MEd Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
Belfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 19,100 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international fee
Introduction
As contemporary societies become more heterogeneous, and as inclusive education reforms gain currency across the world, educational systems are being challenged to address some fundamental questions about teaching and learning related to the accommodation of and respect for difference.
Underpinning the movement for inclusion is a concern for social justice and well-being. Meeting the diverse needs of learners within today's schools, colleges and universities is one of the most challenging and important tasks facing education today.
This thoroughly revised Master's degree is unique not only because of the disciplinary approaches it employs but also because students study and apply an approach to well-being that has been developed by some of the world’s leading thinkers.
This is an approach that is internationally recognized by, for example, the UN, and whose principles are increasingly found in government policy on education and SEN, namely the Capability Approach. We are one of the very few institutions in the UK to offer this practical and ethical approach to assessing issues of SEN, equality, and inclusion.
The skills you will develop include critical thinking skills and how best to be an inclusive practitioner. Importantly, this is a professionally based degree which means that you will apply what you have learned to your own professional practice whether you are a classroom assistant, SENCO, or university lecturer.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 30 June 2022 at 4 pm.
Inclusion And Special Educational Needs Highlights
Over 83% of research submitted by colleagues based in the Education Unit of Assessment was judged to be ‘World Leading’ or ‘Internationally Excellent' by a peer review panel (REF2021).
Student Experience
- Flexibility This program is designed to meet the needs of professionals. Diploma and Certificate options are also available.
- Credit transfer students who have completed other master's-level awards, eg PGCE, within the last 10 years are eligible to credit transfer. The credit transfer application must be submitted at the same time as the online programme application as retrospective applications are not accepted
Gallery
Curriculum
Course Structure
Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (3 years) basis. Individual modules may be studied as a short course. Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester. Full-time students typically complete three modules per semester.
The MEd is awarded to students who successfully complete six taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 15,000 - 20,000 word research dissertation (60 CATS points).
Exit qualifications are available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS points from taught modules.
We've made it easy to study for a master's module as a short course. If you would like to apply for a short course, please contact the Education Secretary for advice.
Core Modules (compulsory, all 20 CATS points)
- An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (online)
- Deconstructing Special Needs Education and Inclusion
- Epistemic Injustice: The Ethics of Knowing in SEN/Inclusion
- Social Justice in Special Needs Education and Inclusion: A Capabilities Approach
- Two optional modules may be chosen from the Educational Studies (MEd) degree.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:
Study hours
Indicative Number of Modules per Semester: Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester. Full-time students typically complete three modules per semester.
Indicative Proportional Mix of Time in Classes, Tutorials/Seminars/Labs, and Private Study in a Teaching Semester: Varies, depending on module choice and study mode (full-time/part-time). Each class is of two hours in duration. The evening classes run for six weeks with one Saturday workshop for each module.
Assessment
Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed through a written assignment of 3000 words that is informed by the student’s own professional practice and experience.
Prizes and Awards
- Teachers working on classroom-based dissertation projects may apply for the Northern Ireland Centre for Educational Research (NICER) award.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this degree have found it beneficial in their professional institutions in advising colleagues, influencing policy and supporting pupils and students.
The degree helps students reshape their thinking on special needs education and matters of inclusion, to question values and beliefs that were previously taken for granted. Importantly, a Master's degree in SEN/Inclusion will be of great advantage to professionals seeking promotion as we move towards a Masters-led teaching profession.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
Employment after the Course
Most of the students on this course are practising teachers in the nursery, primary, secondary sector. Students from further education and disability sectors also attend. Students take up employment or continue to work in teaching, apply for promotion, or go on to undertake further degrees.
Employment Links
- Education
- Disability organisations
- Further and Higher Education
Additional Awards Gained
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
Prizes and Awards
Teachers working on classroom-based dissertation projects may apply for the Northern Ireland Centre for Educational Research (NICER) award.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
Admissions
Facilities
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Master's courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment, and application information are available on the UK government website.
International Scholarships