Special and Inclusive Education (Distance Learning) MA

This online course offers a comprehensive focus on contemporary debates within special and inclusive education including local, national and international policies and approaches.

Overview

There is growing international impetus to dismantle educational exclusion and to develop equitable and inclusive education systems.

On this course, we consider the rights of all children to be included in schools and society, by examining barriers to inclusion in terms of environment and within child factors. This includes exploration of the specific needs of children with labels of learning difficulties, intellectual impairment, physical and sensory disabilities, communication impairments, literacy difficulties/dyslexia, autism and SEBD/ADHD to illustrate the challenges encountered in professional practice.

Critical exploration of current theory and research inform consideration of pedagogical approaches as well as the development of effective systems and structures for supporting students in collaboration with teachers, parents/carers and different agencies.

This course is suitable if you are interested in developing your knowledge and understanding of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), working as a teacher or associated professional in mainstream education or specialised settings wishing to extend your skills and practice, an experienced professional, or new to working with children with SEND. It provides high-quality professional development and flexibility for you to explore areas and specialisms that interest you.

You will be supported by:

• friendly tutors with a breadth and depth of knowledge, understanding and skills developed through experience in the field
• interactive and collaborative teaching methods promoting shared enquiry
• individual and group tutorials
• emphasis on formative feedback to support you to successfully complete assessments
• access to extensive study materials from libraries and online sources

Careers

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.

It supports career progression through:

• evaluating effective approaches to supporting disabled children and young people including those with moderate to severe and complex learning difficulties and/or personal, social, emotional and behaviour difficulties
• exploring values and beliefs, policy, legislation, multi-agency working and involvement of families and disabled children and young people
• building confidence in your professional practice skills
• promoting personal development through reflection and critical analysis of your own beliefs and practices

Increasing your academic and research skills will support future doctorate level study including, for example, a doctorate in education or educational psychology or PhD Special Educational Needs.

Coordinators and inclusion managers who have completed the National Award SEN Coordination can select modules from this programme to advance to a full MA qualification.