Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Studies (MA)

About the Course

Course subject to Validation

The postgraduate programme in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Studies is designed for teachers, educators and others with a personal and a professional interest in the field of special educational needs and inclusion. The programme offers an opportunity for engagement with the key theories, concepts and ideas from disability studies in order to deepen your understanding of special educational needs and inclusion.

This programme offers a comprehensive exploration of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and inclusion, focusing on the principles, practices, and policies that foster an inclusive environment for all. The relationship between education, disability and professional and educational practices will be considered from various perspectives including an examination of how the field of SEN has evolved over time.

This Masters course also has PGCert and PGDip entry routes available , should you be interested in exploring these options please contact the School of Education (schoolofeducation@hope.ac.uk). However, please note the postgraduate loan is only available for the full masters (180 credits).

Curriculum Overview

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

Modules

Module 1. Critical and Contemporary Issues in Education (30 credits)

The module will explore the multifaceted landscape of education, focusing on critical and contemporary issues that shape the field in the 21st century. Through an interdisciplinary lens, you will engage in deep discussions and critical analyses to develop a nuanced understanding of the education landscape. Some of the content students are likely to encounter in this course would include: examination of the influence of globalisation and current educational policies on various stakeholders in education, and the integration of technology in education, considering its impact on learners and learning environments. As the focus of the course is on contemporary issues the content of the course will evolve depending on the societal issues of prominence and significance for education at the time of teaching the course.

Module 2. 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.

Module 3. Segregation, Integration and Inclusion (30 credits)

As Baglieri and Knopf (2004) suggest human differences are ordinary, yet education continues to mark out some human differential characteristics as 'abnormal' and in need of 'special' education. Therefore, this module intends to critically analyse how learner's differences have been conceptualised across time and history, examining the range of influences that have been significant to the changing landscape of what we now call Special Educational Needs\ Disability (SEND).

Module 4. Free choice Module (30 credits)

Depending on whether you start the course in October or February you would have a free choice module which you could choose from the modules available that semester. Depending on the module you choose to study (please note some modules may have specific entry requirements) content covered could vary. Currently on offer including those covering aspects of Special Education Needs or Disability Studies or Advanced Mentoring and Coaching or Early Childhood or Education Leadership and Management. However, for full time students owing to timetabling constraints some of the options might not be available.

Module 5. Dissertation in Education (60 credits)

You will consolidate the knowledge of your chosen disciplinary area in this module in doing so you would draw on the knowledge of the different modules you have covered in this course including the free choice 30 credit module encouraging interdisciplinary work. 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 education and aligned to the subject specialism you have opted to study. 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.

Please note that a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formally the Criminal Records Bureau – CRB) is required for students where they are required to visit settings other than their own.

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 pages. 

Teaching and Research

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

• Classes typically run in the evenings and weekends 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 and your choice of the free choice module.

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

2024/25 

Tuition fees for Home students are £7,500

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

2024/25 

Tuition fees for EU students are £7,500

Tuition fees for Non-EU International Students are £13,000

2025/26

Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for 2025/26 are £15,520

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.

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