Disability Studies (MA)

About the Course

Course subject to Validation

Disability Studies is a relatively new but rapidly growing academic discipline, as illustrated by the international proliferation of courses, events, networks, journals, book series, monographs, edited collections, and so on.

Though drawing on this progress substantially, the Disability Studies MA differs from similar programmes insofar as it places particular emphasis on cultural issues. We are not only interested in the policies, prejudices, and professions around disability but also its representation in literature, media, film, art and so on. Liverpool Hope University is particularly well suited as a host for this programme on many counts. Most obviously, and indeed most importantly, we have a wealth of specialist staff and resources.

We have a number of experts in Disability Studies, award winning tutors, and internationally recognised scholars and researchers. What is more, the regional, national, and international profile of the programme is enhanced greatly by the Centre for Culture & Disability Studies–and, by extension, the Journal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies, the Literary Disability Studies book series, the on-going seminar series, and the International Network of Literary & Cultural Disability Scholars–that is housed at Liverpool Hope University.

Curriculum Overview

The full masters programme (180 credits) will include the study of the following modules:

Modules

Critical Disability Theory (30 credits)

Focusing on critical theory from the modern and postmodern eras, this module provides a basis for an interrogation of Disability Studies and Special Educational Needs. From Freud to Foucault, Goffman to Garland-Thomson, Derrida to Davis, McRuer to Murray, and so on, the module follows the progression of critical disability theory from the early twentieth century to the present day. Though explicitly theoretical, the content of the module is grounded in experiential knowledge. Concepts such as stigma, the normate, panopticism, normalcy, narrative prosthesis, dismodernism, crip theory, aesthetic nervousness, autistic presence, and the metanarrative of blindness are explored in relation to social, cultural, and individual attitudes toward impairment, disability and education.

Disability and Professional Practice (30 credits)

The relationship between disability and professional practice can be both problematic and productive. This relationship is explored in the module as an array of perspectives and expertise is considered. Training, teaching, therapy, legislation, and so on, are all manifestly praiseworthy but nonetheless warrant critical engagement. How and by whom is disability voiced within the professions? These are some of the many provocative questions that the module explores in relation to the professional context.

Modelling Disability (30 credits)

Disability has been conceptualised in many ways and for many purposes. In the past it tended to be non-disabled people who were responsible for the conceptualising and theorising of disability. In recent years, however, thanks largely to disability activism, disabled people have taken control of the ways in which disability is modelled. In order to gain a better idea of what is meant by disability, the module takes a critical journey through religious, charity, medical, social, affirmative, cultural, and other models of disability.

Disability and Disciplines (30 credits)

Disability studies, according to many definitions, originated in the social sciences. It is, however, also highly relevant to the humanities. Indeed, Disability Studies has great multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary potential (not to mention credentials). The representation of disability is important in culture as well as in society. In probing this fact, the module brings together interests in Disability Studies and for instance, art, literature, culture, literacy, film, media, and music.

Dissertation (60 credits)

You will consolidate the knowledge of disability studies in this module in doing so you would a draw on the knowledge of the different modules you have covered in this course. With support from a supervisor, it is anticipated you will conceive, develop and complete a high-quality proposal followed by a dissertation within the field of disability studies. Emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical application, the module will equip you with the necessary skills to engage in rigorous educational research and contribute meaningfully to the academic discourse.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

International Entry Requirements

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country page

Teaching and Research

The structure of the programme is flexible both in content and delivery.

• Classes typically run in the evenings and/or weekend and you can join the course either in October or February.
• The number of classes and days you attend classes will vary depending on whether you choose to do the course full time or part time.

All our programmes are taught by tutors who actively research in the field. You will find that your postgraduate degree in the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences will align with one or more of the research groups/centres within the faculty.

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for Home students are £7,750

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for 2025/26 are £15,250

Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.

Careers

You would be able to structure your award to enhance your personal interests, career opportunities and potential for promotion. The programme will enable you to undertake further research to enhance your current professional practice.  Students completing this master’s would be well placed to go on to do a doctorate (EdD or PhD) at Liverpool Hope subject to meeting the entry criteria.

Beyond the academy disability studies is relevant to many careers. “Some industries seem to do better during uncertain times than others,” states the Open University’s website, and the “number of people likely to need access to care services is predicted to double over the next 25 years.” This fact only reflects a tiny aspect of the rich reality of disability but nonetheless invokes the truism at the heart of Disability Studies, that if we live long enough we all become disabled. As we are living increasingly long lives the need for a profound appreciation of disability is becoming increasingly great.

Please note - this course does not offer you a teaching qualification to teach in British schools but is an academic study of Education.