The University of Buckingham
The National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) PGCE
The University of Buckingham

Key Course Facts

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24021 £21921 £25778
25-75 percentile range £20021 - £27009 £16806 - £26546 £19635 - £31954

Course Description

The University of Buckingham is:

  • Home of the two-year degree, the University of Buckingham, based in the South East of England, is ranked 6th for Student Satisfaction in the UK (National Student Survey, 2020).
  • We are proudly independent and not-for-profit, and offer courses in Allied Health, Business, Computing, Education, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Psychology and Security and Intelligence. We are one of the few universities in the UK that offer September and January start dates for almost all of our courses.
  • Based in Buckingham on a riverside campus, we are only 20 minutes’ from Milton Keynes central station and a short drive from Bicester, Aylesbury, Banbury and Northampton. There is free parking on-site and we are within easy reach of London and Oxford.
  • Our award-winning small class tutorials ensure every student is known by name and supported throughout their studies, including by dedicated personal tutors.
  • As pioneers of the two-year degree, we offer a condensed version of the traditional three-year degree, meaning you can gain a full honours degree and complete your studies a whole year earlier. Alternatively, you can complete both your undergraduate and master’s degree with us in just three years: saving you time and money.

What does the SENCO course intend to do?

Develop critically reflective, inclusive practitioners who advocate for SEND and Inclusion to ensure all children have their needs met and increase positive learning outcomes for vulnerable pupils.

SENCO accreditation provides both aspiring and trainee SENCOs with a clear pathway towards developing critical, reflective and effective practices in their role.

SENCOs explore how to utilise the SEN Code of Practice to ensure meeting all needs of the children in your setting/school.

With reference to relevant research and government initiatives, the course draws on effective practice in the teaching and learning of SEND, designed around the Learning Outcomes for SENCOs.

In September 2009 it became law for every new SENCO in a mainstream school to gain the National Award for SEN Coordination within 3 years of taking up the post. The course is designed around the Learning Outcomes for SENCOs, specified by the Department for Education, and aims to develop expertise in the leadership of SEND in schools.

Trainees will have access to high-quality and interactive programme delivered by SEND specialists and will be provided with experienced tutor support. They will learn how to integrate theory and practice to support the development of their role and in turn, learn how to improve positive outcomes for children with SEND.

Trainees who successfully complete 60 Level 7 credits achieve a PGCert in Supporting SEND Through Inclusive Practice and may carry 60 credits towards future study at Master’s level.

Course content

The course requires attendance at 4 training days at the University of Buckingham and covers the following topics:

Introduction to the NASENCO Course: Developing Context for Inclusive Education – SENCOs will demonstrate their professional knowledge and understanding in the legislative context for SEN and will link as evidence application of theoretical concepts that underpin effective leadership and practice The SENCO as an Inclusive Leader: Reflective Writing and Action Research – SENCOs will be required to demonstrate understanding and reflect on their expertise and capabilities needed to lead and coordinate provision effectively. The Critical Professional SENCO: Life & Career of a SENCO – SENCOs will be required to reflect on the personal and professional qualities needed to make a positive impact on the ethos and culture in schools and other settings.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of The National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) PGCE at The University of Buckingham

20% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
15% Administrative occupations
15% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
15% Managers, directors and senior officials
10% Finance Professionals
10% Artistic, literary and media occupations
5% Information Technology Professionals
5% Other Educational Professionals
5% Legal professionals
5% Media Professionals

Trainees will be visited by a SENCO tutor twice and engage in weekly guided tasks to support understanding and application of best effective and inclusive practice as a SENCO. **A reflective essay (20 credits)** Implementing and writing up of an Action Research Project (20 credits) Completion of a Professional SEND Development Portfolio (E-Portfolio) focus is on the student to evidence their own practice within their education institution in order to have met the SEND learning outcomes (20 credits)

Entry Requirements / Admissions

With staff and students from over 90 countries around the world, the University enjoys a wonderful and culturally diverse atmosphere. Voted top for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey since 2006, we provide support for students from outside the UK including: assistance with visa application and renewal and a personal tutor to support your academic studies. Academic staff are available to help and advise, and operate an open-door policy. We have the best staff to student ratio of any university in the UK. Our idyllic setting between Oxford and Milton Keynes offers access to a range of cultural and social activities and Bicester Village, the renowned shopping outlet is a short bus ride away. English Language requirements: it is very important that your English level is of a good standard for you to be successful in your studies. All applicants must achieve specific requirements in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing). Please check our website for more details of the undergraduate or postgraduate language requirements for your course. https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study The National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO), PGCE, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Applicants will:

hold Qualified Teacher Status

be educated to degree level

be employed as a SENCO or have aspirations to become a SENCO in a UK school

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of The University of Buckingham in top UK and global rankings.

See all 6 university rankings of The University of Buckingham

About The University of Buckingham

Founded in 1976, The University of Buckingham is a private higher education institution located in the market town of Buckingham, in South East England. The area around the campus is populated with coffee shops, pubs, vintage stores, and restaurants so students will have plenty to do in their down time. University College Buckingham, as it was originally named, was the first private university in the UK, and has produced a series of successful CEOs, politicians, and even playwrights.

List of 61 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Buckingham - Course Catalogue

Student composition of The University of Buckingham

undergraduates:
1575
postgraduates:
915
Total:
2490
  • Why I came to Buckingham - an International student's perspective
  • Why choose Business at Buckingham
  • Why choose the University of Buckingham?
  • Buckingham Law School: The Student Story

Where is this programme taught

School of Education
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