Conductive Education - BA (Hons) - 2023/24 Entry

Overview

Transform the lives of people with disabilities and neurological motor disorders to help them as independent as possible with our BA (Hons) in Conductive Education.

Delivered by the National Institute of Conductive Education (NICE), this unique course is the only one in the UK to qualify you as a professional conductor to work with children and/or adults with physical disabilities.

This course is not open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

The course is structured across six semesters. Each semester lasts 15 weeks, therefore you are expected to study for a minimum of 30 weeks per year.

Over the three years you will learn about topics such as neurological motor disorders, the professional skills needed to teach and develop skills including movement, confidence, understanding and communication, conductive practice and the work of professionals in the field.

You will be taught at the Conductive College, located in Moseley, which is a dedicated training space specifically for professionals, families and carers in the field of Conductive Education. Courses, leading to a qualification, will be accredited by Birmingham City University.

The conductive college is a key tool for the development of Conductive Education in the future and an essential part of the work of the NICE - the unique charity that believes every person with a movement disorder has the right to specialised services which meet their needs.

You will also start to learn about carrying out research and begin to investigate theoretical concepts in the light of practical experience and knowledge.

By the end of the course, you will have covered a range of academic subjects, all of which will enhance your ability to work as a professional conductor in a range of different countries or cultures.

This course develops you as a person and enables you to help children and adults with complex needs and enhance their life too! There is constant practical and academic tuition, support and feedback throughout. A truly fantastic degree that makes a difference!
Susan Mechan 3rd year BA (Hons) Conductive Education student

Why Choose Us?

This is the only course in the UK to offer these life changing skills for people who wish to work in conductive education (CE) and transform lives for those with disabilities and neurological motor disorders
You will learn at the National Institute of Conductive Education (NICE), which is a small organisation with a community atmosphere, offering excellent support to its students
Invaluable learning opportunities - there will be lots of opportunities for you to develop practical hands-on skills alongside qualified, experienced conductors so that you graduate ready for employment
Benefit from our partnerships with industry - gain practical experiences both at NICE in Birmingham, as well as a range of schools and CE centres across the UK
Gain valuable employability skills - you will graduate from this course able to work in centres, schools and units all over the world, enabling you to seek employment in a range of different countries or cultures
Continue on to further education - you will develop your knowledge, understanding and adaptability, providing you with a solid basis from which you can achieve further qualifications e.g. PGCE

Similar Courses

Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person. You'll get the chance to learn about courses in subject talks, chat to students and explore our campus and accommodation. We'll post you a detailed event programme to help plan your day and find your way.

Next Open Day: Saturday 24 June 2023

Book your place

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

Essential Requirements

Level 2 qualifications
96 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level
GCSE	GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level)	See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.
Scottish National 5	English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications
A level and Advanced VCE	CCC / 96 UCAS points A maximum of 3 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or level 3 equivalents
AS and AS VCE	96 UCAS points These can be a combination of AS and other A-levels or level 3 equivalents
Access to HE Diploma	Education subjects preferred but other subjects also considered Pass with minimum 18 Merits/Distinctions at Level 3] Must include 2 GCSE’s in English and Maths
British bachelor's degree	Minimum 3rd at full honours In a related subject. Non-relevant subjects may be considered
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)	MMM / 96 UCAS points
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Certificate(2002 – 2010)	96 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present) Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)	96 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Award (2002 - 2010)	96 UCAS points Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2016 - present) BTEC Level 3 Certificate (QCF) (2010 - 2016)	96 UCAS points Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) (from September 2014) NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)	C / 96 UCAS points Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland)	C / 96 UCAS points Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce	C / 96 UCAS points Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)	A / 96 UCAS points Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care	C / 96 UCAS points Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
International Baccalaureate Diploma	Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall with English Language or a History subject at HL grade 5 For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted
Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)	Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or or Higher level (minimum grade H1-H7 (or A-D/A1-D3 up to and including 2016))
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma	MMM / 96 UCAS tariff points
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma	96 UCAS tariff points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma (2016 - present) OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma (until-2016)	96 UCAS point Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (2016 – present) OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma	96 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher	Achieve a minimum of 96 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades DDD Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of DD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CD in two Highers)
T-Levels	96 UCAS points (Merit overall) Must be in either Education related subject
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)	96 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component	96 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (graded A* - E) WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (graded D* - P)	96 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Other qualifications
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. IELTS: Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no subtest below 5.5. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student
International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2023

Full Time
3 years
£9,250 in 2023/24
Apply via UCAS

International students

Sorry, this course is not available to International students.

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key Software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Placement expenses (mandatory)

Placements are a compulsory element of many health and teacher training courses. You'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.

Project materials (mandatory)

This course includes project work that requires you to develop and produce a portfolio or collection. You'll be expected to provide the materials for use in your individual major projects; costs will vary depending on the materials selected.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Books (optional)

All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy.

Field trips (optional)

This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK/EU students

UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS

Register with UCAS

Login to UCAS

Complete your details

Select your course

Write a personal statement

Get a reference

Pay your application fee

Send UCAS your application

Personal statement

Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

Course choice

Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?

Career plans

If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.

Work experience

Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.

School or college experience

Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.

Non-accredited skills or achievement

eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Get more information on writing personal statements.

Work Experience

It is not a requirement to obtain work experience in a school or education setting before applying for a teacher training course, so if you are unable to obtain work experience, this will not affect your application. If you would like to gain some experience to help prepare you for your course, there are other options available. The UCAS website details a range of alternative activities that you might want to consider.

UCAS

Financial Support

We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.

What's included in your course fees

You will be offered free admittance to the National Annual Professional Conference. You will receive a contribution towards the cost of the student uniform.

Course in Depth

Year One

In your first year you'll gain the basic background understanding of the philosophy and methodology of Conductive Education, and start to learn about neurological movement disorders and begin to understand how these impact on the lives of children and adults.

Alongside this theoretical knowledge, you'll begin the process of developing a range of professional skills all leading to teaching children/adults how to develop skills including movement, confidence, understanding and communication.

Modules

Observation for directing active learning 20 credits

Developing professional skills through active learning 20 credits

CNS disorder and symptomatology 20 credits

Principles of Conductive Pedagogy 20 credits

Conductive facilitation for learning 20 credits

Motor learning and Conductive Education 20 credits

Year Two

In Year two, theory and practical skills will start to merge – and we’ll expect you to plan and lead programmes and sessions for either children or adults, under the supervision of a qualified conductor.

You will also start to learn about carrying out research and begin to investigate theoretical concepts in the light of practical experience and knowledge.

Modules

Conductive Pedagogy: analysis and development of learning 20 credits

The impact of motor disorders on learning in childhood and adulthood 20 credits

Learning theories for conduction 20 credits

Practice-based learning: analysing effective teaching and learning styles 20 credits

The social basis for learning 20 credits

Research Methods 20 credits

Year Three

In Year three, it's all about having increased responsibility in conductive groups under distant supervision from a conductor.

You'll extend your knowledge and understanding of motor disorders, conductive practice and the work of the professionals in the field. These theoretical concepts will be fused into practical application and you will undertake an independent piece of research.

Modules

Conductive Pedagogy: evaluation and application 20 credits

Education Research Project 20 credits

Application of Conductive Education 20 credits

Practice based learning: evaluating learning 20 credits

Effective teaching: developing professional skills in Conductive Education 20 credits

Multi-disciplinary approaches to Conductive Education 20 credits

Download course specification

Download now

Course Structure

Practice: NICE (Birmingham) with the opportunity to attend off-site placements in the second semester.
Theory: to conductive education, neurological conditions, motor learning theories with relevance and a strong link to the practical experiences.
Project work: students are expected to develop a strong theory-practice link, in preparation for employment in which they will develop skills to facilitate reflection of practical skills in the light of theoretical underpinnings. In second and third years, students are expected to identify an area of specific interest which they will then research in greater depth, by the end of which they will have produced a short dissertation.

Examples of classroom activities

Students work in pairs and small groups, preparing together presentations, posters and discussing topics of academic and practical relevance.
Students are encouraged to video their own practice based skills, sharing their opportunities and learning with the group.
Students are enabled to discuss their research projects and topics for research in a supportive and friendly environment.
Students are encouraged to participate in the annual student conference, and the college newsletter, as well as CE awareness week and other related professional activities.

Accreditation or professional associations

The students graduating from this BA course will be granted opportunity to join the UK, professional body; the PCA (Professional Conductors’ Association). Membership of this association will provide newly qualified conductors support and connections to other conductors working within the UK. With affiliated membership it is also possible for conductors working abroad to join and participate in PCA conferences and access publications, CPD and links to current thinking and research. Membership is respected by employers and conductors both within the UK, and abroad.

Employability

Enhancing employability skills

On successful completion of the course you will be qualified to work in centres and schools where Conductive Education is practiced. These are available worldwide and offer an opportunity for graduates to seek employment in different countries or cultures if wanted. Graduates are also able to enrol on a PGCE course or teacher training programme and gain this qualification.

Graduates will not only have an honours degree, but also a professional qualification; Qualified Conductor Status (QCS). This will reflect their experiences and enable them to find employment in a range of CE settings, potentially working with children and / or adults with physical disabilities. This can lead to employment in many different areas of work e.g. CE focused schools and centres, other charitable organisations, self-employment and teaching.

Links to industry

The NICE website provides an opportunity for employers and employees to advertise jobs and staff. As a training college we have solid links with many CE centres both nationally and internationally. Many students gain experience in these centres throughout their training, giving them relevant experience and exposure to these centres and the opportunities they present for future employment.

Placements

One of the most distinctive features of our Conductive Education BA (Hons) is that you are part of the team from the moment your first term starts; expect to be helping individuals from your very first week. This immersion into the delivery side of our work is consistently rated as one of the most attractive aspects of the course, as it ensures you are fully fit to practice professionally from the day you graduate.

You will undertake practical placements in groups with children/adults as an integral part of the course. These are available at specified centres across the UK. You will be given advice and support when seeking options for practical placements.

You will work as a part of a professional team for two days each week and will have the opportunity to join in professional development activities with staff at The Conductive College. You will also have free access to the annual National Conference on Conductive Education which is held at varying locations across the UK.

You may wish to take employment as an assistant in Conductive Education summer schools nationally or internationally. A dedicated website is available for students seeking work both in the UK and abroad.

More about our placement opportunities

BA (Hons) Conductive Education graduate

Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities

Birmingham City University is one of the largest providers of nursing and healthcare education in the UK, with more than 7,000 students. That means if you choose to study here, you will have access to some of the most advanced training and education facilities available.

This course is based at the education charity National Institute of Conductive Education (NICE) in Moseley, Birmingham, while practice can take place at other conductive education centres across the UK.

We invest in a great learning environment to give you the best educational experience we can.

Our staff

Annamaria Berger-Jones

Conductor - Senior Lecturer

Annamaria has been working in the field of special educational needs and disabilities for over 20 years in various sectors and roles. Currently she is completing her doctoral thesis with a focus on professional identity and theorising the philosophy of conductive education. She works as a senior lecturer and teaches on undergraduate and...

More about Annamaria