Masters Degrees in Special Needs Education, United Kingdom

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 National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination (NASENCO) is a legally required qualification for all new Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs).

This course will support you to improve your knowledge of current legislation, theory and practice in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision in schools/colleges and your skills in meeting those needs.

This course will assist you to fulfil your leadership role as outlined in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice for 0 to 25 years (DfE, 2014):

• Overseeing the operation of the institution’s SEN policy
• Coordinating provision for SEND
• Liaising with the relevant designated teacher where a looked after pupil has SEN
• Advising on a graduated approach to providing SEN Support and effective deployment of the institution’s delegated budget and other resources
• Liaising with families of children with SEN, other schools and relevant external professionals/ agencies
• Liaising with potential next providers of education and consulting young people and families to ensure a smooth transition is planned
• Working with the head teacher and school governors to ensure that the school conforms to the Equality Act (2010)
• Ensuring that the institution keeps records of young people with SEN up to date.

You will be able to tailor the three assignments to fit your, and your institution’s, needs.

Visit the website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/education-national-award-for-special-educational-needs-co-ordinators

Course detail

• Study on a course designed for to develop SENCOs’ professional attributes and knowledge, understanding and skills, to enable you to fulfil the leadership role set out in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice for 0 to 25 years (DfE, 2014).
• Explore course content highly relevant to mainstream and special school practitioners alike, focusing on issues related to literacy difficulties and dyslexia in schools, and how potential barriers to learning can be removed
• Develop your understanding of concepts, theories and approaches to literacy difficulties, including dyslexia, and inclusion in schools, and on your potential for influencing change
• Gain insight into the learning of dyslexic and other pupils/students who experience difficulties in literacy development/specific learning difficulties, and ways in which learning might be more effectively supported
• Benefit from a qualification that could be used as the basis for a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) claim into an MA Education course (Level 7).

Modules

• Introduction to special educational needs co-ordination in schools
• Further development of special educational needs co-ordination in schools

Assessment

Your individual development is assessed via six diagnostic, formative and summative assessments.

The first assessment in Unit 1 requires application of personal understanding of current legislation to individual contexts and critical reflection on the extent to which current school/institutional practice is inclusive and compliant with the law.

Assessments then focus on critical application of assessment theory to individual learning and behaviour needs, the design, development, and implementation of an individual plan linked to needs, and critical analysis of the effectiveness of this, with implications for future plans.

Assessments in Unit 2 relate to institutional level: analysis and reflection on current school/college policy in SEND and inclusive practices; analysis of areas for improvement in institutional SEND provision; the design, development, implementation, critical evaluation, and reporting on a small-scale practitioner research project focused on achieving the desired improvement.

Careers

The course is specifically designed to enable you to meet the learning outcomes for the qualification (NASENCO) that is legally required for all new SENCOs in schools. It enables you to fulfil the leadership role of SENCO in a school with greater confidence, competence and from a much better-informed position.

After graduating you will be in a good position to apply for positions of greater responsibility in schools/colleges.

The units on this course can be used as a short route to an MA Education (Special Educational Needs), providing 60 credits of recognised prior learning.

Funding

For information on available funding, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/scholarships/pg

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/course/applicationform

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The MA in Education - SEND is relevant to a wide variety of settings and across the age range from early years through to post compulsory education in college, university and other contexts. There is a strong focus on social justice and inclusion and the opportunity to reflect on your own professional practice throughout the courses.

MA in Education SEND is designed for people with an interest in autism and critical disability studies and for practitioners across the age range into post compulsory education. Based on the principles on 'nothing about us without us' content is informed by the experiences of people who identify personally with autism and /or SEND.

You'll develop a particular strand of interest into the dissertation and have opportunities to disseminate your findings to the work place and throughout the course. The Centre for Educational Research has a number of ongoing disability focused research projects and hosts the Disability Equality Research Network (DERN). This provides a vibrant supportive environment for your research and ensures that course content is always research-informed.

The programme will take place at LSBU (K2 Building) or in Special Educational Needs partners' schools and be delivered by academics and experts from the Special Educational Needs sector. Evening and weekend taught sessions are complemented by an extensive virtual learning environment and delivered on campus or elsewhere by arrangement. Students, wherever located, become part of diverse and stimulating LSBU community and the vibrant Centre for Education Research.

National Award for SEN Co-ordinator

You can also choose to take the recognised award of 'National Award for SEN Co-ordination' or options that will further deepen your understanding of SEND.

Modules

All modules are assessed by a mix of assignments, presentations, research projects and portfolio development.

Year 1

Students take two of the optional modules list below in year 1:

Special educational needs and disability
Part 2 SENCO National Award
Teaching and learning:
Understanding autism and learning
Autism individuality and identity
Part 1 SENCO National Award

Year 2

In addition to one of the modules listed above

Research Methods (compulsory)

Year 3

Dissertation (compulsory)

Timetable

Weekly evening seminars during term time.

Bespoke CPD sessions can be delivered on request.

Teaching and learning

You'll be taught by Dr Nicola Martin who has substantial experience in the field of autism including working with Professor Baron-Cohen on the Cambridge University Autism Project. She was also formerly director of the Autism Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. Dr Martin is currently a lecturer at LSBU and is a Principal Investigator for Research Autism.

You'll also be taught by Gianna Knowles who has considerable experience of working with school staff to develop their Special Educational Needs Departments. Gianna has published a range of academic textbooks that support staff development in this area.

You'll benefit from an up to date Virtual Learning Environment via Moodle and be actively encouraged to make use of the extensive range of support services across the university. You'll have access to a supervisor during the dissertation phase.

Placements

Access to the workplace (including voluntary work) is essential for most of the modules within the MA.

Professional links

The department has wide professional links within and beyond the university and the UK. Examples include:

• The Equality Challenge Unit
• The Alliance for Inclusive Education
• Equality and Diversity Forum Research Network
• The Leadership Foundation
• Research Autism
• Theorising Autism Project
• Teacher Education for Equality and Sustainability Network (TEESNet)
• National Association of Disability Practitioners
• Commonworks (for a just and sustainable world)

Recent guest lectures have been given by disabled academics and parents of pupils who have experienced special education.

Employability

MA Education Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) is designed to deepen your understanding of working with pupils /students in any educational setting, across the age range into adult education. It is therefore relevant to employment in school, college, alternative education settings and to work with disabled students at university. Content is applicable to teachers and staff in non- teaching roles, such as mentor, disability officer or learning support assistant. The content is also relevant to staff in strategic and operational leadership roles.

It is a professional and academic degree that provides an in-depth understanding of inclusive practice in education across the age range (in keeping with the 0-25 framework in the Children and Families Act 2014). The degree is relevant from early years to post-compulsory education in a wide variety of settings. The diverse requirements of learners identified with SEND and best practice to support inclusive learning and achievement will be explored. You'll be encouraged to critically engage with relevant theory and legislation contextualised and applied in practice.

This programme will contribute to your employability and the National SENco award may be a requirement of your workplace.

Students wishing to achieve promotion or develop a career in education benefit from having a higher degree. Progression from the MA to the EdD further enhances employability and promotion prospects, particularly in academia and research. CVs are improved by having publications in refereed journals and this is encouraged and supported on the MA as well as the Doctorate in Education.

LSBU Employability Services

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• Direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• Mentoring and work shadowing schemes.

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If you need to get a good grounding in special educational needs, disability and inclusion at postgraduate level, this course will broaden and challenge your existing knowledge. It could be a starting point for a future career in a range of settings or help you to develop in your current role. If you are already a SENCO it will give you many skills for your role and help you develop and expand this in line with the range of special needs you may encounter.

What's covered in the course?

Our course doesn’t aim to provide you with all the answers. Instead it will enable you to explore and develop new thinking and ultimately work towards expertise in your field. If you believe that pupils with special needs have untapped potential, and you want to help them explore this, then this is the course for you. Inclusive learning and teaching are at the heart of any good practice; these modules will help you explore this further and understand the important role of nurturing development in all pupils with special educational needs.

You do not need a teaching qualification to study on this course, nor do you have to intend becoming a teacher. We welcome anyone who wants to expand their understanding, knowledge and skill set in the changing world of special education and disability. 

You’ll have the opportunity to explore how the education system works for special needs and disability, how it all evolved and the challenges it poses for these pupils. You’ll broaden your knowledge on the range of conditions and their impact on learning and develop new teaching skills to help pupils overcome their day to day challenges. The focus of all modules will be critical thinking, challenging and developing your knowledge to enable you to become an expert in your field.

Why choose us?

• This course is delivered by qualified lecturer practitioners from NICE – Centre for Movement Disorders, making it a unique partnership merging theory and practice.
• We’re proud of our high employability rates, with 98 per cent of the School’s postgraduate students in employment or further study six months after their course (DLHE survey results 2014/15).
• The course focuses on development of pupil potential and how to meet all needs to promote a more effective teaching/classroom environment.
• You will develop new ways of thinking and new skills to enhance your impact on the development and learning of these special pupils.
• You can use this course to put you at the forefront of professional practice in special education and more importantly explore new potential in your pupils.
• This recognised qualification will help you to meet a variety of Continuing Professional Development requirements.
• You can use evidence of previous study or relevant experience to claim Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

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The Special and Inclusive Education MA will develop a student's knowledge of key concepts and issues related to special and inclusive education, enhancing their understanding of disciplinary and theoretical perspectives. It will give students the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise evidence, theory and practice, and help them to apply conceptual and theoretical frameworks to professional policy and practice.

Degree information

By the end of the programme, students should be able to:
-Contribute to contemporary international and national debate in the field of special education and inclusion and disability studies.
-Produce and communicate evidence-informed, reasoned argument in writing and orally.
-Demonstrate how concepts, theories and evidence can inform an understanding of issues and practice.
-Carry out a focused special, and inclusive education inquiry into educational practice.
-Enhance professional practice through greater knowledge, skills, understanding and awareness.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), optional modules and either a research report (30 credits) or a dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules
-Concepts and Contexts of Special and Inclusive Education
-Research Design and Methodology

Optional modules - in addition to the two core modules students take at least one module from the following:
-Autrism: Research and Practice
-Inclusive Pedagogy: Changing Practice through Action Research
-Language Development
-Psychology for Special Needs
-Social, Emotional and Behavioural Development
-Understanding SpLD (Dyslexia)

Students choose either one or two further options from the list above or, subject to the Programme Leader's approval, from elsewhere at the UCL Institute of Education.

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a 10,000 to 12,000-word dissertation or 6,000 to 7,000-word report.

Teaching and learning
The MA is taught through lectures, group discussions, small group one-to-one tutorials, and computer lab classes. Compulsory and optional modules are assessed by range of assessment strategies including presentations and a 4,000-5,000 word written assignment; students may choose from a range of assessment titles. In addition, students may choose to write either a report (6,000-7,000 words) or a dissertation (10,000-12,000 words).

NB: this MA is not a teacher training programme and does not aim to train students via school-based training and teaching placements.

Careers

Graduates of this programme are currently working across a broad range of areas. Some are working as managers in mainstream and special schools and other educational settings, while others support those with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities directly. Graduates can also be found working as staff in specialist services for children and young people with SEN and/or disabilities.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Secondary School Teacher (IT), Langley Park School
-Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher, Special School of Piraeus
-Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant, Grange Primary School
-Special Needs Support Assistant, The UCL Academy
-Behavioural Co-Ordinator, The National Autistic Society

Why study this degree at UCL?

This programme provides students with the opportunity to study in one of the country's leading specialist departments in special educational needs and disability (SEND), and educational psychology, working with internationally-recognised tutors who have published widely in the areas of special education, inclusion and disability studies, and who contribute to Master's and doctoral programmes worldwide.

The programme team is committed to creating an intellectually challenging context in which students are encouraged to discuss practical knowledge, experience and ideas in order to extend their understanding of special and inclusive education.

This programme attracts students with rich and varied professional and personal experience, both nationally and internationally, and fellow students provide a valuable networking resource.

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This MA is designed for practising professionals, or those interested in research, in special educational needs and disability (SEND) – usually in schools, the lifelong learning sector and universities.

Its modular structure allows you to personalise your choice of units and progress at a pace that best suits you, with a final phase focused on educational research via a dissertation.

The MA Education engages you with key issues in education and aims to encourage your evidence-based practice, as you make direct and meaningful connections between the course and your own experiences and aspirations.

The course helps you to broaden your knowledge educational ideas and research findings, as you identify and justify recommendations for further action. This places you in a better position to develop your work as a classroom practitioner or school leader.

Intermediate qualifications available:

• Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Masters level
• Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Masters level

Visit the website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/education-special-educational-needs

Course detail

• Study on a modular course designed for professionals in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), that allows you to accumulate credit at a pace that suits you, with assessments based around needs specific to your role in your educational organisation
• Explore the process of teaching, learning support and/or educational leadership, focusing on personal, academic and vocational interests relevant to your educational context
• Develop your understanding of assessment formats with a negotiated focus in support of both individual and organisational needs
• Gain from undertaking primary research that informs your current practice, as well as acquiring the necessary research skills to engage in future research and progress to a PhD or EdD programme
• Benefit from a course that provides a clear progression route following completion of your Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course, develops both you and the organisation within which you work and could be used as the basis for further study at doctoral level (PhD and EdD).

Modules

Units on offer include:

• Meeting Diverse Needs
• Understanding Pupil Behaviour in Schools or Understanding difficulties in literacy development and dyslexia (these are distance learning units)
• Leading change in Education
• Enhancing Practice in Educational Contexts
• Research Methods in the Workplace
• Dissertation (Special Educational Needs)
• Educational Leadership in Context
• Analysing Policy: Children’s Voice
• Exploring Coaching and Mentoring
• Early Years Education and Care

You will receive guidance on the units that are most appropriate for your career aspirations and interests

Assessment

You will complete a range of assessments, many of which you can tailor to your existing or developing interests and experience.

You will do a number of oral presentations, which not only improve your ability to present information in a professional and coherent way but also enable the sharing of research and experience amongst the group.

Written assessments include portfolios, case studies, essays and literature reviews.

You will develop your research skills throughout the course and apply them to a final applied project or dissertation

Careers

This Master’s qualification will enhance your chances for promotion and for employment in other contexts. Master’s study supports promotion to senior positions in the field of education.

The course is designed to help you engage, study and critique key issues in education as well as to be able to identify and justify recommendations for further action.

As a Master’s graduate, therefore, you will have the confidence, knowledge and critical skills to prepare and present a strong application to senior posts in the field of education.

Previous graduates have gone on to take up enhanced roles within their organisation; some have undertaken PhD study.

Funding

For information on available funding, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/scholarships/pg

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/course/applicationform

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This course has been developed for those who are currently working as special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) and is mandatory for all SENCOs appointed since 2008. This course will enable you to meet the learning outcomes as prescribed by the government.

You about skills and approaches to leadership; and to develop and evaluate inclusive cultures, systems and approaches to education. These new skills help you to make a difference in your school and to the wellbeing, participation and achievement of children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities.

You reflect on, analyse and respond to current issues of practice through professional learning in the workplace and you are supported by experienced local special educational needs and disability (SEND) professionals as well as a mentor in your own school.

You develop

• a critical understanding of the values, principles and dilemmas of inclusive practices and policies
• a specialist knowledge base enabling you to obtain, evaluate and communicate current information regarding special educational needs and disabilities.
• an active community of practice with SENCOs and experienced SEN professionals supporting your leadership of change
• the skills and practices of reflective practice to develop effective partnership working with pupils, families and colleagues
• the skills and practices of professional enquiry to enable you to evaluate the impact of practice

You have access to current SEND practitioners and experts in the field who share up-to-date practice. Your university tutors specialise in SEND and have complementary experience across age phases and special and mainstream schools. Their expertise supports your understanding of inclusive principles and practice, using research and theory to support your reflections, enquiries and study skills.

You complete a number of assessments that are focused on the development of effective practice in your school. Assessments consist of two practice-based portfolios

Portfolio 1 – SENCO as manager

This consists of

• an evaluation of school policy relating to special educational needs and disability in relation to current national policy and guidance. This involves engaging with parent's in order to inform policy.
• an evaluation of the school’s additional provision for children and young people with special educational needs. This includes an analysis of school data and lesson study to inform effective provision mapping

Portfolio 2 – SENCO as leader

This consists of

• developing the role of SENCO as leader through evaluating and developing effective partnerships with other stakeholders
• engaging with pupil voice in order to inform professional learning developments and to support colleagues in making effective provision for children with particular SEN or disability

Further information

For more information regarding our routes into teaching, including funding, placements, QTS skills tests and career prospects visit our teach site.

Course structure

12 months part-time

You attend up to ten teaching/tutorial/study days which are spread over the course duration.

Core modules

• SENCO as manager: evaluation and developing policy and provision

This module enables special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) to engage critically with their management role evaluating, reporting on and developing policy, systems and provision in the context of national legislation and guidance, current knowledge on effective practice and wider equality and human rights agendas.

• SENCO as leader: people, principles and partnerships

This module enables special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) to engage critically with their leadership role in the context of the principles of inclusion, person centred planning and working in partnership with colleagues, children and young people and their families.

Modules

Modules cover • inclusive principles and values • social and medical modules of disability • the role of the SENCO in analysing organisational needs and managing change • the national policy context for SEN and disability including the SEN Code of Practice • equality and data protection requirements • formulating and reviewing policy • accessing and interpreting school data - tracking progression and participation • provision mapping • designing, evaluating and reporting on systems and provision • lesson study and action research methods • rights and duties under equality legislation • person centred planning and partnership working • the local context for the implementation of Child Assessment Framework (CAF), school support and Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) • leadership • role of the SENCO in leading professional learning • holistic assessment • researching and evaluatiing current knowledge and debates regarding high incidence special educational needs and disabilities • theories of learning and development • identifying needs and barriers to learning and participation • systematic evaluation in professional contexts

Assessment

Portfolio 1 – evaluation and review of policy, and analysis of additional provision for children and young people with SEN.

Portfolio 2 – evaluation of partnership with stakeholders, and planning for strategic professional learning.

Employability

This course enhances your skills as a special educational needs co-ordinator so you can continue to improve the school experience for children with SENs or disability and to support the developing practice of other professionals working in your school or setting. It also develops your leadership skills, enabling you to explore whole issues and development. It is also suitable if you want to work in an advisory or support role in the area of SEND.

Academic credits gained by successfully completing this course can be used towards a masters degree.

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This Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) fulltime, campus- based programme is designed for educational and health practitioners that work with, or have an interest in working with, children identified as having special educational needs and disabilities. It provides opportunities for participants to reflect on their practice, to critique the conceptualisation of disability within culture and society, and to be analytical as to SEND practices and policies.

This course is internationally focused, and examines SEND practices around the world. Students will, however, be given opportunities to experience UK schools and to engage in research at both the UK and international level.

Awards available on the SEND programme
PG Cert – 3 modules (60 credits at M Level)
PGDip – 6 modules (120 credits at M Level)
MA – 6 modules plus a 15,000 word dissertation (180 credits at M Level)

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) programme will enable you to deepen and extend your knowledge and understanding of educational and social theories which are related to working with children and young people with a range of special educational and individual learning needs.

The programme utilises lectures, seminars, tutorials, school visits, practical tasks, and discussions. Lectures and seminars are facilitatedby academics who are leaders in research in the field of SEND.

The programme has been designed to allow opportunities for individualisation of content to ensure that it is relevant to your professional and personal needs. As a student on the programme, you will be expected to be self-directed in your learning, and propose projects that can be practical, theoretical, or both. If you choose to pursue the MA award, you will have the opportunity to design and implement research that will allow you to gain skills in research design and methodology.

This programme is designed to supplement professionals already working in the field, or those seeking a general introduction to topics within special educational needs and disabilities. In general, this includes educators already working with students with special educational needs and disabilities, support workers in places such as a university or workplace disability service unit, a social worker or nurse providing care for persons with disabilities, someone working for a non-governmental organization dealing with disabilities issues, or a staff member of a Ministry of Education or Ministry of Health, amongst other things. This programme is not intended to be a training programme for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs), nor will it provide specific teacher training to directly work with students with disabilities in education or health settings.

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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The MA in Inclusive Special Education has been designed to encourage greater understanding and a critical appreciation of the trends and developments in special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision in our schools.

You will have the opportunity to engage in the conceptual, philosophical and ethical debates relating to the education of children and young people who have a special educational need and/or disability both nationally and globally.

There will be a strong emphasis on promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and social justice.

The Programme will therefore be relevant for educators working in any educational phase and in mainstream, special and specialist setting and has been designed to achieve a close connection between your studies at Masters level and your workplace practice.

Indicative modules
There will be two modules in each academic year and you will be able to begin the dissertation in either Semester 1 which starts in September or in Semester 2 which starts in February. While the course content in each module will cover a range of topics you will be encouraged and supported to develop your research in your specific area of interest in SEND and inclusive practice.

Critical Disability Studies (30 credits)

In this module you will be critically evaluating the discourses and models of disability and inclusive practice through relevant literature and develop insights into the interrelationship between social policy, political frameworks and ideological perspectives on SEND. You will investigate disability rights; equality of opportunity and advocacy in a global and political context, cultural representations of disability; SEN and ethnicity; the impact on families; social exclusion; ethics and disability. You will be encouraged to engage professionally and academically with a review of relevant literature into educational practices for pupils with SEND with the aim of evincing change within your workplace practice.

Communication and Interaction (30 credits)

This module aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the range of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) experienced by children and young people, including; dyslexia, autism; specific learning difficulties, selective mutism; sensory impairments; bilingualism, and pupils with English as an additional language (EAL) and a SEND. You will critically examine the latest research and legislation on the education of children and young people who have a speech, language, communication difficulties and evaluate the range of educational and therapeutic interventions that are currently being used in schools and settings. You will gain knowledge and understanding of the links between research and educational practice by undertaking a case study in your workplace.

Exploring Inclusive Pedagogy (30 credits)

The aim of this module is to critically examine the concepts of inclusion in education and how special educational needs and disability is positioned within different establishments and phases of education. You will debate the social and educational implications for different types of inclusive provision and critically examine policies and practices that promote partnership with families and multiagency collaboration. Other topics will include teachers and TA/LSAs working together; partnership with parents; evaluating educational and therapeutic interventions; personalising learning; equality and diversity; the role of the SENCO; transitions from Early Years through to FE; SEND legislation and the political agenda and inclusive leadership. You will undertake an action research project to inform and change inclusive practices and promote school improvement.

Engaging Learners with Complex Needs (30 credits)

In this module you will develop your knowledge of a range of complex medical, developmental and psychological difficulties and how they affect learning and development. You will critically examine motivational and psychological theories; neuroscience and learning; complex medical needs; multisensory teaching for pupils with complex needs; mental health in children and young people; foetal alcohol spectrum disorder; attachment needs in children and young people; the legal and ethical frameworks for safeguarding children; the role of specialist and alternative provision, and multi-agency collaboration. For the assessment in this module you will critically evaluate teaching and learning strategies and alternative provision that supports pupils’ access to the curriculum through an observational study.

Dissertation (60 credits):

The dissertation represents the culmination of your study for the MA in Inclusive Special Education degree. It is divided into two 30 credit modules (Part 1 and Part 2) that focus on research methods for practitioner inquiry and developing an article for publication.

Part 1 (30 credits): You will design a medium scale enquiry with the intention of understanding and / or intervening to improve inclusive practice for children and young people with a SEND in the workplace on a topic of your choice. You will need to demonstrate a critical awareness of the ethical issues underpinning educational research and clearly justify choices in the research design, methodology and methods to address these issues. You will design, apply and critically evaluate data gathering and analysis methods to investigate a chosen aspect of SEND and/or inclusive practice and interpret your findings to inform the development of practice and the achievement of children and young people with a SEND.

Part 2 (30 credits): You will need to successful complete Part 1 before continuing with Part 2. Part 2 will give you the opportunity to problematise practitioner research within the wider context of educational concerns in the education of children and young people with a SEND, and the application of ideas from literature to school-based inquiry. You will achieve this through a critical review of the research including international research and professional literature around a chosen area of practitioner inquiry to inform your understanding of how to select relevant data and provide justification for the methods used and the implications future action. This will culminate in a greater understanding of the approaches and techniques for writing and disseminating work of publishable quality.

Teaching assessment
The MA in Inclusive Special Education can normally be completed in 3 years on a part-time basis, as follows:Two years (four semesters) with one module per semester, plus a further year (two semesters) for the dissertation.

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This programme focuses on inclusive practice. It is intended for teachers and other professionals working with students who are experiencing barriers to learning and participation or other special educational needs, whether in mainstream, special schools/units, colleges or early years settings.

Supported by current research, practice and theory, the programme is designed to help you develop your knowledge, understanding and critical skills in the analysis and evaluation of current research, theory and practice. The programme will provide you with opportunities to explore a range of areas, such as international developments in special/inclusive education, how to work with and involve parents and children and the school's role in promoting inclusion. You will also look at a range of topics that arouse controversy and debate in the area of special needs.

Please note that the MSc Education (Special and Inclusive Education) is designed for professionals with one year's experience, either in paid employment or as a volunteer.

Programme structure

Core units
-Introduction to Educational Inquiry
-How Schools Can Respond to Diversity and to Pupils' Special Needs
-Controversial Issues in Special and Inclusive Education
-Inclusive Education and Working with Parents/Carers

Optional units
-Students studying this programme will be able to take optional units from across the school.

Dissertation
-You will also complete a 15,000-word dissertation.

Careers

We offer the academic and personal development opportunities to equip you for the intellectual, social and personal challenges that you will encounter during your career. Our overarching goal is to enable our graduates to display the following characteristics:
-Equipped to demonstrate impact, excellence and distinctiveness in their chosen field.
-Visionary, imaginative, innovative, reflective and creative.
-High ideals and values, including a strong sense of social justice.
-Highly employable throughout the world.
-Adaptable, with the potential to be a leader in work and in the community.

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The MA Education is designed to enhance your professional practice and help you make improvements which will make a positive difference either within the classroom or your particular work environment.

Highly flexible, it caters for educators with a diverse range of experience, development needs, and study requirements. It is suitable for teachers, those in leadership or policy-making roles, and other practitioners working in education or related settings.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

This MA will enable you to explore concepts, approaches and issues relevant to the teaching and learning of students with special educational needs and disabilities. It is suitable for educators working with learners of all ages in specialist or mainstream education. One module includes practical school visits and a two-week experiential placement.

The syllabus may include:

* Legislation and policy – SEN classifications; statutory assessments; implications of new legislation; international context

* Types of need – including learning difficulties, behavioural difficulties, specific learning needs (e.g. dyslexia, numeracy, literacy), sensory and physical needs, communication difficulties

* Theory and practice – current thinking in relation to need, intervention, diagnosis and assessment; models of learning; curriculum models; personalisation and differentiation; and design and evaluation of materials

* Inclusive education – main concepts including integration, segregation, exclusion; international perspectives

* Teaching and learning – appropriate approaches depending on need

* Collaboration and support systems – including role of SENCO, peers, teaching assistants, support staff and pupil participation

* Systems and management of SEN – models of provision; the role of special schools; national agencies; voluntary groups

* Practical school experience – observations on practice, curriculum and teaching

Modules

The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand, please see the website for a current list of modules available http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/education/educationma/modules/

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The Special and Inclusive Education MA will develop a student's knowledge of key concepts and issues related to special and inclusive education, enhancing their understanding of disciplinary and theoretical perspectives. It will give students the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise evidence, theory and practice, and help them to apply conceptual and theoretical frameworks to professional policy and practice.

Degree information

Graduates will be equipped to contribute to contemporary international and national debate in the field of special education and inclusion and disability studies; produce and communicate evidence-informed, reasoned argument in writing and orally; demonstrate how concepts, theories and evidence can inform an understanding of issues and practice; carry out a focused special, and inclusive education inquiry into educational practice; enhance professional practice through greater knowledge, skills, understanding and awareness.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four taught modules (30 credits each) and a dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules
- Concepts and Contexts of Special and Inclusive Education (Cairo)
- Research Design and Methodology (Cairo)
- Social, Emotional and Behavioural Development (Cairo)
- Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)

Dissertation/research project
All students undertake an independent research project in special and inclusive education which culminates in a 10,000 to 12,000-word dissertation.

Teaching and learning
This MA is taught by UCL Institute of Education tutors in Cairo, Egypt. The programme is modular; two to three modules are taught each year and these will vary from year to year to cover the full requirement of the MA. Modules are taught in intensive blocks of four days at the Learning Resource Center in Maadi, Cairo. Skype meetings and tutorials are available for all students enrolled on this programme of study.

The MA is taught through lectures, group discussions and small group one-to-one tutorials. Modules are assessed by a 4,000 to 5,000-word written assignment. In addition, students write a dissertation (10,000-12,000 words).

Note: this MA is not a teacher training programme and does not aim to train students via school-based training and teaching placements.

Careers

This programme provides students with the opportunity to study at one of the UK's leading specialist departments in special educational needs and disability (SEND), and educational psychology, working with internationally recognised tutors who have published widely in the areas of special education, inclusion and disability studies, and who contribute to Master's and doctoral programmes worldwide. Note: this programe is only available to students living and working full-time in Egypt.

The programme team is committed to creating an intellectually challenging context in which students are encouraged to discuss practical knowledge, experience and ideas in order to extend their understanding of special and inclusive education.

This programme attracts students with rich and varied professional and personal experience.

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This programme is mainly aimed at qualified teachers who want to gain a deeper knowledge of special educational needs (SEN) to develop effective teaching and learning strategies.

You’ll choose whether to focus on SEN issues in England or internationally so you will either study areas such as inter-agency working under Every Child Matters or how SEN provision compares between different countries. You will expand on this knowledge when you choose from our optional modules, allowing you to focus on topics that interest you or are relevant to your career.

You could study developmental disorders and inclusive provision, and you’ll benefit from sharing the ideas and experiences of teachers from around the world as well as the local area. This programme will give you an understanding of the latest concepts approaches to effective, inclusive approaches, while equipping you with the skills to analyse the evidence that informs them.

You’ll be taught by members of the Childhood and Youth research group, which has a long-established, international reputation for research. The course distils the expertise within the team and draws on research that we have conducted, funded by agencies such as the ESRC, Action Research, and private and charitable UK organisations that work with children.

We offer students a vibrant intellectual and academic experience. Not only will you benefit from weekly research-led teaching, but you’ll have the chance to attend seminars with leading academics, hosted by the School of Education or other departments.

You can also apply for the PGCert in Provision for Children with Developmental Disorders that allows you to study the modules on developmental disorders from the MA Special Educational Needs. If you decide to move on to this MA programme afterwards, you can use the credits gained from the PGCert to count towards your MA.

Course content

From the start of the programme, you’ll build your understanding of the context of SEN education. You’ll complete one core module, allowing you to focus on SEN provision within England and worldwide, and consider issues such as inclusive education, how schools and local authorities interpret national education policy, and the ways that SEN provision differs between countries.

This lays the foundations for the rest of your studies, which will allow you to choose from a range of optional modules. You could focus on developmental disorders, or complete a directed study on a topic relevant to your interests and experiences.

Throughout the year, you’ll develop sophisticated skills in research and analysis that you’ll apply to your critical study – an independent piece of research you’ll submit by the end of the programme, on a topic of your choice which may be related to the needs and priorities of your school.

If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation 60 credits
• Special Educational Needs: Inclusive Approaches 30 credits
• Special Educational Needs: Inclusive Curriculum 30 credits

Optional modules

• Developing Teaching and Learning Through Evidence-based Practice 30 credits
• Directed Study in Education 1 30 credits
• The Context of Deaf Education 30 credits
• Deafness and Development 30 credits
• Design and Evaluation of Digital Learning Environments 30 credits
• Developmental Disorders I: Dyslexia and Developmental Coordination Disorder 30 credits
• Developmental Disorders II: Attention Deficit Disorder and Autistic Spectrum Disorder 30 credits
• Children's family and personal relationships 30 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Special Educational Needs MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Special Educational Needs MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods. For this course, most modules are taught with a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials, which will take place in the evening. However, independent study is crucial to this degree as it allows you to build your skills, prepare for lectures and pursue your own interests more closely.

Assessment

These are no exams on this course. Instead, assessment works through written coursework such as essays, case studies and other assignments.

Career opportunities

Teachers and specialists take this qualification at different points in their career and their motivations and ambitions vary.

For some teachers, it helps them to critically reflect on classroom activities and enhance their teaching practices; for others, it provides the foundations for moving into a more specialist role or opens up the opportunities for progress onto doctoral studies.

We encourage applicants who are not in full-time work to undertake some volunteer placements to help them to contextualise their studies and strengthen their CV.

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The programme aims to develop participants’ professional knowledge and critical understanding of key concepts and debates addressed in the academic and professional literature in order to lead and co-ordinate special educational needs and disability (SEN and D) provision across an educational setting.

Degree information

By the end of the programme students should be able to:
-Contribute to contemporary debate in the fields of both special education as well as inclusion and disability studies.
-Produce and communicate reasoned and informed reflective argument, both in writing and orally.
-Carry out a focused practitioner inquiry relating to the role of the SENCO, supported by relevant literature sources.
-Improve professional practice through greater knowledge, skills, understanding and awareness.

Students undertake modules to the value of 60 credits. The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits each). There are no optional modules on this programme.

National Award for SEN Co-ordination Postgraduate Certificate

Core modules
-Special Educational Needs Coordination: Improving Teaching and Learning
-Special Educational Needs Coordination: Leading and Managing Change

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Each module is delivered over six days. A Learning Log needs to be completed as the practical component. Assessment is through a practitioner enquiry assignment for both modules consisting of 4,500-5000 words each. The focus is on the practitioner as researcher within the participants’ own education institution.

Careers

Upon successful completion of this programme, students are able to transfer the 60 credits into UCL's MA in Special and Inclusive Education or MTeach in Special Educational Needs.

Employability
This programme will prepare participants for progression to employment as SEN co-ordinators or for senior leadership roles within schools in a variety of settings.

Why study this degree at UCL?

This programme is run by the SENJIT (Special Educational Needs Joint Initiative for Training) centre at UCL, which has a national and international profile in delivering Master's programmes in special educational needs (SEN). It is delivered by specialists who currently practise in the field along with researchers with international profiles in SEN, disabilities and inclusion.

Students will get the opportunity to meet regularly with colleagues working in different local authorities in London and further afield.

SENJIT offers research-informed and practice-orientated courses and knowledge exchange activities and fosters strong links with local authorities, academy federation trusts and teaching school alliances.

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This qualification is a requirement for recently appointed special educational needs coordinators (SENCO) working in the UK. The course is also highly relevant to inclusion and special educational needs leaders and managers who wish to improve the quality of inclusion and SEND provision in their setting, whether they are working in the UK or abroad.

Developed in collaboration with academic staff and expert practitioners, the course provides an exceptional distance learning programme supported by high-quality personal tutoring. Working closely with your tutor, you will undertake a thorough self-evaluation to identify gaps in your knowledge and understanding. This will help you link your learning to your professional practice and allow you to steer the direction of your development.

A virtual learning environment will enable you to connect with your personal tutor and share your experiences with your peers. You will be encouraged to collaborate with fellow students on the course and colleagues in your school in order to refine your knowledge and get the most from the programme. You will be provided with online resources, including recorded expert presentations, and key information throughout the year to help you meet the learning outcomes for your course.

Your tutor will support you in managing your programme of study. Your portfolio of evidence will include four assignments, set at regular intervals throughout the year, and will show how you have successfully met the course requirements.

Our vision for children with special educational needs and disabilities is the same as for all children and young people - that they achieve well in their early years, at school and in college, and lead happy and fulfilled lives.

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: twice as many of our staff - 220 - were entered into the research assessment for 2014 compared to the number entered in 2008.

Visit the website http://courses.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/specialeducationneeds_pgcert

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

You will be able to practise as a SENCO in any maintained school and develop the essential skills in SEN diagnosis and intervention, provision management, coaching and mentoring and working with outside agencies and stakeholders. You will also have the confidence to take on a high profile, leadership role in your school and successfully motivate other teachers to promote inclusion in their classrooms.

- SEN Co-ordinator
- SEN Teacher
- SEN Teaching Assistant
- SEN Support Worker

Careers advice: The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit the careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

You will have access to our Library's extensive range of electronic resources, and support from your personal tutor will provide you with formative feedback to improve your learning experience.

Your course will enhance your knowledge and understanding of inclusion and special educational needs theory and practice. One of the most important goals of the course will be to grow your confidence so you can coordinate SEND provision effectively.

At the end of this course you will have completed the first 60 credits towards our MA Education qualification (Pathway: Special Educational Needs). For more information on this course, visit http://courses.leedsbeckett/education_ma.The learning outcomes will support you to develop a greater understanding of:

- Leadership and management.

- Pupil progress.

- Different types of special educational needs and their impact on learning.

- Intervention and provision management.

- The role of teaching assistants.

- Coaching and mentoring.

- Working with outside agencies and stakeholders.

Dr Michalis Kakos

Senior Lecturer

"I have taught in primary schools, pupil referral units, special, grammar, comprehensive and preparatory schools around the world. This diversity of experience enables me to question the effects of formal education on students' socialisation. I am currently studying students' political socialisation in the current economic and political turmoil in Greece."

Exploring citizenship and intercultural education as well as special educational needs, Michalis is well-versed in the issues concerning a wide spectrum of pupils and teachers.

Facilities

- Library
Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- Headingley Campus
Our historic Headingley Campus is set in 100 acres of parkland with easy access to Leeds city centre.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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