STUDY

Undergraduate

FdA Additional Support Needs

Post-it notes
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: X161
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Two years full-time
Location: East Coast College (Lowestoft)
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above), CDD (A-Level), MMP (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T Level)
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: X161
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Two years full-time
Location: East Coast College (Lowestoft)
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above), CDD (A-Level), MMP (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T Level)

Overview

The FdA Additional Support Needs places a strong emphasis on the holistic development of individuals across the lifespan.

The curriculum is designed to support you to recognise and address the diverse needs of individuals they may work with, with a focus on enabling you to provide support tailored to each person's unique characteristics and requirements. Inclusion, equality, diversity, and rights are fundamental themes that run through the entire programme. The course places a significant emphasis on work-based learning, providing you with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The reflective aspect of this practice ensures that you can connect your learning experiences to your specific contexts, personalising your educational journey. You are encouraged to broaden your expertise, reflecting on its application and potential utilisation within their respective sectors.

Whist this is a full-time course, typically this course generally only requires 1-2 days on campus attendance, supported by self-directed study. This means you can continue to work alongside your studies and balance other commitments.

Course Modules

Teaching methods used will combine teacher-led and student-led activities and will include lectures, seminars, small group work, workshops and tutorials. All modules are assessed and use a range of methods, including structured essays, reports, case studies, critiques, reviews, presentations and the production of resources. The work placement is an important part of the course as many of the assignments depend upon you being able to carry out activities with "clients" or draw upon practice in a setting. Full-time students are required to work in an appropriate setting for 10 hours per week. As part of the course you will be gaining knowledge and skills that they can use towards the various teaching qualifications in the Lifelong Learning Sector.  

Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Records.

Close-up of East Coast College building

Engaging in personal and professional development with reflective practice enhances ability to adapt strategies to diverse situations, fostering a deeper understanding of individualised support. Integrating reflective practice allows for continuous improvement, refining approaches based on real-world experiences. 

It is important that all practitioners recognise their professional roles, and responsibilities in protecting vulnerable people. This module adopts a multi-disciplinary and inter-agency perspective in relationship to the welfare and safeguarding of children and adults.

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of inclusive provision for individuals with additional needs across the lifespan, encompassing children, young people, and adults. You are encouraged to share effective approaches from their diverse settings. 

This module critically examines psychological and sociological perspectives of inclusive practices within the context of social care and education services across the lifespan. You will delve into the meanings of 'Learning' and 'Education,' exploring diverse learning environments through the lifespan and the evolving concepts of inclusion and exclusion. 

This module explores the dynamic interplay between vulnerable groups and media representation in diverse social contexts. Focusing on equality, participation, and inclusion, it encourages students to develop their own viewpoints while navigating differing sociological perspectives.

This module delves into the exploration of neurodiversity, you will explore the neurological variations present in individuals, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences. aiming to understand its implications for inclusive learning and professional practices through the lifespan. The module explores the intricate relationship between neurodiversity, vulnerable groups, and media representation in diverse social contexts and how this has shaped inclusive practices locally and internationally so far.

This module is designed to enable you to develop your communication skills and evaluate the effectiveness of these skills within your own practice. You will develop you understanding of the role of effective communication including non-verbal interpersonal skills. Advocacy and negotiation skills will be explored and related to your practice roles The effectiveness and usefulness of advocacy groups and the facilitation of self-advocacy will also be investigated.

You will explore various coaching models, theories, and techniques to develop a comprehensive understanding of the coaching process. This includes learning about goal setting, active listening, questioning techniques, and providing constructive feedback to support individuals in achieving their objectives.

This module is designed to reflect the recent history of changes to working practices within public sector organisations including the wider non-statutory and education workforce, as well as enabling students’ to understand their roles in relation to those from other agencies such as Health, Mental Health, Social Services, Youth, Offending Service etc, and those from the voluntary sector who may also be involved in working with and supporting the children, young people and adults who use their service. 

The module begins by laying the theoretical groundwork, delving into foundational sociological theories such as functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and feminist theory. Through these lenses, you will gain insight into the societal structures, power dynamics, symbolic meanings, and gendered dimensions that shape ethical decision-making in the public sector.

This module will enable you to develop a critical understanding of  formal methods of enquiry, select, and justify appropriate methods of investigation. It is intended to introduce you to both the theoretical and applied aspects of research.

A module on leadership and project management offers a multifaceted approach to skill development, encompassing various factors crucial for professional success. You will develop comprehensive knowledge and understanding of motivation theories. They explore key aspects of team working, learn to navigate complex dynamics and develop assertiveness in your leadership approach.

Entry Requirements

home-masthead-th

Career Opportunities

The course prepares you for future career opportunities in the field of additional support needs, such as

  • Behaviour Support Assistants
  • Safeguarding Officers
  • Care and Support Workers

On successful completion of this course, you can continue to gain a full BA (Hons) degree on the one-year BA (Hons) Applied Care Practice (Progression Route) at University of Suffolk at East Coast College.

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£8,220

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fee

£1,370*

per 20 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,090

per year

*Please contact Student Centre for further information on part-time fees

Further Information

At University of Suffolk, your tuition fees provide access to all the usual teaching and learning facilities that you would expect. However, there may be additional costs associated with you course that you will need to budget for.

UK fees and finance UK bursaries and scholarships International fees and scholarships

How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

Apply Now Further Information on Applying
A silhouette of a student in their cap and gown