Childhood, Youth and Special Educational Needs Foundation Degree

Advance your career in childhood education with our two-year Childhood, Youth & Special Educational Needs Foundation Degree. Designed for professionals already working or volunteering in education, childcare, or support roles, this flexible Level 5 course will allow you to study alongside your current job role.

This part-time, interdisciplinary-focused course is perfect for those who are looking to upskill and specialise in special educational needs (SEN) across early years, schools, or youth services.

Co-developed with practitioners, the course blends theory with practice, giving you the tools to create inclusive, supportive environments for all children and young people. Taking a holistic approach, you’ll explore a range of contexts to allow you to fully understand the diverse needs and services for children and young people with SEN.

What you'll learn

• Explore neurodiversity, autism, and how to adopt inclusive teaching approaches to support diverse learners.

• Critically analyse education policy and its real-world impact on children with SEN and their families.

• Develop specialist knowledge of current research, theory, and interventions in childhood education.

• Reflect on your own professional practice to strengthen your role as a SEN practitioner.

• Collaborate with peers across different educational areas to gain fresh insight into multi-agency and community-based approaches.

Whether you're in early years, a teaching assistant role, youth work, or family support, this degree empowers you to deepen your impact and progress in your career.

91% of our students were satisfied with the teaching in the subject area of Childhood and Youth Studies - National Student Survey 2025

Study options and Location

Twilight:

• Canterbury Campus

• Medway Campus