Primary Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion (SENDI) Specialist with QTS (5-11)

Entry requirements

When you apply, you are expected to have:

• A degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above). No specific subjects are required.
• GCSE English Language or English Literature at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or equivalent
• GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or equivalent
• GCSE Science at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or equivalent
• A commitment to, and understanding of, primary education, demonstrating the personal attributes, values and motivation required to train as a teacher.

Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics.

An academic reference is required for all students who have graduated in the last five years. An interview forms part of the selection process, which can be conducted online or face to face.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to meet the Department for Education’s standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. Further information, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire and details of how to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Specialist pathway enables you to develop a specialism in Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion alongside gaining the Primary PGCE with QTS. Successful completion of the programme leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Every mainstream School needs a SENCO, and every SENCO needs a SEND champion on their team – this could be you. Our PGCE Primary Special Education Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion (SENDI) Specialist with QTS course provides a high-quality teacher training experience alongside developing your knowledge and expertise in relation to SENDI and enabling you to take that first step on the pathway to becoming a SENCO.

Learn how to educate children aged 5-11 in all primary curriculum subjects, and craft specialist knowledge to support the needs of children across the diverse school community and enhance all children’s life chances.

You’ll spend lots of time on placement in schools, where we’ll support you in meeting the Teachers’ Standards. You will have the opportunity to undertake one of the professional practices in a Special Needs School. You’ll gain the essential professional skills and knowledge for a two-year induction as an early career primary teacher and SENDI specialist.

Graduating with a specialism in SENDI, you’ll be a role model and a leader to your colleagues. You’ll set an example for teaching and learning in ways that are enriching, engaging and inspiring for all young children.

Please note, the part-time route for this course is available from 2026 entry and is not available to international students.