SEN/ALN (Additional Learning Needs)
Encouraging greater understanding and a critical appreciation of the trends and developments in SEN/ALN and disability provision across schools and relevant settings.
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Key Course Details
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Start Date
September
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Location
Newport
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Campus Code
C
Fees
Home students
£10,800*
International students
£16,900*
- Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits.
-
Start Date
September
-
Location
Newport
-
Campus Code
C
Fees
Home students
£1,200*
- Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits.
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.
DESIGNED FOR
Those working in education but also those working in health, such as speech and language therapists and occupational therapists..
Career Paths
- Speech and Language Therapist
- Education
- Health Service
- Occupational Therapist
Skills taught
- Evaluation
- Research
- Analysis
- Project planning and communication
- Creative problem solving
Module Overview
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.
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.
Course Highlights
How you’ll learn
This SEN/ALN course runs on Monday and Tuesday evenings, 5-8pm at Newport City campus.
Modules are normally assessed by a written assignment of 5,000 words.
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Teaching staff
- Amanda Kelland, award leader
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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.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Typical qualification requirements:
A good first degree is preferred but experience is greatly valued.
Additional requirements include:
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).
International applications welcomed:
We welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications of our entry requirements. For more details related to your country of residence, please view our dedicated country pages.
English language requirements
International applicants will need to have achieved an overall of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component/TOEFL 72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing or equivalent.
Equivalents can be located on our English Language pages.
If you have previously studied through the medium of English, IELTS might not be required, please visit our country specific page for further details. If your country is not featured, please contact us.
If you do not meet the English entry criteria, please visit our Pre-Sessional course pages.
Contextual offers
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (where you live and the school or college that you attended, for example), your experiences and individual circumstances (as a care leaver, for example). This is referred to as a contextual offer, and we receive data from UCAS to support us in making these decisions.
USW prides itself on its student experience and we support our students to achieve their goals and become a successful graduate. This approach helps us to support students who have the potential to succeed and who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university.
We're here to help
Whether you a have a question about your course, fees and funding, the application process or anything else, there are plenty of ways you can get in touch, and we'd love to talk to you. You can contact our friendly admissions team by phone, email or chat to us online.
Fees and Funding
£10,800
per year*£16,900
per year*£1,200
per 20 credits*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
Student Associate Scheme
This associate scheme is designed for professionals who wish to apply to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) for Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) and an Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC).
Working with Dyslexia: Linking Theory, Assessment and Practice (AMBDA)University Quality Assurance
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.
Studying at USW
Our courses are designed with industry leaders and provide the practical skills and experiences industry demands. Our flexible courses reflect the need for life-long learning. If you value education in practice, not just in theory, then USW is for you.
How to apply
There is an online application process for this course. Please choose the application form for your preferred start date and mode of study (i.e. full-time or part-time).
- September 2025 Full-time
- May 2025 Part-time
- September 2025 Part-time
- May 2026 Part-time
- September 2026 Full-time
- September 2026 Part-time
International admissions
Please see our international admissions advice for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.