Why study this course
Work-Based & Flexible: Study while you work, with live online sessions and just five campus days per year.
Sector-Informed Curriculum: Designed with input from employers, students, and SEND specialists to meet real-world needs.
Vibrant Community: Learn alongside peers from a range of settings, sharing experiences and building your professional network.
Outstanding Support: From induction to graduation, benefit from dedicated tutors, personalised feedback, and a wealth of university support services.
Course summary
Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities? Our FdA Special Educational Needs, Disability (SEND) and Inclusive Practice is a flexible, work-based degree designed for those who want to champion inclusion and transform futures. Whether you’re already supporting learners in early years, schools, alternative provision or youth and health settings, this programme will empower you to take your career to the next level, all while you continue working or volunteering in your current role.
Please note, this course is currently going through validation.
Key facts
|
Award |
FdA |
|---|---|
|
UCAS code |
XX36 |
|
Duration |
2 Years |
|
Mode of study |
Part time |
|
Start date |
September 2026 |
|
Award |
Lincoln Bishop University |
|
Institution code |
B38 |
Apply for this course
Click the button below to start your application journey.
About this course
At Lincoln Bishop University, we know that the need for skilled, compassionate professionals in SEND and inclusive practice has never been greater. This innovative Foundation Degree blends live online learning with hands-on experience in your workplace, allowing you to apply new knowledge directly to your setting from day one.
Across two years, you’ll explore key topics including inclusion, equality, child development, and assessment for diverse needs. You’ll gain the confidence and expertise to support children and young people with SEND, reflect on your own practice, and collaborate with peers from a range of backgrounds. With a blend of synchronous online sessions, in-person campus days, and supported independent study, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of practice, all while shaping your own professional journey.
This course is subject to validation.
Scheduled Teaching Hours
The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree and provides a pathway to undergraduate study for students who do not have the typical qualifications required for direct entry to Level 4. As an integrated Foundation Year it does not carry credits, as the purpose of the year is to facilitate students’ progression to Level 4 of their chosen undergraduate degree programme [see Undergraduate].
The delivery of the scheduled hours for the programme includes taught and independent study and is designed to support the needs of learners on Foundation Year programmes as they transition to the requirements of Higher Education study. Material is delivered in both face-to-face and asynchronous formats, totalling 176 hours of taught input, and includes both core academic skills training and additional input from subject specialists. Contact hours in taught sessions are complemented by an extensive support curriculum that operates through the year, typically comprising, but not limited to, additional tutorials, catch-up sessions, study groups, and personal support.
What you will study
Students on this course currently study some or all of the following modules:
Kick-start your studies with a deep dive into the essential skills for higher education and professional practice. You’ll develop your academic writing, critical thinking, and digital fluency, setting you up for success in both your studies and your workplace.
Discover the diverse landscapes of education and care. This module helps you understand the different settings, policies, and frameworks that shape inclusive practice, giving you a broad foundation for supporting children and young people.
Examine the factors that influence learning and development, from family and culture to community and society. You’ll explore how identity, relationships, and context shape the experiences of children and young people.
Collaboration is at the heart of inclusive education. Learn how to work effectively with colleagues, families, and multi-agency teams to deliver outstanding support for learners with SEND.
Deepen your understanding of the principles and practices that underpin inclusive education. You’ll critically explore issues of equality, diversity, and social justice, and develop strategies to create truly inclusive environments.
Reflect on your journey as a practitioner. This module supports you to set goals, evaluate your practice, and plan for your future—whether you’re aiming for career progression or further study.
Get to grips with effective pedagogical and assessment strategies for supporting children and young people with a range of needs. You’ll learn how to adapt your approach, work in partnership with families, and champion best practice in your setting.
Become a research-informed practitioner. You’ll undertake a work-based research project, developing your skills in enquiry, analysis, and evidence-based practice to drive real change for learners.
Entry requirements
Typically, a Level 3 qualification (such as a Diploma, NVQ, or Access to HE)
At least one year’s experience working or volunteering in a relevant setting, with a minimum of 12 hours per week (360 hours per year)
A completed and signed Workplace Agreement, confirming support from your employer or setting and a valid DBS clearance
We welcome applications from mature students and those with non-traditional qualifications - your experience matters!
How you will be taught
This course is designed for busy professionals. You’ll learn through a blended model combining:
- Live online classes (two evenings per week)
- Five in-person campus days per year for connection and collaboration
- Independent study and workplace-based learning, with full access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and support services
You can continue working or volunteering while you study, making your learning flexible and accessible, wherever you are.
Assessment
Assessment is varied, inclusive, and designed to help you shine. Expect a mix of:
- Portfolios
- Presentations and debates
- Essays and reports
- Work-based projects and case studies
You’ll receive regular feedback and support, with opportunities for formative assessment and tutorials embedded throughout the course. Group work is assessed fairly, with individual contributions recognised.
Careers & Further study
Graduates from this programme are highly sought after in:
- Mainstream and specialist schools
- Early years and alternative provision
- Youth, health, and social care settings
You’ll be ready for roles such as SEN teaching assistant, learning mentor, inclusion support worker, or family support practitioner. Many students progress to our BA (Hons) top-up degrees, including Teaching and Learning or SENDI, and from there to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or further postgraduate study.
What Our Students Say
Discover what life is like at Lincoln Bishop University from our students.
Fees & Funding
A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at Lincoln Bishop we try to give you all the information and support we can to help to throughout the process. Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.
Undergraduate course applicants should apply via UCAS using the relevant UCAS code. For 2026 entry, the application fee is £28.95, and you can make a maximum of 5 choices.
For the 2025 cycle, UCAS is removing the undergraduate application fee for any student who is/or has received Free School Meals (FSM) during the last six years, up until the end of their final year at school or college. More information on the UCAS fee waiver can be found here.
For all applicants, there are full instructions at UCAS to make it as easy as possible for you to fill in your online application, plus help text where appropriate. Full details of all tuition fees can be found here.