Program Overview

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) MA, PGDip, PGCert

Overview

The MA in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) is designed for professionals who want to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with dyslexia. This course is available in Clearing for 2025 entry.

Level

Postgraduate

UCAS Code

N/A

Start Date

Sept 2025, Sept 2026

Duration

3 years (MA), 2 years (PGDip), 1 year (PGCert)

Location

Exton Park, Chester/Online

UK Fees

• £8,775 for a full-time course (2025/26) (MA)
• £5,850 for the full course (2025/26) (PGDip)
• £2,925 for the full course (2025/26) (PGCert)

International Fees

N/A

Course Summary

This course is designed for professionals who want to expand their expertise, gain specialist knowledge, and open new career opportunities in education and beyond. The course focuses on dyslexia and is taught by expert practitioners in the field.

What You'll Study

Year 1

• ED7301 – Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND): Evaluating Policy and Practice (20 Credits)
• ED7311 – Specific Learning Difficulties: Identification, Intervention and Teaching (20 Credits)
• ED7302 – Critical Approaches to Inclusive Practice (20 Credits)

Year 2

• ED7312 – Diagnostic Approaches to Assessing Specific Learning Difficulties (20 Credits)
• ED7313 – Specialist Diagnostic Assessment and Support for Specific Learning Difficulties (20 Credits)
• ED7208 – Research Methods and Design (20 Credits)

Year 3

• ED7210 – Research Project (60 Credits)

Who You'll Learn From

• Sarah Guest, Senior Lecturer
• Tracey Patterson, Senior Lecturer

How You'll Learn

• Mixture of tutor-led input, peer discussion, and group task activities
• Coursework-style, authentic assessments are used throughout the course
• This course has an in-person study option complemented by online learning
• This course has a fully live online option

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £8,775 for a full-time course (2025/26) (MA)
• Additional Costs: Students who wish to study the optional modules in the assessing of Specific Learning Needs will be required to source their own assessment kits, under guidance from the Programme Leader. This could lead to costs of up to £2,500.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: A 2:2 honours degree in an area broadly related to education, and/or special educational needs.
• International/EU Students: Minimum requirement IELTS Level 6.5.

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester

Your Future Career

• Leadership and Management Roles
• Special Educational Needs Roles
• Academia and Research
• Policy and Advisory Roles
• Consultancy and Private Sector Opportunities
• International Education

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.