Course summary

The MA Special Needs and Inclusion will help you gain the necessary understanding, from a theoretical point of view, to become a more effective practitioner in the whole-of-life special needs sector. This course is designed to support rigorous and critical development by exploring the interfaces between theory, practice and policy for people with special needs by a number of social agencies (such as social care, health care, education and technological support) from before birth to death. The MA Special Educational Needs and Inclusion is a distinct course designed to meet the growing need for professionals to have the skills and theoretical understanding necessary to work in different fields and across the life span. The course provides a stepping stone to both professional leadership responsibilities and to doctoral study, such as our EdD or PhD programmes. You will be supported in developing a reflective and critical understanding in relation to contemporary issues and challenges within this field of study, which includes consideration of your own experience and viewpoint. Local, national and international perspectives are brought to bear on often complex and unpredictable circumstances and on the challenges that arise in local contexts. Concepts engaged with are problematised in relation to established and emerging theory, allowing for critical examination of the evidence-base for professional development and organisational improvement.