Programme summary for PG Cert, PG Dip, MA Special Educational Needs
About the programme
The programme offers the opportunity to examine and research aspects of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and to develop knowledge of inclusive pedagogy and practice. It is suitable for teachers and allied professionals working within educational settings who wish to deepen and extend their knowledge of SEND and inclusion or to specialise in particular areas.
Studying on this programme will enable you to acquire an understanding of background legislation relating to SEND and to develop strategic vision for practice within your setting. You will gain comprehensive knowledge and understanding of specific areas through a choice of modules covering Behaviour, Autism, Dyslexia and Inclusive Education as well as research methodologies. Your studies will enable you to critically examine policy and practice through evaluation and analysis, drawing on theory, evidence and local practice in order to enhance outcomes.
There are three programme awards available:
- MA SEN(180 Master’s-level credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma SEN (120 Master’s-level credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate SEN (60 Master’s-level credits).
Added value
- The programme provides a range of key benefits:
- It is delivered by experienced academics engaged in research and publication in the field.
- It offers both theoretical and practical understanding of specialist SEND areas within an inclusive context.
- It enables you to apply your skills, experience and learning within a practice-based context.
- It contributes to school development and strategic vision concerning SEND.
- It allows you to progress academically from related undergraduate programmes at UEL’s Cass School of Education and Communities, including BA (Hons)
- Special Needs and Inclusive Education, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, BA (Hons) Education Studies and BA (Hons) Education and Community
Programme structure
The MA comprises four modules and a dissertation. Modules are chosen from:
- Critical Approaches to Inclusive Education
- Exploring Behaviour: Theories and Perspectives for Practice
- Supporting Pupils with Dyslexia
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and Educational Approaches
- Inter-professional Agency
- Research Methodologies in Education and Professional Practice.
Assessment
Assessment is by dissertation and written assignments for each module. Assignments vary in form and may include essays, book/article reviews, presentations, portfolios and small-scale research projects.
Career opportunities
The programme supports career enhancement at all levels. It aims to equip you with the skills needed to pursue a career in special educational needs, including:
- teaching or consultancy
- inclusion officer
- education journalism
- management
- youth/social work
- employment with NGOs.
The programme also supports those interested in further training in fields such as psychotherapy, or developing an academic career in the field of SEND and inclusion. Those wishing to embark on a PhD will have encountered the essential research and analytical skills within this programme.
Support
The programme leader and module tutors aim to maintain close contact with MA SEN students.
All participants will be allocated a personal tutor who will provide general guidance in supporting and monitoring students’ academic progress. Such guidance and monitoring may be undertaken in face-to-face discussions, or online via email or the University’s virtual learning environment, UELplus. Participants will be introduced to their personal tutor at the beginning of the programme and will be encouraged to contact their tutor thereafter as the need arises. On personal matters affecting academic performance e.g. illness, family difficulties affecting studies, etc., participants will be referred to their personal tutor.
In the final semester of the programme, the dissertation supervisor will also provide further academic support.
The Student Handbook also aims to make participants aware of ways in which they can help themselves and support each other e.g. by meeting informally to discuss problems they may be having. In this way it is hoped that participants can help motivate and encourage one another as they progress through the programme.
Participants are provided with guidance on appropriate academic conventions, bibliography, and referencing via UELPlus – the name given to UEL’s virtual learning environment. Students also have access to the Student Handbook and Module Guides. For non-academic matters they can contact the programme administrator who will advise them accordingly.
Admission
- Application form and references
- A first degree or equivalent
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 6.5 (with at least a minimum score of 6 in all components) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.
Participants that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have met the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.
Starting dates are in either September, January and April.
Key facts
You can start many programmes in either September or February and applications are simple to make. Click below to:
Apply online Special Educational Needs (PG Cert, PG Dip, MA)
View full specification Special Educational Needs (PG Cert, PG Dip, MA)
Tuition Fees - 2013/14
Home/EU Fees
- Module fee: £850
- Full time fee: £5,100 per yr
International Fees
- Module fee: £1,770
- Full time fee: £10,620 per yr
Fees based on 30 credit modules (unless otherwise indicated) For further information regarding postgraduate fees please refer to www.uel.ac.uk/fees/
