Program Overview

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Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion via Study Centres MA

Overview

Our MA in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion is a highly flexible degree that enables you to specialise in studying issues around Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities in a way that suits you.

This SEND course is ideal for teachers or other educational professionals who want to develop their careers with a highly specific postgraduate SEND degree.

The course provides a clear progression route into careers where you can help achieve better outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Throughout the degree you will develop your ability to interpret, understand and conduct research at master's level, as well as collaborate with others to form and debate your own understanding of SEND.

Why us?

• Graduate with the increased potential to develop your career
• Learn from a dedicated and expert team in this field
• Benefit from the flexibility to pursue your own interests in the area of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
• Carry out research which is specific to your own workplace

Course structure

Your progress on the MA SEND degree will be assessed through written assignments, including an MA Thesis or Practitioner Enquiry project. The assignments are written flexibly to allow you to focus on your areas of interest within your assessed work. Throughout your end of course research project, you'll have one-to-one support from academic staff.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you'll find that a master's degree requires a higher level of independent working.

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. Develop your own research knowledge and ability, through engaging with a variety of relevant critical literature. Consider a range of approaches to educational research through case studies of current and recent research projects.
• Introduction to Criticality (30 credits) Grow your knowledge of critical thinking and explore the importance of this in the broader context of education. Develop skills in self-assessment, mental flexibility, creativity, interpretation and argument. Draw on various theoretical approaches that can then be applied to very different educational contexts.
• MA Thesis or Practice-Based Enquiry Project (60 credits) Complete a substantial piece of research within your chosen field of study or professional practice, with the support of an allocated supervisor. Gain an in-depth understanding of your specialist area by answering a research question, the proposal for which will have been examined in the Research Methods in Education module.

Optional modules:

• Inclusive Education: From Policy to Practice (30 credits) Examine a selection of ideological standpoints in relation to the inclusive education of a range of learners. Investigate the background to current inclusion debates, contextualised within the current legislative framework. Discuss a range of issues pertaining to inclusive education and, in particular, how the concept of ‘Inclusion’ is conceptualised.
• Supporting Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (30 credits) Explore the impact of supporting and working with children, young people, families and stakeholders in the area of social, emotional and mental health. Examine models of mental health and wellbeing in relation to diagnosis and treatment directions, and the impact on life outcomes. Undertake a critical examination of the rights and needs of children with SEMH difficulties, including childhood adversity, and the impact of school policies and procedures in supporting participation and learning and preventing school exclusion.
• Gender and Diversity (30 credits) Explore the concept of gender diversity in relation to inclusive and representative education for all pupils- including transgender and cisgender children. Learn about gender diversity and develop the reflective and analytical ability to be adaptive and flexible in response to a dynamic and fast evolving field. Develop contemporary knowledge of the topic, as well as the skills to foster an inclusive, representative and supportive pedagogical approach and learning environment for all students.
• 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, including the impact of Government policy, adverse childhood experiences and day-to-day practice within a range of health, education and care contexts. Examine the impact of evidence-based staff knowledge, understanding and skills and the importance of prompt identification and assessment of SEND. Consider the importance of co-production with caregivers, learners with SEND and professional organisations to improve participation and outcomes across the life-course.

Facilities

This course is delivered at one of our Study Centres. Please contact them directly to find out more about their facilities and location.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team for more information.

Please contact the study centre for more information on their specific requirements and equivalent qualifications from outside the UK.

Fees and finance

Please contact European College (DEI) directly for information on fees and finance.

Career ready

The MA SEND 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.

The knowledge and skills you develop will also transfer to many other sectors, particularly education policy and government. Please note that this course does not qualify you as a teacher.