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Open days

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

Why study National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination?

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.

National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO) logo

Upcoming open days and webinars

We'll be running events for you to find out more about National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination PGCert on the following dates:


  • Wednesday 19th April 2023, 7pm

  • Wednesday 17th May 2023, 7pm

  • Wednesday 14th June 2023, 7pm

Useful information

Course lead

Dr Clare Martin
Senior Lecturer - MA Education

Entry requirements

2:2 Previous degree

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

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.

Download headteacher approval letter

Further information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

Course content

Modules

  •  Core
  •  Core

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.

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.

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How the degree is taught

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

Each module is delivered over four days through a combination of seminars and workshops. Tutorials are arranged separately.  

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.

Facilities

View all facilities

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

September 2023

  • Home: £2,500
  • International: student visa not accepted

The tuition fees listed are for the duration of the course. Students will be charged for the modules undertaken per academic year. Module prices are calculated as a percentage of credits against the total credits and cost of the degree. Please see clause 5.15.2 of the Tuition Fee Regulations for further information.

Tuition fees are subject to an inflationary increase each year, meaning if your course runs over more than one academic year you may pay an increased fee per module for each subsequent year of study. Tuition fee increases for returning students will be capped at the higher of 5% per annum or the rate of Consumer Price Index inflation in the United Kingdom.

Alumni discount

A 10% tuition fee discount is available for St Mary's alumni planning to study this programme.

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.

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. 

Further information