Special Educational Needs (SEN) Degree Guide

Supporting children and young people with special educational needs is one of the most rewarding and vital roles within education and care.

Whether working with learners who have autism, dyslexia, learning disabilities, behavioural challenges, or physical impairments, professionals in this field make a lasting impact on inclusion, achievement, and wellbeing.

If you're passionate about inclusive education and want to pursue a career focused on Special Educational Needs (SEN), this guide will help you understand how to study it in the UK and how similar routes work internationally.

Studying Special Educational Needs (SEN) in the UK

In the UK, Special Educational Needs can be studied through a variety of routes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. SEN is most commonly studied within Education, Childhood Studies, or Psychology degrees, but there are also dedicated SEN pathways, certifications, and teacher training programmes.

Undergraduate Study:

• BA (Hons) Education with Special Educational Needs

• BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with SEN Pathways

• BSc (Hons) Psychology with Education or SEN modules

These degrees combine the study of child development, inclusion, learning theory, and SEN-specific practices. Some may include optional or required placements in SEN schools or inclusive education settings.

Postgraduate Study:

• PGCE (Primary or Secondary) with SEN specialism – leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• PGCert or PGDip in Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCO) – for qualified teachers looking to become SEN specialists

• MA in Special and Inclusive Education – for professionals in education or child support roles seeking advanced knowledge and research skills

Entry Requirements:

• For undergraduate courses: A-levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3 qualifications

• For postgraduate courses: A recognised undergraduate degree (2:2 or above), often with experience in education or SEN settings

• Enhanced DBS check for roles involving direct work with children

Career Opportunities:

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

• SEN Teacher or Teaching Assistant

• Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

• Behaviour Support Specialist

• Educational Psychologist (requires further study)

• Inclusion Officer or SEND Adviser

• Family or Youth Support Worker

Some may work in mainstream schools, special schools, local authorities, or charities supporting disability and education.

Studying SEN and Inclusive Education in Europe

Across Europe, the concept of inclusive education is widely supported, though approaches and terminology vary. Special needs education is usually studied as part of teacher education, educational sciences, pedagogy, or psychology.

General Features:

• Most European countries integrate SEN training into general teacher education or offer it as a master’s-level specialisation.

• Programmes often include courses on inclusive education, learning disabilities, educational psychology, and classroom strategies.

• Many are delivered in the national language, though English-taught programmes are becoming more common.

Examples:

• Ireland: Offers postgraduate qualifications such as the Postgraduate Diploma in SEN and Master of Education (MEd) in Inclusive Education, often aimed at practising teachers.

• Finland: Strong emphasis on inclusive education and early intervention; teachers receive training in SEN as part of their initial education.

• Germany and France: SEN support is often delivered by specially trained teachers through dual pathways in education or psychology.

European countries often have a strong legal framework supporting inclusive education, though terminology and training may differ from the UK.

Studying SEN in Australia

In Australia, special education is a recognised professional specialism. Students can pursue SEN through education, psychology, or social work pathways.

Study Routes:

• Bachelor of Education (Special Education) – an undergraduate degree focused on teaching children with diverse learning needs.

• Master of Special Education – for practising teachers seeking to specialise in inclusion, autism support, behavioural needs, or communication difficulties.

• Postgraduate certificates in disability studies, inclusive education, or specific conditions like ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Courses are recognised by state-based teaching regulatory authorities, such as NESA (New South Wales) or VIT (Victoria), and include practical placements in inclusive schools or special education settings.

Australia places a strong emphasis on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), individual learning plans (ILPs), and evidence-based practices.

Studying SEN in New Zealand

New Zealand has a well-developed framework for inclusive education, with training routes for those wishing to support learners with additional needs.

Programmes Include:

• Bachelor of Teaching with a focus on Inclusive Education

• Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Specialist Teaching – includes endorsements in autism, learning and behaviour, complex needs, or vision/hearing impairments

Regulated by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, these programmes aim to build inclusive classrooms that reflect New Zealand’s bicultural values, particularly in working with Māori and Pasifika learners.

SEN professionals may also work in resource teacher roles (RTLB), government-funded support services, or specialist schools.

Studying SEN in Canada

In Canada, education is provincially governed, but inclusive education is a national priority. SEN is referred to as special education, and training is often integrated into teacher education or pursued through postgraduate qualifications.

Typical Pathways:

• Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary) with courses in special education or inclusive practice

• Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education or Inclusive Education

• Certificates or diplomas in Autism Intervention, Learning Disabilities, or Behavioural Support

Postgraduate qualifications are required for roles such as special education consultant, learning support teacher, or resource teacher. In some provinces, teachers must earn additional qualifications (AQs) to teach special education.

Canadian universities place strong emphasis on differentiated instruction, individual education plans (IEPs), and collaboration with educational psychologists and speech-language pathologists.

Studying SEN in the USA

In the USA, Special Education is a formal and well-developed area of teacher training. Professionals can become special education teachers, intervention specialists, or inclusion coordinators through accredited education programmes.

Training Routes:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education – includes certification to teach students with disabilities (e.g. mild to moderate, severe/profound, emotional disturbance)

• Master of Education (MEd) or Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education

• Licensure is regulated at the state level, often requiring specific exams (e.g. Praxis II) and supervised teaching placements

Teachers in special education often work in inclusive classrooms, resource rooms, or self-contained classrooms depending on student needs and district policies.

There are also training options for specialists in areas such as autism support, gifted education, and assistive technology.

Final Thoughts

A career in Special Educational Needs offers the chance to transform the learning experience for children who face challenges, ensuring they are seen, supported, and empowered. In the UK, SEN can be studied at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with pathways into teaching, therapy, support work, and policy.

Around the world, countries take different approaches to inclusive education. Whether through teacher education, psychology, or specialist support roles, training in SEN is increasingly prioritised as schools and systems work towards greater inclusion.

When choosing where to study, consider:

• Whether you aim to work in teaching, therapy, or support services

• The legal and professional frameworks in your target country

• Opportunities for practical placements or school-based experience

• Recognition of qualifications for professional roles

Wherever you choose to study, a career in SEN is both challenging and rewarding, offering the chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with diverse needs.