Complete your National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination part-time over one year at a University rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
- Ideal for experienced, newly appointed, deputy or aspiring SENCos
The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination is a mandatory qualification (to be completed within three years of appointment) for all newly appointed Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCo) in mainstream, academies and free schools.
It is also relevant for SENCos/aspiring SENCos in specialist settings, further education and in the early years sector. The course combines the study and application of practice and theory to develop the knowledge, skills and qualities of a successful SENCo.
The programme has been externally quality assured and accredited by the National Award for SEN Coordination Provider Partnership.
Why St Mary's
Building on our long tradition of excellence in teacher education, the programme is delivered by tutors and relevant guest lecturers with practice and research expertise in the field of SEN and inclusive education.
Along with the opportunity to network and learn from colleagues in other settings, we also personalise your learning through one-to-one tutorials.
You will have access to excellent online learning resources and facilities.
Dr Clare Martin
Senior Lecturer - MA Education
Upcoming webinars and events
Course content
Modules
The modules listed below are the modules that were available to students in the 2023/24 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2024/25.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
This programme is designed for experienced, newly appointed, deputy or aspiring SENCos who meet the following requirements:
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent in any subject (2:2 or higher)
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), (QTLS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
- Completion of a Headteacher approval form indicating support for you to complete the Learning Log activities
2:2
Previous degree
Additional requirement information
Your headteacher will need to complete the headteacher approval form as part of the application process. No application can be approved without the support of the headteacher.
International Requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.
We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.
Fees & funding
September
Home
£2,500
International
N/A
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Alumni discount
A 10% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.
Funding
Government-funded loans of over £11,000 are available to many home postgraduate students. Home and international students may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.
How the degree is taught
Assessment methods
Learning is assessed through two practice-based written assignments of 6,000 words each.
As part of the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination, SENCos are also required to complete a Learning Log of identified activities in their setting.
Career opportunities
Many graduates go on to apply for new opportunities within inclusive education, as well as promotions to senior leadership roles in schools.
The 60 credits gained from this Postgraduate Certificate can be put towards a postgraduate diploma (120 credits) or masters degree (180 credits) offered through our MA Education pathways which include Leading Innovation and Change, Pedagogy and Inclusive Practice.
Apply now
September 2023
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
More from St Mary's
Postgraduate events
We have a range of webinars and events to help you decide whether St Mary's is the place for you.
Student life
Discover what life is like on our London campus.