COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Childhood, Education and Society: Additional Learning Needs is an interdisciplinary degree that integrates early childhood studies, education, and sociology with a specialised focus on Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The program explores how children and young people develop and learn within social, cultural, and political contexts, emphasising inclusion, equity, and the rights and voices of learners with additional needs. From the first year, students build a foundation in human development, wellbeing, safeguarding, and professional identity. As the course progresses, they develop expertise in supporting learners with specific learning differences and neurodivergence, and in collaborative approaches involving educators, families, and multi-agency teams to remove barriers to participation and achievement. The program also provides training in research methods, enabling students to critically engage with evidence and apply it to practice. In the final year, students undertake an extended independent research project with a strong ALN focus, demonstrating the ability to investigate complex issues and contribute to inclusive practice. Learning is supported through specialist resources, immersive technologies such as virtual reality, placements, and opportunities for international study. Graduates are well prepared for careers in schools, early years settings, specialist provision, local authorities, and community services, as well as further postgraduate study in teacher training, ALN coordination, social work, and research focused on inclusion and equity.