MA in
MA in Inclusion (Special Educational Needs)
University of Birmingham - College of Social Sciences
Key Information
Campus location
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
12 - 36 months
Pace
Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 3,780 / per year *
Application deadline
30 Aug 2024
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* Fees for UK students I for International students: £7,770
Introduction
On the MA Inclusion (Special Educational Needs) specialist pathway, you will develop the key skills and expertise required to meet the needs of those working directly or indirectly with children with disabilities.
On this specialist pathway you develop an overarching understanding of educational inclusion and SEND and associated policies. You will examine the frameworks for evaluating policies and practice and you will explore the socio-cultural conceptualisations of disability and SEND practice in a global context. You will also be introduced to different SEND groupings (as conceptualised in many educational systems). Through this degree, you will be able to develop knowledge, understanding and critiques of research, educational policy and practice and have the opportunity to investigate historical and cultural aspects of disability.
MA Inclusion
The MA Inclusion is a flexible, part-time distance learning course for those who want to make a difference to the lives of children, young people and adults with diverse needs. It has been designed for teachers and other educational and care professionals working in a range of national and international settings.
Our approach will enable you to investigate inclusive practice through multiple lenses and to embrace cultural, linguistic and developmental diversity. You will be able to choose module options from across an unrivalled range of provision in Inclusive Education within the School of Education at the University of Birmingham.
The MA Inclusion is made up of 180 credits which consist of 3 compulsory taught modules (60 credits), a number of optional modules (60 credits) in the named pathway and a 60 credit dissertation. Successful completion of the 180 credits leads to the award of MA Inclusion.
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
We also offer a one year, part-time Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits in total). This option gives you the opportunity to gain a specialist qualification at the Master's level after just one year of study, or (on successful completion of the modules) to transfer to the MA Programme. For the PGCert, you choose from one of the first-year pathway options and for those who transfer to the MA, this would constitute your first year of the three-year course. The MA Inclusion entry criteria, teaching and assessment all apply to the PGCert option.
MA Inclusion pathways
You may also be interested in our other specialist pathways on the MA Inclusion.
- MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties)
- MA Inclusion (Autism Children)
- MA Inclusion (Autism Adults)
- MA Inclusion (Severe Learning Disabilities/Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities)
Why Study this course?
- The University of Birmingham is a leading provider of degree-level courses in inclusion and special educational needs.
- Our courses develop real insight and encourage reflective practice. You will be tutored by senior practitioners and researchers in the field of inclusion who work within the Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN)
- The MA Inclusion degree offers both flexibility and choice from a range of modules.
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships and Loans
You may be eligible for a postgraduate loan which provides up to £12,167 (for 2023/2024 entry) for taught and research Masters courses in most subject areas. This includes Distance Learning.
Other scholarships may be available, please view the Scholarships webpage in the School of Education. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. More details may be found on the international scholarships page.
For further information contact the School directly or visit the Funding, Graduation & Awards Office via online enquiries.
Birmingham Masters Scholarship scheme
We are offering £2,000 to support the brightest and best applicants wishing to undertake Master's study at the University during 2024-25.
Learn more about the BIrmingham Masters Scholarship.
Curriculum
Those taking a PGCert need to complete the three compulsory modules listed below (60 credits). Those progressing onto the MA will need to choose a further 60 credits in the second year from the optional modules (which includes core modules from the other pathways on the MA Inclusion) and complete a dissertation worth 60 credits.
Compulsory modules
- Cross-Cultural Issues in Special Educational Needs (20 credits)
- Evaluation and Policy Analysis for Inclusive Education (20 credits)
- Inclusion: Universal and Specialist Approaches (20 credits)
Optional Modules
View the list of optional modules.
*The title and content of the module is provisional and awaiting final University approval.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The MA Inclusion (Special Educational Needs) degree is designed to supplement professionals already working in the field, or those seeking a general introduction to topics within inclusion and special educational needs. In general, this includes teachers, education advisors, special educational needs coordinators, head teachers in schools, managers of community and charitable organisations, support workers in places such as a university or workplace disability service unit, social workers or nurses providing care for persons with disabilities, or a staff member of a Ministry of Education or Ministry of Health, amongst other things.
There is the opportunity to work towards a further professional qualification in the field of Education, including progression to a PhD. The excellent careers advice provided by personal tutors has encouraged many of our graduates to successfully apply for roles working with children and young people with special educational needs.