Everything you need to know...
Course summary
- Create professional and personal development opportunities for
Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs). - Empower SENCOs to develop, influence and lead practice and
policy in their current and/or future contexts. - Establish an authoritative voice within your school or setting
founded on a broad and deep knowledge base. - Enable SENCOs to challenge their own and others' values and
assumptions through a critical evaluation of legislation, theory, policy and practice.
This course has been
How you learn
Your lecturer's view
A large proportion of your studies will be undertaken at your current educational setting, and you'll spend up to ten teaching/tutorial/study days which are spread over the course duration. You'll study Special Educational Needs coordination in the role of both manager and leader; evaluating and developing policy, promoting sound person-centred planning and building professional partnerships. You'll be supported by Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) specialists throughout your study, and this course has been widely praised for its contribution to the provision with children with SEND.
You learn through
- Practice-based learning
- Written assignments
- Teaching/tutorial/study days
- Workplace evaluations
Course leaders and tutors

Dr Janet Goepel
Senior Lecturer in Early Years and Primary EducationI am the award leader for the PCGE award in Special Educational Needs Coordination. I am also the National Priority Lead for Special Educational Needs and Disability … Read more
Applied learning
Work placements
You will apply your studies to your current position as a SENCO or in a Special Educational Needs-related position, and will be mentored throughout in doing so.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- Special Educational Needs Coordination
- Further studies at masters level
Accreditation
Sheffield Hallam University is registered as a Quality Provider with the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of online lessons and face-to-face teaching with access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEntry requirements
All students
To apply for this course you must have QTS, QTLS or EYTS and you must be a qualified teacher who is:
• designated as the SENCO
or
• an aspiring SENCO
or
• an inclusion manager
or
• in a position to undertake the duties of a SENCO
You also need a document from your head teacher (DOC, 79.5KB) supporting your application and to provide your sponsorship details (DOCX, 137.8KB)
The course is designed for new SENCOs but we also welcome applications from experienced SENCOs.
Additional information for EU/International students
This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a Tier 4 (General) student visa, contact our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Senco As Leader: People, Principles And Partnerships | Credits: 30 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Senco As Manager: Evaluating And Developing Policy And Provision | Credits: 30 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2021/22 is £2,830 for the course.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Teaching and education courses (PDF)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
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