Course summary
This MA is designed for practicing professionals, or those interested in research, in special educational needs and disability (SEND) – usually in schools, the lifelong learning sector, and universities. Its modular structure allows you to personalise your choice of units and progress at a pace that best suits you, with a final phase focused on educational research via a dissertation. The MA Education engages you with key issues in education and aims to encourage your evidence-based practice, as you make direct and meaningful connections between the course and your own experiences and aspirations. The course helps you to broaden your knowledge educational ideas and research findings, as you identify and justify recommendations for further action. This places you in a better position to develop your work as a classroom practitioner or school leader. Intermediate qualifications available: Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Masters level Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Masters level Why choose this course?
- Study on a modular course designed for professionals in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), that allows you to accumulate credit at a pace that suits you, with assessments based around needs specific to your role in your educational organisation
- Explore the process of teaching, learning support and/or educational leadership, focusing on personal, academic and vocational interests relevant to your educational context
- Develop your understanding of assessment formats with a negotiated focus in support of both individual and organisational needs
- Gain from undertaking primary research that informs your current practice, as well as acquiring the necessary research skills to engage in future research and progress to a Ph.D. or EdD programme
- Benefit from a course that provides a clear progression route following completion of your Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course, develops both you and the organisation within which you work, and could be used as the basis for further study at the doctoral level (Ph.D. and EdD).
Modules
Units: Meeting diverse needs; understanding pupil behaviour in schools or understanding difficulties in literacy development and dyslexia (these are distance learning units); leading change in education; enhancing practice in educational contexts; research methods in the workplace; dissertation (special educational needs); educational leadership in context; analysing policy: children’s voice; exploring coaching and mentoring; early years education and care.
Assessment method
You will complete a range of assessments, many of which you can tailor to your existing or developing interests and experience. You will do a number of oral presentations, which not only improve your ability to present information in a professional and coherent way but also enable the sharing of research and experience amongst the group. Written assessments include portfolios, case studies, essays and literature reviews. You will develop your research skills throughout the course and apply them to a final applied project or dissertation
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent. Applicants should also be practising teachers or other educators working in the area of special educational needs provision in schools or other educational institutions.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For information on the 2025 fees and scholarships please refer to our website, https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/fees/
Sponsorship information
For information on postgraduate funding, please visit: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/postgraduatestudy/postgraduate-fees-and-funding
Provider information
University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
LU1 3JU