Education (Special Educational Needs) (Taught)

This flexible, part-time Master’s is designed for practising professionals in special educational needs and disability (SEND) or those interested in research in the field; it is ideal for inspirational educators who want to transform the prospects of others. The course makes use of the latest policy and research to support you in making meaningful connections between your studies and your own experiences. You will have the opportunity to learn with leading educators in the field and will explore the complexities of inclusion. You also benefit from a choice of optional units, allowing you to tailor the course to your own personal and career aims.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Multimedia space for webinars and podcasting

• Forest School for training in outdoor learning

• Specialist sensory building for teaching SEND

• Extensive library with physical learning spaces and online resources to support your studies

Career-powered links
We have well-established partnerships with more than 500 schools and other associated organisations across our region, including specialist SEND centres. This network is extended nationally and internationally through research activity, putting us in a strong position when it comes to understanding national priorities, issues and key developments in SEND.

Your student experience

The course covers a wide range of theoretical and practical aspects of working in SEND and is informed by recent research.

Through activities and assessments, you develop analytical and practical skills that support you to progress successfully along your chosen career path.

The course team have extensive experience, are all professionals who understand the sector and contribute to wider knowledge through cutting-edge research.

The University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus is a small, thriving academic community where staff get to know you well and provide individualised support.

Career opportunities
This Master’s qualification will enhance your chances for promotion and for employment in other contexts. Master’s study supports promotion to senior positions in the field of education.

As a Master’s graduate, therefore, you will have the confidence, knowledge and critical skills to prepare and present a strong application to senior posts in the field of education.

Previous graduates have also gone on to undertake PhD/EdD study.

Course modules

Meeting diverse needs – Understand the range of needs that students can present with, and how educational settings can respond to these needs.

Theories of learning for educators – Explore a wide range of theories of learning and how they have influenced policy and practice in education.

Research methods in the workplace – Build advanced research skills, working through the process of conducting research in an educational workplace setting.

Dissertation – Conduct a substantial, independent piece of research, showing a deep understanding of issues in an area of professional interest.

You can also choose from 11 optional modules:

Introduction to special education needs coordination in schools – Preparing SENCOs to promote involvement and raise achievement for pupils with SEN and/or disabilities.

Further development of special education needs coordination in schools – Build on your existing SENCO skills and knowledge.

Exploring coaching and mentoring – Different models of coaching and mentoring and the skills that make them effective.

Understanding pupil behaviour in schools – Ways to understand and respond to pupils with special educational needs in relation to learning and behaviour.

Understanding difficulties in literacy and dyslexia – Strategies to raise the achievement of pupils who have literacy difficulties, including those with dyslexia.

Analysing policy: children’s voice – Consider children’s lived experience of family, school and community in contemporary Britain.

Early years education and care – Examine children’s development and learning in the early years from different theoretical perspectives.

Educational leadership in context – Analyse leadership and management theory and apply it to your practice in an educational setting.

Enhancing practice in educational settings – Reflect on your professional skills and ability and identify ways you can develop them in practice.

Leading change in education – Gain the knowledge and skills to lead improvements and achieve better outcomes in your workplace setting.

Applied research methods and project – An opportunity for sustained, supported, in-depth research in an area of relevant professional interest.