions during the Emerging Professional Practice module. The module will also give you the opportunity to reflect upon professional development and the professional responsibilities of the teacher. You’ll also continue to develop your skills in academic reading and writing.

Emerging Professional Practice in a SEND Context (30 credits)

This module will give you the chance to continue to develop purposeful integration between subject knowledge, pedagogical, and theoretical knowledge, taught both in university sessions and in practical experiences in educational settings. The module builds on the experiences undertaken in the Preparing for Professional Practice module, and you’ll continue to gain an understanding of the role, responsibilities, and requirements of the professional teacher, allowing you to put this into practice.

Year 3 (national level 6):

Core Curriculum Learning in Primary and SEND Contexts 2 (30 credits)

In this module, you’ll build on the knowledge and skills developed in the earlier Core Curriculum Learning modules, demonstrating secure knowledge of these subjects in key stages 1 and 2 of the national curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. You’ll continue to learn about how curriculums are adapted within a range of SEND contexts and take the four broad areas of SEND into account. You’ll also demonstrate your knowledge of approaches to phonics and early reading. As well as this, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of formative and summative assessment strategies to support effective teaching and learning across core curriculum areas, analysing pupil data to identify next steps of learning to support their progress. This will show your ability to develop sequences of learning which address misconceptions and gaps in learning.

Wider Curriculum and SEND Specialism in Primary and SEND Contexts 2 (30 credits)

This module will give you the opportunity to apply your subject knowledge, including distinct disciplinary knowledge, in the foundation subjects within mainstream and SEND contexts. You’ll consolidate knowledge of how themes can be developed, how key concepts can be reinforced, and how pupils can be encouraged to demonstrate subject specific disciplinary knowledge. You’ll be given the chance to deepen your understanding of how purposeful assessment can be used to ensure pupils’ progress and can apply this knowledge to the Professional Practice module. You’ll build on the SEND specialism taught in the Wider Curriculum module, consolidating your understanding of key SEND legislation, policy, and guidance, and how these link to practice and support an inclusive ethos in different SEND contexts. You’ll also consolidate knowledge of how evidence-based practice and understanding of individual needs can be used to inform decision-making in relation to pedagogical approaches and classroom adaptations.

Professional and Academic Learning in Primary Education 3 (30 credits)

Building on the learning undertaken in the Professional and Academic Learning module, this module will focus on assessment and its place within the primary curriculum. This links with the opportunities to plan, assess, and track pupil progress during the Professional Practice module, identifying next steps in pupils’ learning. The module will also provide insight into employability and share good practice between partnership school leaders. You’ll develop and reflect upon professional development and the professional responsibilities of the teacher.

Professional Practice in Primary/SEND Contexts (30 credits)

This module will give you the opportunity to consolidate purposeful integration between subject knowledge, pedagogical, and theoretical knowledge, taught both in university sessions and practical experiences in educational settings. The module builds on the Emerging Professional Practice module and further develops and consolidates the understanding of the role, responsibilities, and requirements of the professional teacher, allowing you to put this into practice.

More about BA (Hons) Primary and SEND Education with QTS at Sunderland

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You can access free Wi-Fi throughout the University campus, so you can work from anywhere. If you don't want to carry a laptop around, just use one of the University’s PCs or Macs. We have hundreds of computers for you to use in the Murray Library, St Peter's Library, and the David Goldman Informatics Centre. If you ever have any technical problems, just ask the friendly helpdesk team.
IT provision
University library services will be central to your study experience and are delivered at our two libraries on campus, as well as online. Our libraries offer a variety of study environments to meet your needs, including areas for groupwork, individual and silent study. You’ll also have access to desktop PCs, space to use your own mobile technology and printing facilities.

The library works closely with academic staff within each faculty to offer specialist, industry standard resources in your subject discipline. The Faculty of Education provides thousands of relevant books and e-books, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. You’ll also have access to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals which are always kept up to date, including the EBSCO Professional Development Collection, Community Care Inform, JSTOR and many more.

To find out more information, visit our University Library website.
Library Services - education
Map and directions

Facilities

You'll be based at the recently refurbished Wearside View, situated on the award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. This stunning riverside location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade - SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement	GPA 3.0 or above and:
	Sat score of 1250/1600 from SATs
	AP (Grades 3+ in at least 3 subjects)
	ACT (score of 30+)

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.

You must have a grade C or above in mathematics, science, and English language, or equivalent qualifications. If you've studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above. We'll only accept GCSE equivalencies from equivalencytesting.com.

Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you in studying with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you are eligible.

In addition to academic qualifications, you must also:

Have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Complete a medical pro forma (based on DFEE Circular 8/92).

Your numeracy and literacy competency will be assessed continuously throughout the course following the DfE’s removal of the Professional Skills Test.

If English isn't your first language, you'll also need International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at a score of 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no other element lower than 6.0.

You'll be assessed on your potential to learn and not your experience.

All successful applicants will be invited to an interview. Interviews start in early November, so we recommend that you apply as soon as UCAS opens in October.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

The annual, full-time fee for this course is:

£9,535 if you are from the UK*/Europe
£16,500 if you are an international student

*Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Read more about EU fees and funding in our Help and Advice article.

If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces, then the Ministry of Defence's ELCAS scheme may be able to help cover your funding for this course. Read more about funding for armed forces personnel.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's by night

Career ready

Good teachers are always in high demand, so it's likely you'll find a job upon graduation. All qualified teachers will have a starting salary of at least £31,650, and this will be higher for teachers working in London. The amount you earn will then increase until you reach the top end of your pay scale, after which you can choose to progress into more senior roles, such as leading practitioner or head teacher.

The teachers’ pension scheme is also one of the most generous public sector pension schemes in the UK, one of the few guaranteed by the Government.

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

This SEND degree awards Qualified Teacher Status, which means that when you graduate you’ll be qualified to teach in any state-maintained primary school in England. Most graduates from this course go on to teach in mainstream schools, special schools or in alternative provision. Some graduates choose to move to a special school or alternative provision once they have had some teaching experience and the opportunity to gain experience teaching pupils with SEND.

SENCO

You may want to consider becoming a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). SENCOs are a key part of the school workforce and play a fundamental role in supporting children and young people with SEND. To become a SENCO, you will need to complete the National Award in Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO) in addition to your teaching qualification, within three years of taking up a SENCO post.

Work placements

Teaching placements are an essential part of this degree. You'll spend time in schools during each year of this three-year course, gaining a true understanding of what being a primary school teacher involves, and using your new skills and knowledge. When you’re ready to start searching for a teaching job, you'll already have valuable first-hand teaching experience, as well as a wide network of professional contacts who can help you find the right career opportunities.

With support from our dedicated placement officer for SEND, specialising in this area on placement will help you tailor your teaching styles to meet the different needs of pupils by exploring the potential barriers to their learning.

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Education and Society.

Page last updated: 03 December 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.