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The National Award for SEN Co-ordination PGCert

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Key Facts

  • Level:

    Postgraduate

  • Duration:

    1 year part time

  • Starting:

    November

  • Fees UK 24/25:

    Part Time: £2,140

  • Location:

    Coventry
    Derby City and Derbyshire
    Leicestershire, Leicester City, Nottingham and Rutland
    Lincolnshire
    Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes
    Warwickshire

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Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

Overview

Completion of the National Award in SEN Co-ordination has been mandatory for the teacher designated as the SENCo since 2009. New SENCos must gain this qualification within three years of taking up their SENCo post. This will remain mandatory for the 2023/24 academic year whilst the Department for Education consider proposals to replace the NA SENCo with a National Professional Qualification (NPQ). Passing the course entitles candidates to use 60 credits at Master’s level towards an MA in SEN and Inclusion.  The programme is taught by experienced senior lecturers from the Faculty of Health, Education and Society alongside local authority and teaching school partners who have expertise in Special Educational Needs. This programme is Quality Assured through the national Provider Partnership Leading Learning for SEND and endorsed by nasen.

The course is taught at local venues across the East Midlands following the launch day at our Waterside Campus which will take place on Saturday 18th November 2023 (to be confirmed).

To apply for this course, please choose one of the following local venues, where a large proportion of your training will be delivered. Some of the teaching content is based on the systems used locally, such as multi-agency support, identification and funding, so you should select the area most relevant to the Local Authority of your school.

The closing date for applications is Friday 20 October 2023.

Updated 30/11/2023

Highlights

  • The University of Northampton is on the register of Quality Assured Providers and is a member of the national NASENCo Leading Learning through SEND Provider Partnership
  • This course is taught by experienced senior lecturers in the Faculty of Health, Education and Society alongside partners from Local Authorities, Teaching Schools and Teaching Alliances

Course Content

  • We will help you to:

    • develop inclusive teaching approaches and co-ordinate provision for pupils with SEN and/or disabilities in your school
    • apply methods to identify additional needs and monitor the progress of pupils with SEN and/or disabilities
    • instigate evidence-based, strategic approaches when deploying, supporting and managing other teaching and support staff
    • establish networks and partnerships with other SENCos and local partners

    Module information can be found on the Award Map.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

  • We would require you to have an undergraduate degree or equivalent as well as the following:

    • You must have qualified teacher status (QTS, QTLS or EYTS)
    • You must have satisfactorily completed your induction period
    • Have a recommendation from the head teacher of the school you are working in (via ‘Head Teacher Reference form’.) If you are currently working as a head teacher or this does not apply to your setting, you must have a recommendation from the Chair of Governors/Board of Trustees.

    You will need to will need to submit the following documents with your application:

    • a personal Statement
    • additional information and Head Teacher reference form (find these on the postgraduate application guidance page)
    • photocopies or scans of degree certificates
    • proof of QTS
    • Change of Name document (if your name is different to the certificates you provide)
    English Language Requirements

    All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 overall (or equivalent)
      with a score no lower than 6.0 for writing and no remaining band/component below 5.5 for study at postgraduate level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  • 2024/25 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • Part Time: £2,140
    2023/24 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • Part Time: £2,140

    Please note that this course is not eligible for Postgraduate Loan funding. See our scholarships page for more information on the funding that may be available to you at the University of Northampton.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

Staff

Nicola Preston, Senior Lecturer in Education (SEN and Inclusion)
Nicola Preston

Senior Lecturer in Education (SEN and Inclusion)


Faculty of Health, Education and Society

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Una Lodge, Senior Lecturer in Education (SEN and Inclusion)
Una Lodge

Senior Lecturer in Education (SEN and Inclusion)


Faculty of Health, Education and Society

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Brenna Farrow, Senior Lecturer in Education (SEN and Inclusion)
Brenna Farrow

Senior Lecturer in Education (SEN and Inclusion)


Faculty of Health, Education and Society

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Special Features

The programme includes:

  • two modules each worth 30 Level 7 credits at Master’s Level
  • face-to-face taught sessions (seven days in total spread across the academic year)
  • online support – discussion groups, networking
  • access to University support and services
  • mentor support
  • There are no exams, you will be assessed by a 5000 word case study for SENM021 and a 5000 word strategic study and action plan for SENM022

Is this course for you?

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