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Childhood, Youth and Special Educational Needs Foundation Degree

Course details
  • 1 Study option
  • Undergraduate
Course location
3 Campuses

Course summary

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

Modules

Course Modules

For a list of core and likely optional modules, please visit our website.

https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/childhood-youth-special-educational-needs-foundation-degree

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
C10

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level

Applicants are required to hold a qualification at A level (or an equivalent Level 3 qualification). HLTA status may also be accepted as a Level 3 equivalent qualification.
You must have a GCSE pass in English Language at grade 4 / grade C or above (or GCSE equivalency) prior to entry on the Foundation Degree course.

Scottish Higher

Please see our website

Access to HE Diploma

Please see our website

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Please see our website

Please see our website https://www.canterbury.ac.uk

Additional entry requirements

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) / Disclosure Scotland Check

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland£9790

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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