Undergraduate Course
Education, SEN and Mental Health BA (Hons)
Explore how people learn and develop. Investigate the role of education in society.
If you want to work with young people in education, and are passionate about meeting the needs of all learners, then this is the degree for you. You will focus on both special educational needs and mental health, and you will learn how education impacts on the life chances of children and young people. Contribute to children and young people's lives by specialising in this important and rewarding area of education.
98% Children, Young People and Education students responded with a 98% positivity score for how good teaching staff are at explaining things. (National Student Survey 2023)
93% Children, Young People and Education students responded with a 93% positivity score for how often the course is intellectually stimulating. (National Student Survey 2023)
York campus
- UCAS code – X302
- Duration – 3 years full time
- Start date – September 2024, September 2025
- School – School of Education, Language and Psychology
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
Children, Young People and Education
Course overview
Investigate concepts that are essential to inclusive education, such as disability, discrimination, wellbeing, labelling and inclusion. Challenge your assumptions and consider the meaning and implications of these ideas for individuals, education and society as a whole.
You will benefit from studying alongside students on related courses. Together you will learn about:
- How children and young people develop
- Child protection and safeguarding requirements
- How specific groups of learners may be labelled and stereotyped, leading to marginalisation and exclusion
- Mental health in children and young people
- The impact of disability, socio-economic status, trauma and abuse on development and education
The specialist knowledge you will gain by choosing Education, SEN and Mental Health BA (Hons) includes:
- The psychology of learning and education, considering how children create develop, understand, retain and retrieve knowledge
- Neurodiversity and its implications for inclusive practice, investigating some of the cognitive, social and communication differences experienced by autistic learners and those with specific learning difficulties (SpLD)
- Debates in SEN and disability, such as prenatal screening and diagnosis, sexual relationships, and employment discrimination
- Contemporary issues surrounding the inclusion and integration of marginalised groups
This course will provide you with both a comprehensive understanding of education, SEN and mental health, and valuable practical experience in this field. You will gain at least 105 hours of work experience through the Learning in Practice module.
Our modules draw on the team's research and our professional experience. The team have experience of a wide range of senior roles in education and social care. We bring our professional values and philosophical approach to our teaching, as well as our academic expertise.
Not sure which course to choose? We offer 2 other courses relating to children and young people in education or social care settings.
Early Years Education and Care (with Graduate Practitioner Competencies) BA (Hons)
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters.
In your first year you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Develop the skills needed to succeed in your academic studies and your future professional learning. We will support you in reflecting, experimenting and learning to develop as a scholar and as a professional. Studying this module at the start of your course ensures you will have a firm grounding in the concepts of research and critical thinking. This will benefit you throughout your degree.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore different theories, principles and expectations relating to the development of children and young people. It also explores transitions as key moments in children and young people’s lives.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn about the knowledge, skills and values which are necessary to keep children and young people safe. You will examine the historical and current policy agendas that have shaped child protection and safeguarding. This module will prepare you to work safely with children and families. It will be an essential element of your professional identity working within the children, young people and families workforce.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn about some of the most important psychological theories and approaches relating to education and learning. These theories explore how we create, develop, understand, retain and retrieve knowledge. This is also an opportunity to reflect on your own learning and further develop your cognitive and metacognitive skills.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
The skills you build on this module will be vital for both your studies and your professional career working with children, young people and families. You will develop verbal and non verbal listening and communication skills. You will also explore the importance of organisational culture, examining how teams can work together effectively and what the barriers to this may be.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will consider what inclusive education means, how specific groups of learners may be labelled and stereotyped, and how this can lead to marginalisation and exclusion. You will explore these questions in relation to issues such as:
- Class
- Ethnicity, race and religion
- Gender and sexuality
- Disability
- Special Educational Needs
Year 2
In your second year you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the concept of neurodiversity and discuss its implications for inclusive practice. You will investigate some of the cognitive, social and communication differences experienced by autistic learners and those with specific learning difficulties (SpLD). You will learn about:
- Dyslexia and dyspraxia
- Speech, language and communication difficulties
- Behaviour
- Mental health
- Emotional needs
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the concept of wellbeing, and its importance in helping children and young people to flourish. You will also develop your understanding of your own role as a practitioner in promoting wellbeing in the workplace. You will investigate how an individual’s wellbeing, development and education can be negatively affected by issues such as:
- Disability
- Socio-economic status
- Abuse
- Mental health conditions
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module we will guide you through the philosophical perspectives, value positions and ideologies that apply to childhood, family and education. You will investigate how these are used to offer different interpretations and perspectives on childhood and families. You will engage with some of the most fundamental yet complex questions surrounding education and children’s lives.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
You will carry out 105 hours of work experience in a graduate role relevant to your course and your career aspirations. This is an opportunity to develop practical skills and consider possible future directions for your career. You will be encouraged to reflect critically on this experience and to apply the theoretical knowledge you have gained on the course to your practical learning.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Investigate why inequalities exist in society, which groups are privileged or disadvantaged, and why this might be the case. On this module you will consider issues around inclusion and diversity, exploring the complex relationships between a range of social issues such as:
- Class
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Disability
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn the fundamental skills needed to conduct rigorous academic research. You will learn about the processes involved in research and academic enquiry. You will learn to:
- Critique research methods
- Collect and analyse data
- Create formal research reports
These skills will provide a solid foundation which will allow you to take on wider, more complex research projects in the future.
Year 3
In your third year you will study:
- A dissertation module across semesters 1 and 2
- 1 compulsory module and 1 optional module in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will become familiar with some of the contemporary issues facing education at a local, national and global level. You will focus on a particular issue that interests you, using social theories to analyse the socio-political factors that impact on it. This could include legislation and educational policy.
Credits: 20
Optional module
While most European countries have acknowledged inclusive education as a basic human right for all, no country has yet succeeded in constructing a school system that adequately lives up to the ideals and intentions of inclusion. On this module you will engage with contemporary discussions and debates surrounding special educational needs, dis/ability and inclusion. You will consider both the micro-social interactions of children and young people with SEN/D and the macro-social structures that surround them.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will engage with some of the more contentious issues relating to SEN and disability. These might include topics such as:
- Prenatal screening and diagnosis
- Sexual relationships
- Employment discrimination
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Learn about the causes of trauma and its impact upon wellbeing, everyday living and education, and use this knowledge to develop strategies which meet the needs of children, young people and families. You will evaluate the policy, research and practice which is in place to identify and support individuals who have experienced trauma. You will also reflect on how this could impact on your own professional practice.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Physical activity and sports development are importance aspects of government policy relating to health, well-being and social inclusion. Gain a strong understanding in the debates relating to how physical activity can tackle broad social problems such as dementia and obesity. On this module you will also learn the practical skills needed to run initiatives in community, education and youth-based settings.
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
Carry out independent research on a topic you are passionate about. You will receive 1 to 1 support from a designated dissertation tutor throughout the module. You will work on your dissertation across the whole academic year. This is your opportunity to bring all of your learning together into an extended piece of work.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
You will study 3 modules each semester. Across the 12 weeks of the semester, each of your 20 credit modules will have timetabled sessions, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars and workshops
- Individual or group tutorials
You will usually have 3 timetabled hours per module per week, as well as individual support with a tutor.
In the final year, you will be allocated a supervisor to support you with your dissertation and can arrange 1 to 1 tutorials at appropriate stages in your research.
Outside of taught sessions, you will be expected to independently engage in further reading. This independent study includes preparation for taught sessions, either individually or in groups, following materials and activities that are provided on Moodle. You will also spend time completing coursework and preparing for your assessments.
You will have access to resources which extend beyond textbooks and journal articles to include voices which are marginalised in the traditional academic literature.
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
There are no examinations on this course. Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed through:
- Presentations
- Peer reviews
- Case studies
- Debates
- Portfolios
- Creative artefacts
- Essays
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Education and Inclusion
This course is ideal if you want to work as a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) in a school. You will need to complete a PGCE and National Award for SEN Coordination to pursue this career. We offer both of these postgraduate courses at York St John University, so you could choose to complete your training here.
The skills and knowledge you gain could also lead to a career as a:
- Family support worker
- Youth and community worker
- Local government or housing
- Police officer
- Social researcher
- Careers advisor
- Charity worker
- Pastoral role in education
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
Postgraduate degrees at York St John University
PGCE at York St John University
Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
This course is available with a foundation year
If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.
Education, Children and Counselling Foundation Year
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for a degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.
UK 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is £9,250 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page.
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
International 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree.
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include a DBS check, purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Champion inclusivity
Prepare for a career championing inclusivity and meeting the needs of every learner.
Beyond the classroom
Go beyond classroom learning. Gain practical experience through your work experience modules.
Explore current issues
Engage with the debates and issues which inform practice and policy in education.
Read our blog
When you join this course you will be part of the School of Education, Language and Psychology. Meet the team and read about the latest news and student achievements on our school blog.
Hannah Education Studies with SENI
I’ve always had a passion for teaching so I chose education studies, and I am invested in creating a more inclusive classroom so I chose to specialise in the SENI route so I could study this more in depth. It’s such a broad subject area, it covers so much and the module choices give you some free reign with deciding what you want to study depending what you’re interested in.
Hattie Education
There are so many resources available to help you equip yourself for the future. The careers department are really helpful and the people at study skills are so useful when writing assignments. I think university as a whole can be really good preparation for life through learning time management and research skills.
Hannah Education (Study Abroad Exchange)
I had a long travel day coming from the west coast of the US, and when I got here I felt welcomed and there were people to help me settle into everything I needed to start a semester abroad. I have had a lot of questions since then, and no matter who I ask, they have been able to give me a good answer or help me through the problem. Going on this journey is giving me a great experience to shape my future. I am gaining social, traveling, schooling, and adventuring skills.
More to explore
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