Masters Degrees (Inclusion)

This is an innovative e-learning programme developed through partnerships between experts by experienced practitioners, academics and service providers in the areas of mental health, social inclusion, leadership and recovery. The course was developed as part of an EU partnership to provide an international perspective on recovery and social inclusion issues.

This two year part-time course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in to the recovery and social inclusion of people experiencing mental distress.

Why choose this course?

Recovery is an innovative and empowering approach to working with and alongside people experiencing mental distress and illness. It is an approach that has gained great credence with service users, agencies and staff in recent years.

This fully online part-time course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference to mental health recovery and social inclusion. You will develop the skills to work directly with, develop policies and manage mental health work to aid the recovery and social inclusion of people experiencing mental distress. You will also develop an international understanding of processes and developments in the recovery and social inclusion.

This course is ideal for professionals from all mental health disciplines, service users, carers, service managers, policy makers and those who aspire to be leaders in their areas of expertise in their country.

Careers

If you're already working in mental health services:
-Progress up the career ladder: a Master's degree is becoming more of a requirement for career progression in health and social care services
-A different approach: Develop innovative practice in your workplace towards a more recovery and inclusive focus
-Innovate: Develop innovative projects relating to mental health recovery and social inclusion and skills to evaluate them
-Academia: Go into research or teaching.

For those who are service users or carers, a successful completion of the course could open the possibility of considering a career in mental health, or in mental health research.

Additionally, through learning about recovery and social inclusion you will hopefully be able to adapt approaches and understanding of your own recovery journey and the journey of loved ones. The underpinning philosophy of this course is to bring innovation and change to practice and we hope that the course will help you be able to work collaboratively with services towards this goal.

Teaching methods

Studying 100% online means you can study when and wherever you want anywhere around the globe. There are no attendance requirements, although you will be offered at least two individual online tutorials and two group tutorials, as well as regular contact with tutors.

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This is an innovative e-learning programme developed through partnerships between experts by experienced practitioners, academics and service providers in the areas of mental health, social inclusion, leadership and recovery. The course was developed as part of an EU partnership to provide an international perspective on recovery and social inclusion issues.

This two year part-time course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in to the recovery and social inclusion of people experiencing mental distress.

Why choose this course?

Recovery is an innovative and empowering approach to working with and alongside people experiencing mental distress. It is an approach that has gained great credence with service users, agencies and staff in recent years.

This fully online part-time course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference to mental health recovery and social inclusion. You will develop the skills to work directly with, develop policies and manage mental health work to aid the recovery and social inclusion of people experiencing mental distress. You will also develop an international understanding of processes and developments in the recovery and social inclusion.

This course is ideal for professionals from all mental health disciplines, service users, carers, service managers, policy makers and those who aspire to be leaders in their areas of expertise in their country.

Careers

If, you're already working in mental health services:
-Progress up the career ladder: a Master's degree is becoming more of a requirement for career progression in health and social care services
-A different approach: Develop innovative practice in your workplace towards a more recovery and inclusive focus
-Innovate: Develop innovative projects relating to mental health recovery and social inclusion and skills to evaluate them
-Academia: Go into research or teaching

For those who are service users or carers, a successful completion of the course could open the possibility of considering a career in mental health, or in mental health research.

Additionally, through learning about recovery and social inclusion you will hopefully be able to adapt approaches and understanding of your own recovery journey and the journey of loved ones. The underpinning philosophy of this course is to bring innovation and change to practice and we hope that the course will help you be able to work collaboratively with services towards this goal.

Teaching methods

Studying 100% online means you can study when and wherever you want anywhere around the globe. There are no attendance requirements, although you will be offered at least two individual online tutorials and two group tutorials, as well as regular contact with tutors.

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This is an innovative e-learning programme developed through partnerships between experts by experienced practitioners, academics and service providers in the areas of mental health, social inclusion, leadership and recovery. The course was developed as part of an EU partnership to provide an international perspective on recovery and social inclusion issues.

This one year part-time course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in to the recovery and social inclusion of people experiencing mental distress.

Why choose this course?

Recovery is an innovative and empowering approach to working with and alongside people experiencing mental distress. It is an approach that has gained great credence with service users, agencies and staff in recent years.

This fully online part-time course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference to mental health recovery and social inclusion. You will develop the skills to work directly with, develop policies and manage mental health work to aid the recovery and social inclusion of people experiencing mental distress. You will also develop an international understanding of processes and developments in the recovery and social inclusion.

This course is ideal for professionals from all mental health disciplines, service users, carers, service managers, policy makers and those who aspire to be leaders in their areas of expertise in their country.

Careers

If, you're already working in mental health services:
-Progress up the career ladder: a Master's degree is becoming more of a requirement for career progression in health and social care services
-A different approach: Develop innovative practice in your workplace towards a more recovery and inclusive focus
-Innovate: Develop innovative projects relating to mental health recovery and social inclusion and skills to evaluate them
-Academia: Go into research or teaching

For those who are service users or carers, a successful completion of the course could open the possibility of considering a career in mental health, or in mental health research.

Additionally, through learning about recovery and social inclusion you will hopefully be able to adapt approaches and understanding of your own recovery journey and the journey of loved ones. The underpinning philosophy of this course is to bring innovation and change to practice and we hope that the course will help you be able to work collaboratively with services towards this goal.

Teaching methods

Studying 100% online means you can study when and wherever you want anywhere around the globe. There are no attendance requirements, although you will be offered at least two individual online tutorials and two group tutorials, as well as regular contact with tutors.

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The MA Special Needs and Inclusion is a distinct, multi-professional award designed for international and UK students. This course meets the growing need for professionals to have the skills and theoretical understanding necessary to work in different fields and across the life span.

Underpinned by a strong values base, it emphasises social justice and inclusive principles, whilst acknowledging and critiquing the many different perspectives in policy and practice.

Visit the website: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/special-needs-and-inclusion.aspx

Course detail

Full time students will study three 20 credit modules each term, with sessions taught either during the day, twilight or occasionally at weekends.

Part-time students’ sessions will take place during the evening and on one Saturday each term.

All students are encouraged and supported to work collaboratively and to explore their individual interests. Blended learning materials are available to support all students.

Content

To achieve the MA Special Needs and Inclusion award you'll need to complete 3 core (compulsory) modules and 3 optional modules, plus a dissertation.

Some of the modules you could study:
• Critical Issues (Core)
• Research Methods (Core)
• Perspectives on Special Needs and Inclusion (Core)
• Contemporary Issues in Special Needs and Inclusion (Optional)
• International Perspectives in Special Needs and Inclusion (Optional)
• The Psychology of Special Needs (Optional)
• Multi-professional Working (Optional)
• Inclusive and Assistive Technology (Optional)
• Negotiated Project (Optional)

Following the successful completion of the 3 core modules and 3 other modules you'll carry on to complete a Dissertation. This is your own particular research into a topic of interest to you, identified in conjunction with your tutor.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods, including essays, reports, case studies, presentations and professional discussions.

What can I do next?

Following the successful completion of your MA Special Needs and Inclusion there is the opportunity to study a Doctorate in Education (SEN) of PhD.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Funding

-Masters Loans-

From 2016/17 government loans of up to £10,000 are available for postgraduate Masters study. The loans will be paid directly to students by the Student Loans Company and will be subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

For more information available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/funding-your-postgraduate-degree.aspx

-2017/18 Entry Financial Support-

Information on alternative funding sources is available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/2017-18-entry-financial-support.aspx

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Linking sustainable development to social inclusion

While governments around the world have committed themselves to fighting poverty, poverty can only be eradicated once marginalised individuals and groups experience equality, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, disabilities or age. That is why discussions on sustainable development and reversing poverty often refer to social inclusion. Development organisations and government agencies can contribute to inclusive transformation processes that improve circumstances for marginalised people and allow them to take part in society and benefit from social services and various political, social, physical and market spaces.

Youth are particularly important drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship and prosperity in developing countries and engaging them in the agricultural sector and keeping them in the rural areas should be a priority. To ensure context-specific inclusive transformation processes, development professionals and organisations need to understand and define marginalised peoples’ needs, interests, constraints and possibilities, as well as understand their roles in decision-making processes at household, economic and societal levels.

The Rural Development, Social nclusion, Gender and Youth specialisation equips students with competences needed to understand and define these contextual factors, reduce inequities and improve social and economic conditions for everyone.

Competences

By the time you graduate, you will have developed the ability to:

• identify opportunities for systemic change and to enhance opportunities and interests of youth, men and women in rural environments
• promote social inclusion and mainstream gender and other socialequity issues in rural development
• recommend changes that will bring about gender equality in organisations
• develop a personal strategy for enhancing empowerment, social inclusion, youth involvement and gender equality in your own profession and organisation.

Career opportunities

Specialists in Rural Development, Social Inclusion, Gender and Youth contribute to inclusive transformation of social processes that improve circumstances for marginalised people to take part in society. Recognising that equal access to markets and social services, influence over decisions affecting one’s life and young people as key drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship and prosperity will increase security over livelihood and improve social economic conditions for everyone, specialists may design interdisciplinary projects to mainstream social inclusion and reduce inequities. As agents for community development, they may be managers, coordinators or consultants in a (non-)governmental organisation or in the private sector.

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This award is gained through taking a SEND and inclusion focus for 50% of the study, including the Dissertation.

The programme is flexible to enable students to demonstrate a SEND and inclusion focus in any of the 30 credit modules of interest which are studied, although study might include the Inclusive Perspectives of SEND module. Students must have a SEND and inclusion focus for the final dissertation.

In order to gain this award students need to submit the SEND and Inclusion evidence log to demonstrate the 50% focus.

Why choose this course?

The programme supports you in developing your knowledge and understanding of issues and practice through enquiry and research. The programme provides a range of module choices, but you are encouraged to bring your own ideas and focus on your own particular professional interests.

Through this programme you will:

• Develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of issues relating to education practice through critical reflection, analysis and enquiry
• Develop your ability to critically analyse educational theory and how it links to practice
• Become a member of a supportive learning community and learn from professionals from a range of educational settings
• Become a successful practitioner researcher

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules:

Exploring Approaches to Research
SEND and Inclusion Dissertation

Optional:

Creativity: You and Your Practice
Developing Subject and Professional Knowledge
Early Childhood: Foundations for Life
Education, Social Justice and Social Change
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Inclusive Perspectives on Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities
Leadership and Management

Teaching methods

Taught sessions are built around discussion, discovery, shared learning and peer review with tutor support and expertise immediately at hand. All modules are constructed so that the focus of the work should be upon your individual interests and professional requirements.

• For each 30 credit module, attendance at between 7/8 twilight sessions per module
• A significant amount of private study and reading
• Independent research
• An assignment of 4,500 words or equivalent for 30 credit modules
• A final 60 credit module over a year with a 12,000 word assignment
• Full access to the University’s Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and virtual learning environment

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The Primary PGCE with SEN: Inclusion is designed to support trainees in developing the skills, values, knowledge and understanding required to meet the Teachers’ Standards. The programme will do this in the context of east London schools where it is paramount that teachers have the ability to support learning in a multicultural, multilingual urban environment. The Primary PGCE with SEN: Inclusion aims to equip trainees with additional expertise in developing inclusive practice in mainstream settings and with the confidence and competence to take on a leadership role in this field in the future.

If you choose to study Primary with Special Educational Needs: Inclusion at UEL you will:
• develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of what it means to be a professional in school;
• engage in practical and theoretical enquiry as a key element in your development as a teacher;
• reflect on and take responsibility for your own professional development;
• have the necessary experiences to meet the Teachers’ Standards;
• acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding to develop additional expertise in supporting pupils with EAL;
• be able to respond proactively and positively to change and thus enabled to make informed contributions to education;
• develop your ability to read and write critically at Masters Level.

Primary PGCE at UEL

The Primary PGCE with SEN: Inclusion is a partnership programme, written and developed in collaboration with schools. Much of your time will be spent in schools, observing learning and teaching, exploring the interface between theory and practice and working with pupils in a range of classroom settings. You will be an active participant in a diverse community of students. Inclusion, personalisation, and pupil voice are some of the key themes and values underpinning the programme. You will engage with research at Masters level.

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As contemporary societies become more heterogeneous, and as inclusive education reforms gain currency across the world, educational systems are being challenged to address some fundamental questions about teaching - learning related to the accommodation of difference. Likewise, the educational special needs task is being radically re-conceptualised.

Meeting the diversity of learner needs within today’s classrooms and schools is one of the most challenging and important tasks facing education today. Drawing on research-based practice, the MEd in Inclusion and Special Needs Education addresses these challenges in a straightforward, supportive and practical way. The programme aims to develop forms of teaching that reach out to all learners within a class, as well as the establishment of school conditions that will encourage such developments.

Why Inclusion and Special Needs Education at Queen's?

◦As a prestigious Russell Group University, Queen’s is ranked 8th within the UK in relation to research intensity;
◦ Education at Queen’s has been ranked 4th within the UK in relation to research intensity with 87% of the research undertaken within the School assessed as ‘internationally excellent or world leading’ (REF, 2014);
◦We provide a professional development opportunity for: mainstream primary and secondary teachers from the newly qualified phase of professional development onwards; and, individuals whose professional or voluntary roles are strongly associated with life in regular classrooms and schools e.g. School Governors, Learning and Behaviour Mentors and Classroom Assistants;
◦We understand the many demands on students’ time, so the content is delivered in a mixture of face-to-face and online formats and you can study one or more of our modules as a short course;
◦If you don’t want or need to study for the research dissertation, flexible exit qualifications (PG Diploma, PG Certificiate) are available.


[Programme Structure]]
The MEd in Inclusion and Special Needs Education is awarded to students who have successfully completed 120 CATS points from taught modules and 60 CATS points from a Master's dissertation.

Exit qualifications are available. Students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught modules or an Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS points from taught modules.

Short Courses

We've made it easy to study for a Masters module as a short course. If you would like to study for one of the modules in the MEd in Inclusion and Special Needs Education as a short course, please contact the Education Secretary (tel: 028 9097 5923/ 5032, [email protected]) for advice.

Core Modules

◦An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (compulsory, online)
◦Reimagining Special Needs Education: Inclusive Pedagogy (compulsory)
◦Special Needs Education and Issues of Equity (compulsory)
◦The Intellectual Foundations of Special Education (compulsory)
Optional modules may be chosen from the School's Educational Studies (MEd) degree.

Assessment

There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed through written assignments, project reports, or online multiple choice tests and online discussion list contributions.

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The principle concern of the Masters programme is the study of communities and the dynamics and tensions of human interaction within them, alongside the role of law as a vehicle of governance. It aims to focus on understanding disadvantages within communities and how inclusivity can be established. As well as, understand social inequalities and how to enhance the value of diversity and inclusion.
This course offers three exit routes. It is driven by the changing nature of equality legislation and practice and the conceptual synergies, at Postgraduate Certificate level between the Community Leadership Studies and the study of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. At the Diploma and Masters level there is a distinct focus on equality, diversity and inclusion.

Modules:

Year 1:
Understanding equality and community practice
Leadership: theory, practice and reflection
Community and practice based research

Year 2:
Three of the following option modules:
Promoting equality and diversity
Managing change
Equality, human rights and the aw
Professional writing and communication

Year 3:
Dissertation

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This award is particularly relevant to practitioners and policy makers who are interested in using their prior experience to build an informed picture about inclusion in educational settings. It’s useful for colleagues who wish to link their current knowledge to a framework that puts human rights at the heart of the debate.

COURSE STRUCTURE

It will draw on research to develop a critical approach to an understanding of inclusive education. There are legal implications, cultural and social aspects which affect the ways the rights of vulnerable learners are achieved and compromised. This can be linked to ethical practice and social justice. Modules will open complex issues for discussion and debate looking at theories, policies and practices that emphasise the development of understanding the needs and entitlement of individuals.

MODULES

There is a choice of optional modules for this award including:

The National Award for Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordination is a mandatory award for all SENCOs new to post.

Including Vulnerable Learners explores how inclusion is exercised in your own educational setting and how you can become an agent of change.

SEN and Inclusion: Autism Spectrum (Children) is designed for teachers, SENCOs and other professionals working with children and young people on the autism spectrum.

Supporting Learners with Special Educational Needs is designed for practitioners in special schools, schools and early years settings with identified issues relating to specified educational needs.

Children's Services: Supporting Vulnerable Learners will look at the history, theory and practice of multi-agency working.

Other modules include: Identifying and Supporting Learners with SPLD/Dyslexia; Assessment Methodology (SPLD/Dyslexia); and Identifying and Addressing Mathematical Difficulties.

For further information on our optional modules please head to our website: http://www.bathspa.ac.uk, or email [email protected]

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This programme is designed for anyone wishing to develop their knowledge and understanding of issues relating to special educational needs and inclusion at Master’s level, including practitioners working with children, young people and adults in a range of different contexts. However, some modules may require people to be working in practice. We can also offer bespoke training packages for a variety of settings.

Course content

All the modules are 30 CATs points each, apart from the final Dissertation which is 60 CATs points and is a compulsory module for those aiming for a MA award.

Students can choose from a range of optional modules which provide an opportunity to critically reflect on debates and controversies surrounding the development of inclusive practice in a variety of settings and contexts, national and international and in relation to various individual needs.

Course modules (16/17)

-Promoting Inclusive Practice
-Understanding Dyslexia: Identification, Curriculum & Teaching
-Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders
-Perspectives on Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
-Pupils with Severe, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties 1 and 2
-Key Concepts in Inclusion and Diversity
-Leadership and Management in BESD
-Understanding Multi-Sensory Impairment
-Physical Disabilities: Contexts and Interventions
-Physical Disabilities: Curriculum Issues
-Evaluating Approaches for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
-Organisational based Project
-Research Methods
-Speech, Language and Communication needs
-Theoretical Perspectives on SpLD (Dyslexia) where are we now?
-The National Award for SEN Coordination 1 and 2
-Autism in the Early Years
-Using Standardised Assessments in Educational Settings: Theory and Practice
-Understanding Challenging Behaviour in People with Autism and/or Learning Disabilities
-Promoting EAL Practice (English Additional Learning and Bilingualism in Education)
-Research Thesis
-Dissertation

Students studying for a MA will have to complete a compulsory research project, either the Dissertation on its own, or a Research Thesis and the Research Methods module together.

Methods of Learning

Modules will be taught across three semesters per year through a combination of approaches such as lectures, seminars, group work, case studies, tutorials and independent enquiries. A key strength of our programme is our blended learning approach. This provides the opportunity to learn collaboratively both face to face and online.

Schedule

For this programme taught study would be a combination of lectures, seminars and online activities which is usually 3 hours per week, per module. We recommend students to spend 10 hours per week, per module in self-directed study time.

Students studying in India or Thailand will have block classes for 4-5 days with additional online support.

PG Certificate- one year full time or between one to two years part-time.
PG Diploma- one year full time or between two to three years part-time.
MA – one year full time or between two to four years part-time.

The programme has September and January in-takes for home students and September in-take only for international students.

Assessments

Assessment procedures are flexible and sensitive to either personal interests or existing professional workloads. Modules are assessed on the basis of essays, case studies, portfolios or reports and small-scale research projects.

Facilities and Special Features

Our integrated learning environment provides access to course materials and to a well-resourced library enabling students to access e-books and electronic journals from home.

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The Inclusion and Special Educational Needs programme is a distance learning programme designed for students who wish to study a range of modules relating to Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (ISEN).

This programme is designed for participants who wish to combine modules from two SEN related programmes.

The ISEN programme is suitable for:

UK, European and overseas students
professionals in schools, further education, social services or health related roles who are interested in the education and needs of children or students with a range of special educational needs (SEN)
people who have completed a first degree and are attracted to study and gain knowledge about children and students with special educational needs
The programme utilises material for home study, tutorial and seminar groups, together with a university-based residential weekend in Birmingham. Our distance learning programme has a reputation for excellence both nationally and internationally.

Levels of Award:

The level at which an individual is admitted to study on the programme will depend on their previous academic qualifications as well as their professional experience.

About the School of Education

The School of Education has a long-standing reputation as a centre of excellence for teaching and research in a wide range of areas of educational practice and policy. It is an international leader in education with a history of top rated research. In the 2016 QS World Rankings, it was ranked 28th in the World and joint 7th in Europe/UK.
The School employs over 100 academic staff who teach more than 2,500 students. It is home to a number of departments and research centres with a history of top rated research and is an international leader in education.
School of Education ranking:
- Ranked 6th in the Guardian University League Tables 2017
- Ranked 10th in the 2017 Complete University Guide
- In Top 3 for HEI provision in the Good Teacher Training Guide
- Ranked 28th in the World in the 2016 QS World Rankings
- Ranked 9th overall for Research in the 2014 REF (with more than 82% of research rated as ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) or ‘world leading’ (4*).
- Rated 'outstanding' in latest Ofsted inspection (2013) for its Teacher Training programmes
- Ranked third for Education in The Times Good University Guide 2017

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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This programme is aimed at people interested in developing their knowledge and skills in the field of autism spectrum, including Asperger syndrome. This specialist pathway is ideal for professionals working in early years, primary or secondary schools, further and higher education, voluntary sector, advisory roles, and residential settings. It would also be available (subject to entry qualifications) to people with a personal interest, for example individuals on the autism spectrum and family members.

Course content

This programme provides in-depth knowledge and understanding of various aspects related to autism. The modules place specific emphasis on understanding autism from the individual and their family perspective. Theoretical perspectives related to autism and learning are explored in order to better understand the strengths and needs of individuals. A thorough analysis of evidence based approaches will be included in order to evaluate best practice in this field. The aim of the programme is to help participants to reduce the barriers that individuals with autism face in education and wider society. Participants will be encouraged to critically reflect and analyse their practice.

The modules undertaken will vary depending upon the selected exit award (PG certificate, diploma, MA). Each module is 30 level 7 CATs points, the final Dissertation is 60 CATs points. Students progressing to MA will undertake a Research Methods module and will complete a dissertation as part of their study.

Course modules (16/17)

-Understanding Autistic Spectrum Disorders
-Autism in the Early Years
-Understanding Challenging Behaviour in People with Autism and/or Learning Disabilities
-Evaluating Approaches for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
-Research Thesis
-Dissertation
-Research Methods

Students on PG Diploma or MA will study another optional module such as Key concepts in Inclusion or Understanding Severe and Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties. Students on the MA route will then complete an independent research project, either the Dissertation on its own, or the Research Thesis and Research Methods modules together.

Methods of Learning

Modules will be taught through a combination of approaches such as lectures, seminars, group work, case studies, tutorials and independent enquiries. A key strength of our programme is our blended learning approach. This provides the opportunity to learn collaboratively both face to face and online.

Schedule

For this programme taught study would be a combination of lectures, seminars and online activities which is usually 3 hours per week, per module. We recommend students to spend 10 hours per week, per module in self-directed study time.

PG Certificate– one year full time or between one to two years part-time.

PG Diploma– one year full time or between two to three years part-time.

MA – one year full time or between two to four years part-time.

September, 2016/ 2017, Full-time and Part-time.

Assessments

Assessment procedures are flexible and sensitive to either personal interests or existing professional workloads. Modules are assessed on the basis of essays, case studies, portfolios or reports and small-scale research projects.

Facilities and Special Features

Facilities available
-Virtual Learning environment.
-Fantastic library facilities.

Special features
The course is taught by senior lecturers who have extensive professional experience of working with individuals on the autism spectrum across the age and ability range. In addition, lecturers have an extensive research background.

Careers

If you are already working in the field of autism then the in-depth knowledge you will gain from this programme can help you to improve your practice or apply for management positions. A range of other career options in education, social care and voluntary sectors will be possible, such as being an advocate, learning mentor, or family adviser. For those who want to pursue further post-graduate research there is also a possibility of studying for a PhD.

Work Experience - For students who do not have any practical experience in the field, optional opportunities to visit settings can be arranged.

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This programme, which is suitable for graduates working in educational settings, will enhance and develop your knowledge of a range of learning difficulties, enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of special education needs (SEN) and inclusion. There will be opportunities to reflect upon the importance of early identification of need as you enhance your awareness of how to recognise the indicators of a range of special educational needs. These include dyslexia, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties. Effective strategies to improve intervention will also be considered and related to your practice, underpinned by reflection upon a range of literature and legislation, as you gain an enhanced appreciation of how inspiring practice can support and augment the learning of those with special educational needs.

What will I study?

The course comprises two modules, one studied per semester, which explore the provision of inclusive education for those with special educational needs.

You will consider the dilemmas arising from everyday practice, examine UK policy as well as national and international legislation, and reflect upon the range of learning difficulties within your own setting.

How will I study?

The programme will be delivered through a blended learning approach that consists of one workshop per module and supported online learning through the use of the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE).

Additional sessions will be available via Collaborate, an academic virtual classroom, to enhance the online learning experience. Academic tutors will also offer guidance on the development of your practice-based research.

How will I be assessed?

The programme is assessed through two reflective portfolios. These will include practice-based assessment tasks and a critical reflection of 2,500 words.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by highly qualified and experienced tutors with expertise in the field of special educational needs.

What are my career prospects?

The programme will equip you with the professional attributes, skills, knowledge, attitudes and confidence required to support individuals with a range of learning difficulties.

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The MA in Equality and Diversity in Society is an exciting development in response to The Equality Act 2010 and global concerns regarding equality. Awareness of equality and diversity is now seen as an integral requirement of many organisations, as well as an aspiration for society as a whole.

Course Overview

There is recognition that the underlying body of knowledge and theories surrounding equality and diversity, which are directly linked to social policy, sociology and social and cultural theory, are essential in developing informed professionals. This Master's Programme will extend professional knowledge and understanding and aims to develop reflective/reflexive practitioners through an integrated set of compulsory modules. This programme will give a sound understanding of equality and diversity and its implications for society, organisations, communities, families, individuals and policy-makers.

The Master's in Equality and Diversity in Society is grounded in the quest to ‘provide an understanding of the long-term and underlying causes of disadvantage that need to be addressed by public policy’ (Equalities Review, 2007: 13). To this end, the principle of equality and inclusion is embedded within and throughout the programme. The programme recognises that philosophers, economists, and political and social theorists debate the concepts of equality and diversity from a range of different perspectives; allowing the student to explore competing interpretations of what ‘equality’ and ‘diversity’ might mean in our society. Through engaging with ‘the intellectual traditions and perspectives of the social science, students will be encouraged to explore social processes and the links between theory, policy and practice. It allows students to debate societal issues, and promote engagement with ‘new ideas …. relating to issues such as the impact of globalisation on … social justice, sustainable development, social inclusion..’

Part I comprises four taught modules which can be access through weekend taught sessions or through an online virtual learning environment or through a blended learning approach.

Part II is the dissertation component where the student will explore an aspect of equality and diversity through either an extended literature review or primary research (15,000 words).

Modules

Part 1
SJEQ7001 - Researching and Reflecting upon Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
SJEQ7002 - The Personal and the Political: Influences on Policy, Affecting Individuals and Groups in the UK today
SJEQ7003 - Equality and Diversity: Power and Social (Re)production of Inequality
SJEQ7004 - Sustainable Communities: Equality in Action
SJEQ7008 - Equality, Gender and Sexual Diversity

Part 2
SJEQ7007 - Dissertation: Equality and Diversity in Society

Key Features

The public policy drive has highlighted the need for professionals who are able to understand ‘the complexities involved in social policy formation, implementation and development’ (SPA, 2007: 8). This programme has been designed both as a natural progression for BA Social Inclusion graduates, and as preparation for students who wish to enter or are already professionals working in a diverse range of fields (for example: teaching, health and/or social care, educational settings, probation service, voluntary organisations, youth support, community education, police services). It also acknowledges the Welsh Assembly Government’s vision for all teachers to be qualified to Master's level.

The programme is designed to enable students to further develop the range of skills gained at initial degree level, which transfer easily to the world of work:
-Communicating effectively
-ICT
-Researching, preparing and delivering presentations
-Making effective use of visual aids
-Working collaboratively or as part of a team
-Working to deadlines.

Further skills within this Master's programme will include:
-Creativity in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to develop and interpret knowledge
-Ability to acquire and critically analyse data and information, to evaluate their relevance and validity, and to synthesise a range of information in the context of new situations
-Conceptual understanding that enables the student to: evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and assess its relevance to new situations; extrapolate from existing research and scholarship to identify new or revised approaches to practice

(QAA: Master's Benchmark Statement for Business and Management, 2007: 5.1)

The programme encourages students to use critical skills in their professional practice to enable them to:
-Consistently apply their knowledge and subject-specific and wider intellectual skills
-Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and -Communicate their conclusions clearly to a range of audiences
-Be proactive in recognising the need for change and have the ability to manage change
-Be adaptable, and show originality, insight, and critical and reflective abilities which can all be brought to bear upon problem situations
-Make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations
-Evaluate and integrate theory and practice in a wide range of situations
-Be self-directed and able to act autonomously in planning and implementing projects at professional levels
-Take responsibility for continuing to develop their own knowledge and skills

(QAA: Master's Benchmark Statement for Business and Management, 2007: 5.2)

Evidence indicates that these are the skills that are highly valued by employers. Although it is not primarily a vocational programme, it prepares students to move in a vocational direction. Graduates are expected to secure employment or be in employment in a range of positions including:
-Child Care Officer
-Education Officer: Local Education Authority
-Family Aide
-Fostering Service Project Worker
-Health care professional
-Language and Numeracy Assistant
-Learning Coach
-Probation Officer
-Social Worker/Social Services
-Support Assistant for disabled people
-Teacher
-Voluntary youth organisation worker

Assessment

The assessments within this programme aim to not only allow a student to demonstrate their academic understanding but also ‘upskill’ them through the use of assessments directly related to the needs of employers in this field, including:
-Assignments
-Seminar presentations
-Reflective diaries
-Extended essays
-Questionnaire design
-Case studies
-Designing a leaflet and supporting academic paper
-Community profile
-Dissertation

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