Preparing to Study at Level 6 (Education, Childhood and SEND) Certificate of Credit

This course consists of a single 20 credit module studied over one 10-week term, which will introduce you to a range of skills that will benefit you both professionally, and in the successful pursuit of level 6 study (such as a Bachelor Top Up degree).

You will explore academic, professional and transferrable skills such as:

• Sourcing appropriate academic information
• Evaluating and interpreting information
• Critical thinking and writing
• Using and referencing information for academic purposes

The course explores these skills whilst also introducing you to the fundamental principles of research within the Education, Childhood and SEND discipline, with a specific focus on the ethics associated with conducting research involving children.

The online Certificate of Credit in Preparing to Study at Level 6 (Education, Childhood and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)) aims to help you to be able to successfully study at level 6, opening the possibility of further study by supporting you with academic study skills required for UK degrees.

It is ideal for you if you are looking to take the next step in your academic studies or if you feel you need to refresh your academic skills for study at level 6.

Critical self-reflection

This course will support you to critically reflect on your personal, academic and professional skills, as well as identify areas for future development. You will be required to spend time reflecting on your previous experiences and articulate how you feel they have shaped you, professionally and academically. This level of insight will help you to move forward with a clear sense of your own strengths and an appreciation of how you can action plan for your continued development.

You will study one 20 credit module centred on the skills associated with critical and ethical professional practice and further academic study at level 6.

This course will support you to:

1. Know and understand how to find, evaluate and use a range of appropriate academic information to support successful study at level 6
2. Engage in a range of communication methods to contribute to a learning community of peers and tutors
3. Critically explore and evaluate a range of research methodologies and reflect on the ethics associated with research within the Education, Childhood and SEND discipline

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

This course is self-paced and will be delivered over 10 weeks. Course content will be structured over 10 units which you will access independently. A range of activities throughout the units will support you to apply your thinking and receive tutor and peer feedback.

The course will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on your own emerging critical ideas and articulate them in a range of ways. This will include engaging with discussion forums, journals, tutorials, live sessions with peers and other forms of digital media.

Pace of study

The course is studied over one 10-week term, known as a trimester. We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete this 20-credit module over the 10-week trimester.

Assessment method

You will be assessed through the completion of an E Portfolio in which you will demonstrate application of the skills explored through the course.

Student support and guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students
• Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills

All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.

The course will help to prepare you for further study on our:

• Early Childhood Studies (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
• Education Studies (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
• Special Education Needs and Disability (Top-Up) BA (Hons)

The transferrable skills gained through the course will also support your employability and career progression across the education, childhood and SEND professional sector.

Utilise our Careers and Employment Service​

Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for 3 years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.

This course can be completed to help you meet the entry criteria for one of the following top up degrees:

• Early Childhood Studies (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
• Education Studies (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
• Special Education Needs and Disability (Top-Up) BA (Hons)

If you are planning to complete this course to help to gain entry to one of these top up degree courses, you will require:

• evidence of previous study at level 4 and 5 or equivalent in the fields of education, childhood or SEND, or equivalent experience

However, if you are planning to do this as a standalone course, you will need:

• evidence of previous study at level 4 or equivalent in the area of education, childhood or SEND

If you are unsure of the suitability of this course, we would urge you to apply so that we can asses your application and discuss your options as appropriate. Alternatively, you can contact us for advice.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will require IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills test), or equivalent.

Find out more about our English language requirements

^‡2025/26 for new entrants

Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.

About your fees

Prices are correct for the year of entry shown. These are subject to annual increase in subsequent academic years.

Flexible payment plan available

• Pay monthly for the course that you are studying

Contact us

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning: