MA SEN/ALN (Additional Learning Needs)

The MA SEN/ALN (Additional Learning Needs) course is for those working with children or young people whose development is affected by difficulties in learning or by behaviour.

It will appeal to those who are working in the field of SEN/ALN and learning disabilities, in particular those working in education but also those working in health, such as speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.

The course will encourage greater understanding and a critical appreciation of the trends and developments in SEN/ALN and disability provision across schools and relevant settings.

There is a wide range of modules to choose from, so you can tailor the course to your professional needs. You can choose to study a Postgraduate Certificate; Postgraduate Diploma or the Masters degree.

Please note, due to the high volumes of applications received, we are no longer accepting new applications from international students who wish to start this course in January or February 2023. Applications from students in the UK or EU are still being accepted. For more information, please visit our International website. Any new international applications received for the January/February 2023 intakes will be withdrawn. 

However, International students can apply to study this course from September 2023. Whilst there is no set deadline to apply, we would recommend making an application as soon as possible.

T&C's Apply - Learn more

2023
2024

Study Mode 2023	Duration	Start Date	Campus	Campus Code
Full-time	1 Year	September	Newport City	C
Part-time	3 Years	May	OFF-CAMPUS	V
Part-time	3 Years	September	Newport City	C

Study Mode 2024	Duration	Start Date	Campus	Campus Code
Full-time	1 Year	September	Newport City	C
Part-time	3 Years	May	OFF-CAMPUS	V
Part-time	3 Years	September	Newport City	C

Our SEN/ALN course offers an in-depth focus on contemporary perspectives of SEN/ALN, learning disabilities and inclusive practice together with the opportunity to widen students’ theoretical understanding through research and evaluation within their respective professional roles.

There is a wide range of modules to choose from, providing the opportunity to have a postgraduate course specifically tailored to meet your individual professional needs. You will study the specified module of the MA SEN/ALN (Additional Learning Needs) course – SEN/ALN: Contexts and Concepts – and in common with all of the professional learning programmes, you will study the Research Methodology module.

You will also select two or three additional modules from the Professional Learning Programme. Examples of modules include:

Autistic Spectrum
This explores theory, policy and practice in relation to all aspects of autism

Dyslexia Theory and Assessment and Working with Dyslexia: Linking Theory, Assessment and Practice
Both modules are externally accredited by the British Dyslexia Association at either an approved teacher/practitioner (ATS/APS) level or the associated membership (AMBDA) level. They are ideal for those who are working with children, young people or adults with specific learning difficulties and want a recognised qualification in this field.

Leading and Managing SEN/ALN
Designed for educational practitioners who have or aspire to the role of SENCo./ALNCo. The module is designed to equip students with a better understanding of the theory and practice relating to the varied and challenging skills required of the SENCo/ALNCo. in order to respond to the changing landscape of SEN / ALN.

A full list of modules is available from Amanda Kelland, award leader.

Awards are available at Postgraduate Certificate level (after completion of two taught modules); Postgraduate Diploma level (after completion of four taught modules) and the full MA (after completion of a dissertation).

Teaching

This SEN/ALN course runs on Monday and Tuesday evenings, 5-8pm at Newport City campus.

Assessment

Modules are normally assessed by a written assignment of 5,000 words.

Placements

Those who undertake the SpLD modules, with a view to gaining accreditation from the British Dyslexia Association, will undertake a specialist teaching practice. For other students, there may be opportunities to link with specialist settings on a voluntary basis.

Lecturers

Amanda Kelland, award leader

We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement

At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.

If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.

A good first degree is preferred but experience is greatly valued. Full-time and part-time students choosing modules which have a placement component as part of the assessment process, will need to provide evidence of a current enhanced DBS check (or its equivalent if you are an EU or international student).

Full-time students wishing to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the internship scheme will also need to provide evidence of a current enhanced DBS check (or its equivalent if you are an EU or international student).

The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.

August 2022 - July 2023 Fees

Part-time UK: £1030 per 20 credits

August 2023 - July 2024 Fees

Full-time UK: £9500
Full-time International: £15100
Part-time UK: £1030 per 20 credits

August 2024 - July 2025 Fees

Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: £16000
Part-time UK: TBC

Student Perks

At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.

Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.

Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.

Additional Costs

As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.

* Obligatory

Item	Cost
Teaching practice observations for Advanced Teacher Status (ATS)	£400	Teaching practice observations are not compulsory for MA SEN/ALN. It is possible to undertake an alternative module and do a paper based assessment (module ED4U035).
Additional assessment or memberships: Professional body student fees for AMBDA *	£800	Associate Membership of British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) (British Dyslexia Association)

Funding

Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs

Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).

To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.

USW Postgraduate 20% Alumni Discount 2023/24

The University of South Wales is offering a 20% reduction in tuition fees for all University of South Wales* graduates starting a taught/online*** MA,MSc, LLM,MBA or DBA course from September 2023 (this includes students starting a course in January/February 2024). T's and Cs apply. Click here for more details and eligibility criteria: USW Postgraduate Alumni Discount 2023/24

Apply directly to the University for this SEN/ALN course.

Admissions statement

An Additional Learning Needs qualification demonstrates that you have developed advanced level skills in analysis, evaluation and research.

If you are interested in the possibility of gaining a higher degree by research, your tutors will be pleased to discuss the opportunities at the University of South Wales.

Our Careers and Employability Service

As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.

This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.

Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.