BA (Hons) Special Education Bachelor's degree at East London
BA (Hons) Special Education at East London. You'll engage with core theory in special education alongside research methods, applied practice in real classroom environments, and specialist options tailored to your interests.
About this course
BA (Hons) Special Education is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at East London. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Education and teaching graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Education & Teaching, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 75% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation Year 8 modules
- Mental Wealth and Professional FitnessCore
Module details
Gain essential skills to boost your career prospects, particularly for roles connected to health and wellbeing fields. You'll engage with digital platforms, industry-led workshops, and real-world tasks to build confidence in communication, research, and digital professionalism.
- Health and Education Study SkillsCore
Module details
Prepare for success in higher education by developing the academic, personal, and professional skills needed for your studies and beyond. You'll learn effective time management, research strategies, digital proficiency, and academic writing techniques, with a strong focus on reflective learning and goal setting.
- Health and Education Analytical SkillsCore
Module details
Practical maths skills are essential across health and education careers. You'll explore statistics, probability, and basic financial numeracy, learning how to apply them to real workplace scenarios.
- Media and Communication SkillsCore
Module details
Essential communication skills underpin success at university and beyond. This module focuses on developing your oral, written, and interpersonal abilities, preparing you to adapt your communication style to different academic and professional contexts.
- Educators of TomorrowCore
Module details
Future educators need strong project management and reflective skills, and this module sets you on that path. Through a year-long educational project, you'll develop leadership abilities, professional communication, and practical knowledge of teaching and learning processes.
- Introduction to Early Childhood and Social, Emotional and Mental HealthCore
- Placements in ContextCore
- Research in PracticeCore
Year 1 6 modules
- Mental Wealth and Professional Fitness – Embarking on Professional DevelopmentCore
Module details
This module help you succeed at university and prepare for your future career. Think of it as your guide to personal growth – helping you understand yourself better and build practical skills for employment.
- Introduction to Research and InquiryCore
Module details
This module introduces students to foundational research knowledge, methods and ethical principles relevant to studying people, practice and professional contexts.
- Exploring Social WorldsCore
Module details
This module will develop your understanding of people's social and cultural experiences in a range of contexts and will prepare you to think about practical support for children's, and young people's lives and rights.
- Introduction to AI & Data in EducationCore
Module details
This module explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven approaches in education. Students examine how educational data is generated, analysed and applied to enhance learning, teaching, assessment and educational decision-making.
- Every Learner Matters – SEND and Inclusive PracticeCore
Module details
This module introduces students to the principles of inclusive education and the foundations of SEND practice in early years, school and post 16 settings.
- Learning with Heart – Foundations of Therapeutic PracticeCore
Module details
This module introduces students to the foundations of inclusive practice and special education through a combined on-campus and placement-based learning model.
Year 2 6 modules
- Mental Wealth & Professional Fitness: Exploring Professional Development and Career PlanningCore
Module details
This module will provide you with the opportunity to pursue and acquire skills, competencies and experience required for successful development to, and in, a range of potential future career areas.
- Identity and Social JusticeCore
Module details
In this module, as part of your early childhood or education degree, you will extend your critical understanding of theory and research from a range of social science disciplines used to explore and analyse the lives and experiences of children and young people.
- Building Research CommunitiesCore
Module details
Building Research Communities develops knowledge and understanding of research theories, concepts and processes and the research skills required for independent, ethical and applied research in early
- Contemporary Issues in EducationCore
- Specific Learning DifficultiesCore
Module details
focusing on conditions like dyslexia
- SEND CareersCore
Module details
provides valuable workplace connections and career planning
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the theory and practice of teaching, with particular focus on supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities. The course typically moves from foundations in Year 1, how children learn, child development, and early classroom observation, through curriculum design and pedagogical practice in Year 2. Year 3 emphasises professional standards, behaviour management, and assessment. Throughout, you undertake sustained school placements with increasing responsibility. You'll usually choose from specialisations such as primary teaching, early years, SEND and inclusion, QTS routes, education policy, and extended school placements, allowing you to tailor your studies to your teaching interests and career direction.
Who it's for
You're suited to this course if you're drawn to supporting young people with additional needs and want to understand the educational, psychological and social factors that shape their learning. You'll thrive if you combine genuine curiosity about how students differ in their strengths and challenges with the patience to work through complex, nuanced situations. This degree suits those keen to develop both reflective practice and practical classroom skills, and who see special education as intellectually demanding and deeply rewarding work.
Careers & job market
Across Education & Teaching courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Among working graduates, 70% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National Graduate Outcomes data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £22,000 to £30,000, rising to £21,250–£30,000 by five years post-graduation. The labour market for education professionals remains active, though salary progression varies by role, location and sector.
University & format
The University of East London is a public university offering this BA (Hons) Special Education degree. The course runs for 3 years on a full-time basis and is taught in English. As a degree awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body, your qualification is nationally recognised. The university holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code XC61). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at East London →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
National funding for this subject
- Teacher-training bursaries: Postgraduate bursaries and scholarships are available for selected shortage subjects. Official guidance
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Education & Teaching graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £25,000 – £34,500 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £18,500 | £12,000 – £24,000 | 410 |
| 5 years after | £21,000 | £14,000 – £29,000 | 440 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in education & teaching · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Education & Teaching nationally
National figures for Education & Teaching graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Education & Teaching courses at the same study level.
Compared with 515 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 55% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 15% of published destinations
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 65; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Education & Teaching graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Education & Teaching graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Schools & academy trusts
- Local authorities
- Education charities
- Tutoring providers
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Education & Teaching graduates.
Education SEN MentorMacIntyreEducation Recruitment ConsultantAcademicsEducation Delivery Consultant - Fast Paced, Dynamic Organisation - WorcestershireAP EducationEducation Trustee - Lead Youth Careers & Outdoor LearningRacing to SchoolEducation Recruitment Consultant - Build Futures & Earn UncappedProtocol EducationEducation Recruitment Consultant: Grow Your Desk & ImpactEducation AssetsIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.2 out of 10: NSS 84.6% · in work or study 75% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of East London
Education and teaching across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of East London
1,002 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Education & Teaching right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to East London from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £15,560 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check East London’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with East London and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at East London
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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