MA Special Educational Needs

Course Summary

The MA in Special Educational Needs is designed to critically engage with current thinking and ideas about inclusive and specialist education. It will allow you to develop your knowledge of specific learning difficulties, and to become a reflective practitioner who is able to use research to inform your own practice.

This course will give you a firm grounding in understanding a range of special needs across a variety of age groups. Subjects include autism, dyslexia, social and emotional mental health issues, inclusion and leadership in SEN.

The 2015 Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (DfE/DoH) specifies that all teachers must be seen as teachers of pupils with SEN and take responsibility for the progress of all learners in their class. With an estimated 20 per cent of our young people in school with special educational needs, it is important for teachers to have access to current research and to develop their understanding and confidence in this area.

Your Future Career

This course will help you develop a range of transferrable skills that are desirable in a wide range of careers. These skills include knowledge of theories, legislation, policy and practice, computer literacy, planning and time management and written communication. It will also demonstrate your ability to design and carry out small-scale research and to engage in critical thinking.

The skills and knowledge developed on this course will allow those working in teaching to gain expertise in the increasingly sought after area of special needs. However, this course could also support your career in areas such as therapy, support work, social work, educational psychology and work with adults with additional needs.