Develop you practice and your understating of pedagogy in the field of Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) with our postgraduate certificate course.
This course is ideal for anyone involved with provision for children and young people who wishes to advance their practice within the field of SEND. You will develop a systematic understanding of SEND while exploring pedagogy, practice, and policy.
You will engage critically with current research and evidence-informed practice to challenge your thinking. You will develop a depth of understanding of a range of SEND across all phases of compulsory education. Whether you are new to the field or have prior experience of SEND (academic, professional, or personal). Our staff expertise, supervisory support, and strong links to practising professionals in the field ensures a high level of relevance of the course content to practice.
There will be opportunities to focus on an area of choice (such as autism, sensory impairment, and speech, language, and communication). Throughout the course you will deepen your pedagogical understanding as a reflective practitioner who is able to use research to inform their own practice.
You will be working at master's level and will have the opportunity to use the credits gained on this course towards an MA in Education (SEND).
You will develop an excellent understanding of policy, practice, and provision in the UK, enhancing your employability. International students will be able to align key concepts pertaining to country-specific contexts.
Why St Mary’s?
This programme builds on our long tradition of excellence in teacher education for which we were founded almost 175 years ago. You can attend taught sessions and individual tutorials in person or online or a combination of both.
For MA Education, distance learning is where students engage with lectures, alongside students on site, at set times through video conferencing.
This will allow you to fit your studies around your current commitments, regardless of your location. As a St Mary’s student you will have access to excellent online resources and facilities.
Dr Clare Martin
Course Lead - PGCert Special Education Needs and Disabilities
Upcoming Event
MA Education webinar (all pathways) - 9th July
Tuesday 09th July 2024, 07:00PM
Course content
Modules
On the programme you will study two level 7 modules leading to 60 credits at postgraduate level. You will have the opportunity to further your postgraduate studies in your career subsequently as these credits are transferable towards a master's degree at St Mary’s University.
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
2:2
Previous degree
You will normally be expected to possess a good honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or an equivalent qualification approved by the University.
St Mary's is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and nurturing an inclusive and diverse student population. As such, we welcome applications from all those interested in pursuing an academic programme of study. Throughout the application process and while a student is enrolled at St Mary's, we will ensure that individuals will not be discriminated against based on any of the characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010.
Additional requirement information
Experience of working in an educational setting or a relevant professional interest is also required.
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 2025
Home
£2,860
International
£5,660
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
Funding
You can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.
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 activities will include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- presentations
- debates
- reflection on practice
- scenario planning.
Learning is assessed through a variety of formative and summative methods:
- a reflective journal
- literature reviews
- an audit of current practice in your own setting
- a proposal for change
- seminar and conference oral presentations.
Career opportunities
This PGCert supports your long-term career development. This is evident from the high proportion of graduates who subsequently achieve internal or external promotion to middle and senior educational leadership positions within SEND.
Apply now
September 2025 (In-person)
September 2025 (Distance Learning)
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
More from St Mary's
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