MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (DL)

Overview

The MA in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (DL) degree is suitable for teachers or other educational professionals around the world who want to progress their career with a highly specialised postgraduate qualification in SEND Education.

Course Structure

• Duration: 2 years
• Mode of Study: Distance Learning
• Current Fee: £8,500
• Course Code: CID1496
• Next Start Date: 1 October 2025

Course Modules

Core Modules:

• Research Methods in Education (30 credits) Explore the principles and practice of conducting educational research, including research design, research paradigms, data collection, management and analysis, as well as the politics and ethics involved in educational research.
• Introduction to Criticality (30 credits) Grow your knowledge of critical thinking and explore the importance of this in the broader context of education.
• Practitioner Enquiry/Dissertation (60 credits) Complete a substantial piece of research within your chosen field of study or professional practice, with the support of an allocated supervisor.

Optional Modules:

• Approaches to Learning for Learners with Special and Additional Needs (30 credits) Consider the breadth of approaches to learning available to pupils with special and/or additional needs.
• Barriers to Learning (30 credits) Examine the diverse physical, psychological, intellectual, social and emotional difficulties which may be encountered by children and young people.
• Gender and Diversity (30 credits) Explore the concept of gender diversity in relation to inclusive and representative education for all pupils.
• Causes and Implications of Barriers to Learning for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (30 credits) Critically explore the cause of the barriers to learning that SEND needs can engender.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Requirements: We usually require applicants to hold at least a Second Class Honours degree (usually a 2:1) or equivalent.
• Experience: We also expect you to have experience of working in education; this may be as a teacher or in another capacity in the field of education.
• Language Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English must achieve a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5, with 6.5 in writing, and no less than 6 in Reading, Speaking and Listening.

Career Ready

The MA SEND (DL) degree is ideal for teachers and people working in educational management who want to quickly progress their careers in a wide variety of occupations in educational settings. If you are already working in a relevant field, you will graduate with enhanced potential for progression professionally.

Facilities

This distance learning course can be studied from anywhere in the world. You'll need internet access to use our Virtual Learning Environment, where you will access specially designed learning materials, e-books, e-journals, relevant websites and multimedia.

Meet the Team

• Simon Ripley Programme Leader: MA SEND and Inclusion
• Vicki Jowett Head of School for Social Sciences and Law
• Vicky Graham Senior Lecturer
• Rim Day Academic Tutor

Related Courses

• MA Education (DL)
• MA in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion

Degree Overview:

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MA in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (Distance Learning)

This postgraduate program focuses on developing specialized knowledge and skills in the field of Special Educational Needs (SEN). It equips you to:

• Advance your career in a wide range of educational occupations.
• Enhance your potential for professional progression if you already work in this field.
• Contribute to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEN.

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Key objectives:

• Deepen your understanding of issues related to SEN.
• Develop critical thinking and research skills.
• Collaborate with others to enhance your knowledge and understanding of SEN.
• Gain a global perspective on SEN practices and challenges.

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Benefits:

• Flexibility of distance learning
• Focus on topics relevant to your interests
• Enhanced research skills
• Global perspectives from diverse cohorts
• One-to-one support from your Personal Academic Tutor

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Delivery:

• Entirely online
• E-books, online journal papers, and other online resources
• Requires good internet access

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Who should apply:

• Teachers or educational professionals worldwide
• Individuals seeking a career in SEN education
## Outline:

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Structure:

• 2 years
• 120 credits
• Assessed through written assignments, presentations, and research projects
• One-to-one support from a Personal Academic Tutor

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Course schedule:

• 3 modules per year
• Semester 1: September to January
• Semester 2: February to June

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Modules:

• Core modules (30 credits each):
• Research Methods in Education
• Introduction to Criticality
• Practitioner Enquiry/Dissertation (60 credits)
• Optional modules (30 credits each):
• Approaches to Learning for Learners with Special and Additional Needs
• Barriers to Learning
• Gender and Diversity
• Causes and Implications of Barriers to Learning for those with SEND
• Approaches to Learning for Learners with Special and Additional Needs

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Module descriptions:

• Research Methods in Education: Explores research principles and practices, including design, paradigms, data collection/analysis, and research ethics.
• Introduction to Criticality: Develops critical thinking skills and explores its importance in education.
• Practitioner Enquiry/Dissertation: Conducts in-depth research within chosen field, supported by a supervisor.
• Approaches to Learning for Learners with Special and Additional Needs: Examines various approaches to learning for pupils with special needs, including behaviorist, child-centered, communication, and learning approaches.
• Barriers to Learning: Explores physical, psychological, intellectual, social, and emotional difficulties faced by students.
• Gender and Diversity: Examines the concept of gender diversity in relation to inclusive education for all pupils.
• Causes and Implications of Barriers to Learning for those with SEND: Critically explores the causes of barriers to learning associated with SEND, including government policy, adverse childhood experiences, and everyday practices.
• Approaches to Learning for Learners with Special and Additional Needs: Examines various approaches to learning for pupils with special and additional needs.
## Assessment:
• Written assignments: Including a 60-credit Practitioner Enquiry/Dissertation.
• Oral and written presentations.

• Each module may have specific assessment criteria.
## Teaching:
• One-to-one support from a Personal Academic Tutor.

• Group discussions, micro-lectures, and support from qualified staff.
• Emphasis on independent learning: Develops self-directed learning skills.
• Global perspective: Benefits from diverse cohort perspectives.
## Careers:
• Teacher or educational manager in various educational settings.

• Leadership roles in SEN education.

• Policy and government positions related to SEN.
• Charity sector or family liaison roles.

• Advocacy, inclusion support, or teaching assistance positions.

Other:

• The program does not qualify you as a teacher.
• Students can transfer 60 credits from a University of Sunderland PGCE to this program.
• The program is suitable for students worldwide.
• Students have access to online resources, libraries, and support services.
• The program is relevant to individuals seeking a career in SEN education.
Please note that this information is based on the provided context and may not be the most up-to-date information. For the most accurate and current information, please refer to the official University of Sunderland website.

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The fee for this course is £8,219.

University of Sunderland

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Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

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Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

Computing and Engineering:

Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

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Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.