MA Education - Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

All modules are assessed by a mix of assignments, presentations, research projects and portfolio development.

Year 1

• Part 1 SENCO National Award This module aims provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding to enable children and young people with SEND to successfully achieve in their learning.  It is the first of two modules that, on successful completion will provide the student with the National Award for SEN Co-ordination.  The module focuses on the identification of SEND and the teaching and learning strategies needed to improve learning outcomes for children and Young People with SEND.  The module explores why pupils with SEND are more likely to underachieve, experience bullying and barriers to learning.  The module’s content includes examination of current relevant legislation, working with the voice of pupils, pupils’ families and working in a multiagency environment.  The module content and learning outcomes have been designed to enable students to meet the learning outcomes for the NCTL National Award for SEN Co-ordination.
• Part 2 SENCO National Award This module builds on the previous module, developing the content explored previously in the context of becoming a leader and manager of SEND provision in an educational setting.  The aim of the module is to enable students to achieve the National SENCO award particularly in relation to the standards relating to Leadership and Management.  In particular it enables students to develop and demonstrate the personal and professional qualities and leadership they need to shape an ethos and culture based upon person-centred, inclusive, practice in which the interests and needs of children and young people pupils with SEN and/or disabilities are at the heart of all that takes place.

Year 2

One of these modules will run in an academic year (not both):

• Autism individuality and identity Participants will develop an evidence based understanding of autism at all ages (into adulthood) via insights from individuals on the spectrum. Transitions are notoriously problematic for people with autism, therefore, the focus will be on developing effective mentoring skills (informed by an understanding of individuality and identity) in order to empathically mentor through transitions within/beyond education.  Participants will: appreciate the wide diversity of autism and potential impact of labelling, reflect on barriers to participation including restrictions arising from stereotyping and environmental /societal factors, focus on gender and life span , consider conditions conducive to success in education, relationships and work reflect on mentoring for effective transition.
• Teaching and learning: The needs of learners with special needs, autism and disability  This module will focus on the implications of developments in teaching and learning and changing beliefs about curriculum and assessment – within the school and its local and national context – which have accompanies them. A central aim is that discussion, planning and development, both within the school and across related common modules, will be both encouraged and informed by a shared critical understanding of such changes in practice. Furthermore, this activity will take place within an agreed framework.

Compulsory modules:

• Research methodsTeaching is an evidenced-based profession and the Researching Education Module concentrates on the research practices and data collection methods that are commonly used in educational research. Most of the teaching on the MA is research-based, so students will have been introduced to reading research within the other modules. In this module we further develop skills in reading research and go beyond that, to start designing and carrying out small scale educational research projects, building on the skills developed through coursework for the MA programme.
• Dissertation The dissertation provides you with an opportunity to probe deeply into educational issues that are of concern or interest to you. The dissertation will require you to make use of methods of research and collection of evidence that apply to education; methods to which, for the most part, you will have been introduced within the contexts provided by earlier modules.

This course will enable you to work with disabled students in schools, colleges, alternative education settings and in universities. Its content is of benefit to both teachers and staff in non-teaching roles, including mentors, disability officers and learning support assistants. It's also relevant to staff in strategic and operational leadership roles.

It is a professional and academic degree that provides an in-depth understanding of inclusive practice in education across the age range (in keeping with the 0-25 framework in the Children and Families Act 2014). You'll explore the diverse requirements of learners identified with SEND and the best practice to support inclusive learning. You'll be encouraged to critically engage with relevant theory and legislation contextualised and applied in practice.

This programme will contribute to your employability and the National SENCO award may be a requirement of your workplace.

Progression from the MA to the Doctorate in Education can further enhance your prospects, particularly in academia and research, giving you the opportunity to become published in referred journals.

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

You'll be taught by Dr Nicola Martin who has substantial experience in the field of autism, including working with Professor Baron-Cohen on the Cambridge University Autism Project.

You'll also be taught by Gianna Knowles who has considerable experience of working with school staff to develop their Special Educational Needs Departments. Gianna has published a range of academic textbooks that support staff development in this area.

You'll benefit from an up to date Virtual Learning Environment via Moodle and be actively encouraged to make use of the extensive range of support services across the University. You'll have access to a supervisor during the dissertation phase.

An honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent. Please discuss your qualifications with the admissions tutor if you are unsure.

Applicants should have Qualified Teacher Status and be employed as a teacher in an educational setting.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 160 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study

If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.