Special Educational Needs and Inclusion MA

Whatever your current role within educational practice, this course will give you the opportunity to build your theoretical understanding of SEN/D. Through studying an exciting range of innovative modules you will learn to critically evaluate relevant policy, practices and resources.

This is a flexible course, and you can tailor your learning to your own individual context and background. For example, the course provides a clear progression for SEN coordinators (SENCOs) who may have previously completed a Postgraduate Certificate Award.

Through experiential enquiry, research and scholarship, you will learn about historical and contemporary theoretical frameworks surrounding SEN/D. You will also develop the research skills needed for analysis and appraisal of SEN/D provision.

How you will study

You can only study this postgraduate course part time. The course is designed to accommodate those working full time, so teaching sessions will take place on weekends and in evenings.

You will study:

• 3 compulsory modules
• 1 optional module
• A compulsory dissertation

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through a range of methods, including:

• Lectures
• Masterclasses given by visiting professors and speakers
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Workshops
• E-learning activities via our virtual learning environment (VLE)

There will be particular emphasis on engagement in individual and group work. This will allow you to develop skills in critical questioning, creative thinking and problem-solving.

All of our taught sessions take place on weekends. Outside of taught sessions, we encourage you to undertake further study. This may include reading journal articles, engaging in online discussions and preparing for assessments.

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment 

Our assessments have been externally commended for being innovative yet rigorous, and we’ve received very positive feedback from our students.

On some modules you will be able to negotiate the assessment type so that it aligns to your interests and needs. For example, you could choose to write a funding bid, a proposal for a small-scale investigation, a report or another agreed assessment type.

Your final study is your dissertation or major project. This offers you the chance to further study a topic of particular interest and importance to you.

Qualifications

If your degree is not in education or a related discipline, but you can provide evidence of relevant professional experience, your application may still be considered.

If you have a PGCE which you gained within the last 5 years then we can recognise up to 60 relevant credits for this to provide exemption from 2 of the modules.

International Students

Unfortunately we are unable to offer this course to international students.

Interview

You will need to attend an interview for this course. Once you have applied, you will receive further information about your interview from our Admissions team.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission. 

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2023 - 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2023 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £3,500 per year for 2 years of part time study

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

Tuition Fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Special Educational Needs and Inclusion take you?

This degree will give you the skills and insight to pursue a career in a number of fields within the Education sector. You will develop skills such as time and project management, how to analyse date and present your work, and responding to feedback.

This will give you an advantage in careers such as:

• School and college teacher
• Early Years professional
• Community educator
• Museum educator
• Learning mentor
• Education manager

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £7,000 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2020)

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.