Education and Special Educational Needs

Why study Education and Special Educational Needs at Liverpool John Moores University?

• Opens up careers in a wide range of areas such as social care, teaching, health and social work

• Broad range of placements opportunities with local schools and links to special needs providers

• Lecturers are passionate about inclusion and this is reflected within the sessions

• Guest speakers deliver sessions from a wide range of relevant professions

• You will be taught in the Education Building based in the University's Mount Pleasant campus

• 100% of students on this course said teaching staff were good at explaining things, made the subject engaging and supported their learning well (National Student Survey 2025)

About your course
Do you want to support people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities throughout their learning journey? This unique degree will develop your critical understanding of education and inclusive practice, leading to a diverse range of careers. We're a team of passionate and experienced lecturers who use research, practice and community links to shape your learning.

Working with people who have disabilities or special educational needs is both challenging and rewarding. It requires an open mind and a flexible approach so that you are able to discard preconceived ideas and embrace alternative views and new ways of working.

Through multidisciplinary enquiry, the course examines the socio-political and historical context that has often marginalised people within particular communities and pockets of society in general. The course engages with topical and controversial issues relating to disability and special needs such as: representation, access to learning, education, employment and health, end of life issues, embryo selection and euthanasia and considers specific needs such as dyslexia, ADHD, language and communication difficulties.

Throughout the course, there is a constant emphasis on the link between theory and practice, in order for students to become critically informed and reflective practitioners.

The course brings together all aspects of education such as the effects of poverty and social exclusion, and curriculum development. Lying at the heart of this course are the needs and rights of children, and your moral and professional role in working with them.

The course explores education in its broadest sense and draws on aspects of sociology, history, politics, psychology and philosophy to provide an understanding of current educational thinking and practice. In your second year of study there is an extended work placement, so that you can gain the experience and practice you need before embarking on further study or a career.

The course gives you enormous scope to tailor your studies to your own interests through optional modules, research and work-related practice.

Please note: Mature applicants with sufficient relevant experience may be invited to attend an interview.

Please visit the Liverpool John Moores University website for detailed module information.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

A wide range of assessments are used throughout the three years of study. These include presentations either individually or as part of a group. Some modules within the course use poster presentations as part of the assessment. Students may be required to compile a portfolio of differing forms of assessment. Artefacts and essays are also part of the assessment range.

Your marks and feedback will be available within 15 working days of submitting a piece of work. Thats because we believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to develop further.