Special & Additional Learning Needs
This accredited course provides expert knowledge to support teachers, SENCos, SNAs & other professionals working with the increasing diversity of children with special education needs (SEN) in education settings on an international level.
| Award Name | Postgraduate Diploma at UK Level 7 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | University of East London |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Degree - Masters at UK Level 7 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | University of East London |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Postgraduate Certificate at UK Level 7 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | University of East London |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma at UK Level 7 | University of East London | ||
| Degree - Masters at UK Level 7 | University of East London | ||
| Postgraduate Certificate at UK Level 7 | University of East London |
Duration
2 years part time.
Fully Online (no in person attendance required).
How Is This Online Masters Delivered?
This specialist SEN qualification is delivered in a distance learning format and is fully online. This course is international in focus and is undertaken on a modular, part time basis giving you real flexibility in terms of study and payment. If modules are completed in succession for the Masters, students can complete the course in two years.
A suite of unique course modules have been developed solely for this online masters (MA) programme, designed to offer educators specialist, practical knowledge in special and additional educational needs. Participants working in SEN can customise this online university course to their needs by choosing the modules which reflect their specific interests and educational contexts.
Entry Requirements
What are the entry requirements for the programme?
• This Masters (MA) online course is open to all suitably qualified teachers, SNAs, SENCos, psychologists, and others who are interested in Special and Additional Learning Needs (SEN).
• Applicants should have an undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) with a minimum 2:2 classification (or equivalent). We will also consider a certificate of education; higher level professional training in SEN with demonstrable parity on experience.
• In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.
Careers / Further progression
Future Careers In Special Education (SEN)
This MA/ PG Dip/ PG Cert in Special and Additional Learning Needs offers a graduate qualification which will enhance career prospects and professional knowledge in the field of special and additional education.
The online university course provides teachers, SENCos, SNAs & other educational professionals with the expertise and skills required to pursue a career in SEN, including consultancy, inclusion work, education journalism, management, youth/social work and employment with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as developing their personal skills and academic knowledge.
This online programme also supports those interested in further special needs based training in fields such as psychotherapy, childcare, or developing an academic career in the field of SEND and inclusion. The online masters course also supports the development of the SENCo's role and provides opportunities to specialise in specific areas of SEN.
Further information
Next intake: September 2023
£1300 per module
No international fees
How Do I Pay For This Online Masters Course?
The online format of this Masters course in Special & Additional Learning Needs (SEN) offers the flexibility to pay for modules on an individual basis. This can allow busy professionals the opportunity to work around their existing schedule and gain a recognised accredited university qualification regardless of location.
Please note there are no international fees to apply.
Each module must be paid in full prior to the commencement of each module. In many cases students will be able to claim tax back on these fees.
We are now enrolling for September 2023.
How do I apply for the programme?
You can complete the online application form on the ICEP Europe Website (www.icepe.eu)
Can I apply to This Online MA Course From Anywhere?
This accredited online Masters course is accessible to those in Ireland, the UK, Europe & internationally and the fact that there are no international fees makes it quite unique.
There are two intakes for new students each year in September and January.
Masters in Special & Additional Learning Needs (University of East London).
The MA/ PG Diploma / PG Certificate in Special and Additional Learning Needs was developed jointly by The School of Education and Communities, University of East London (UEL), and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology (ICEP) Europe.
Why Choose This Online Course?
Both UEL and ICEP Europe have a long track record in providing high quality postgraduate special education courses within the UK, Ireland, Europe and worldwide.
This accredited course provides expert knowledge to support teachers, SENCos, SNAs & other professionals working with the increasing diversity of children with special education needs (SEN) in education settings on an international level. This online masters course aims to build upon participants’ existing skills and competencies, thus enhancing the quality of education for children and young people with special and additional learning needs in a variety of educational and outside settings worldwide.
The international programme content is underpinned by the latest research in the field of special education, and ICEP Europe are at the forefront of research into best practice in education. Both UEL and ICEP Europe are equally committed to promoting inclusion for people with diverse needs and learning differences through the provision of the highest quality continuing professional development.
Who Would Benefit from this Online Masters?
This accredited course is relevant to both mainstream and specialist settings. The overall aim of this online course is to build the capacity of teachers, SENCos, SNAs & other educational professionals to respond effectively to the diverse educational needs of all learners, including those with special and additional educational needs.
This online programme is for all those, both in Ireland, the UK, Europe & internationally who are interested in Special and Additional Learning Needs, and those who have achieved a National Award in Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCo qualification) and want to progress to a Masters (MA) qualification.
This course is also particularly suitable for educators, psychologists, and other allied professionals working in educational & SEN settings who wish to deepen and extend their existing knowledge of inclusive education and evidence-based approaches in order to respond effectively to the needs of their students. This online training course will provide participants with the capacity to meet legislative requirements for pupils with SEN and to meet the specific and general needs of learners.
This online masters (MA) programme supports the development of the SENCo role and provides opportunities to specialise in specific areas of SEN.
The following modules are available to choose from:
• Inclusive Education: Collaboration and best practice.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders: Contemporary perspectives and best practice.
• Dyslexia and Literacy: Issues, perspectives and best practice.
• Applied Behavioural Analysis: Critical exploration and practice.
• Exceptionally Able Learners: Understanding theory, perspectives and practice.
• Understanding Behaviour: Theories, perspectives and best practice.
The above modules carry a weighting of 15 ECTS credits (30 CATS credits). A further module on Research Methods and Dissertation (30 ECTS, 60 CATS credits) will be required when completing this MA in Special Educational Needs.
How am I assessed?
Each module is assessed through a single portfolio/assignment of 5,000 words. The dissertation is 14,000 words.
Awards:
• PG Certificate
• PG Diploma
• MA
This is a modular programme so you can commence with the PG Cert and then progress to the Diploma or MA if you wish. This part time programme can be completed alongside a full time teaching role.
Successful completion of the programme MA Special and Additional Learning Needs at ICEP Europe, leads to the award MA Special and Additional Learning Needs by University of East London (level 9 Ireland, Level 7 UK).
Can I transfer credits from previous courses?
There are two methods of recognising prior learning, both of which can accrue credits for your MA.
1) Students can import credits from previous qualifications (level 7 UK, level 9 IRL) using Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL). You can apply for up to two thirds of your MA (120 credits) through ACL. You will need to demonstrate that the learning is relevant to the programme on which you wish to study. It is up to the programme leader or programme admissions tutor to decide whether your prior learning is sufficiently relevant to your programme. Certificated learning must be recent, up-to-date and remembered. Generally, learning gained in the last five years is acceptable. You should be prepared to demonstrate the steps you have taken to keep your knowledge up-to-date (e.g. through reading, professional development activities or courses). There is no charge for importing credits through the ACL route.
2) We recognise that for some students an undergraduate qualification is not possible. If this is applicable to you then you may be able to gain entry to the course through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL). You can apply to import credits based on a portfolio of experience that you have acquired through work experience in a relevant field for a significant amount of time. For more information on AEL please contact an advisor at info@icepe.eu
Do I need knowledge of/in IT?
No, students will not need to have any more than a basic knowledge of IT Technology.
What are the technological requirements?
• The latest version of your chosen Internet browser.
• A valid and reliable email address.
• Access to a printer is recommended.
• Regular access to a PC or Mac capable of running standard MS Office software (or equivalent) for producing word-processed documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Your PC must be capable of running the required plug-ins for the Virtual Learning Environment (Adobe Flash player, Adobe PDF Viewer, Apple QuickTime)
• Reliable internet access; at least a 56K modem connection, but broadband is highly recommended. For each module that you take, you will be expected to spend approximately 3-6 hours online per week, participating in discussions and accessing resources.
If you would like to speak to a course advisor please call +353 1 651 0618 or email d.macintyre@icepe.eu