Course summary
This successful one year training programme is designed to support the professional development of special educational needs coordinators (SENCOS). Gain 60 credits at masters level and join the hundreds of SENCOs in the South West Consortium who have already gained the award. Discover how you can get involved and make a positive impact on practice, and the achievements of schools and their pupils.
- Take the opportunity to undertake this Department for Education (DfE) approved post-graduate qualification which must be achieved by teachers new to the role of SENCO. If you are an experienced SENCO or working in a related professional role you can also apply. To achieve the National Award you must have QTS/QTLS, and if not it may be possible for you to achieve the PgCert Inclusive Education (60 masters level credits).
- Benefit from an award offered through the South West Consortium consisting of Plymouth University and the University of Exeter, working in partnership with the local authorities of Bournemouth, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Plymouth, Poole and Somerset.
- Take part in a programme which runs in Bodmin, Plymouth, Exeter, Ilminster, and Dorchester. The local tutors are mainly Special Educational Needs (SEN) advisory teachers and experienced SENCOs, working in conjunction with university tutors.
- Gain experience working with a tutor allocated to you, offering extensive expertise, knowledge and experience and high quality local personal tuition.
- Draw on support from a professional learning community through face-to-face and virtual learning support and resources. Access valuable university facilities and online resources.
- Gain 60 masters level credits which can be used towards a masters degree (e.g. MA Education Special Educational Needs).
Modules
You'll complete two modules (each worth 30 masters level credits) which include a total of six days attendance at sessions in your local authority location. As well as four school focused/research days. Each module consists of three full days taught sessions and two recommended study days (four total) which you will individually agree with your own organisation. The modules are designed to explicitly relate to the DfE SENCO Learning Outcomes. Modules include:
- National Award for SEN Coordination Learning Outcomes
- Organisational Contexts
- Leading on Teaching and Learning
Assessment method
You'll complete two modules (each worth 30 masters level credits) which include a total of six days attendance at sessions in your local authority location. As well as four school focused/research days. Each module consists of three full days taught sessions and two recommended study days (four total) which you will individually agree with your own organisation. The modules are designed to explicitly relate to the DfE SENCO Learning Outcomes.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. You can apply for one of our postgraduate courses directly using our online application form. For details on how to apply, and to access the online application form, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/international-students-postgraduate-applications. Once you have applied, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A minimum £2,000 tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements
The SENCO programme is also open to you if you are a teacher who is not a SENCO but who has an interest in the role of SENCO and leadership of special educational needs. It is also open to you if you are a qualified teacher in the role of a SENCO. If you are a teacher and are not a SENCO, you must have access to pupils with special educational needs, and an organisational context which allows you to evidence the National Learning Outcomes, and will need the support of your headteacher. If you are not a SENCO you may not be able to achieve all of the SENCO learning outcomes in the first instance. If this is the case you should discuss this with the programme leader. If you are applying with overseas qualifications please can you check their compatibility with the UK equivalent through NARIC, who provide an advisory service. English language requirements - The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | With 5.5 in all elements. |
Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website.
English Language Requirements
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees
* Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Provider information
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA