Program Overview

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Special and Inclusive Education (Online) MA

Course Overview

The MA Special and Inclusive Education (Online) course is designed to provide flexibility for professionals who want to increase their knowledge and skills in the field of special and inclusive education. Flexible learning allows you to fit your studies around other commitments, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore the educational needs of children considered to be neurodivergent who are identified with labels including learning difficulties, intellectual impairment, physical and sensory disabilities, autism and SEBD/ADHD. You’ll critically analyse contemporary debates, theory, and research in the field to help you develop effective approaches and structures for supporting your pupils. You'll learn how to work collaboratively with teachers, parents/carers and different agencies, enabling you to make a significant impact on the lives of children.

This programme is ideal for graduates, teachers, or other professionals who are interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills in special and inclusive education. If you have completed the National Award SEN Coordination, you can select modules from this programme to advance to a full MA qualification.

Why Choose This Course?

• Learn from experts who are internationally recognised for their research in this area
• Over 100 years of experience in the field of education
• Excellent research: The majority of our research outputs are assessed as internationally excellent
• Study fully online: Learn in an interactive digital learning environment and study when it suits you
• Top 60 in the world for education: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Course Content

The taught element of this course is made up of four 30-credit modules, plus a 60-credit dissertation. It can be completed over two years part-time plus an eight-month dissertation. If you are eligible and wish to apply for a Master's Loan from the Student Loan Company, you can complete the course, including dissertation, in 24 months.

Core Modules

• Debating Special and Inclusive Education
• Practice-Based Inquiry
• Dissertation

Optional Modules

• Communication and Literacy
• Education for Students on the Autism Spectrum
• Responding Mindfully to Challenging Behaviour

Learning and Assessment

How You Will Learn

• Tutorials
• Independent study
• Distance learning materials

Our interactive virtual learning environment includes text, audio and video materials, online discussions and reflective tasks. The programme is designed so that you can work at your own pace in an asynchronous way, within the study plan and assignment timetable for each module.

How You Will Be Assessed

• Coursework
• Dissertation
• Presentation
• Debates

Each 30-credit module is assessed by one of the following:

• A comprehensive written portfolio or equivalent
• Research design
• Literature-based debate
• Presentation accompanied by a 1,000-word commentary, or an individual education plan

To complete the masters, you must achieve a pass of 50% on each assignment.

Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate degree: 2:2 (or international equivalent) or a relevant professional qualification in education, psychology, teacher training or a caring-related discipline
• Work experience: Applicants with a degree in any other discipline must have relevant work experience
• Personal statement: A personal statement is required that demonstrates both a clear understanding of the course and relevant motivation for pursuing studies in special and inclusive education
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

Fees

• Home / UK: £10,400
• International: £15,800

Funding

• Please note: If you are applying for the 32 month duration of these programmes, successful applicants will not be eligible for SLC funding support for their studies. Those who wish to apply for SLC funding support should apply for the 24 month duration
• We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers

Careers

• Careers advice: We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students
• Job prospects: This course provides a solid grounding for a career in a diverse range of areas including classroom/learning support, special education, coordinating provision for children with special needs, leadership within special education and policy/administration
• Graduate destinations: 95.2% of postgraduates from the School of Education secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £28,108

Related Courses

• Special and Inclusive Education MA
• Education MA
• Education (Online) MA