FAQs for the MA / Diploma / PG Cert in Special and Additional Learning Needs

You can download the application form from the ICEP Europe Website (www.icepe.eu), and  email or post it to ICEP Europe at the address listed on the form. There are two intakes for  new students each year in September and January.

• Successful applicants must have an undergraduate honours (level 6 UK, level 8 IRL)  degree, minimum 2:2 classification or equivalent. 
• In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 7 (or  equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate  matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programme. 

The fees for the September 2021 term are yet to be confirmed. Fees are paid for on a module by-module basis. The fees for the 2020/21 Academic year were £1,180 per module and £2,360  for the Research Methodologies and Dissertation module, which runs over two semesters.  There are no international fees, the same fees apply to both UK, EU and international students 

The typical duration of the MA programme is a minimum of two years and a maximum of six  years, part time (in accordance with UEL’s Academic Framework and modular regulations).  Participants begin the programme in either September or January and normally complete one  30 credit module per term, however you do have the option to take breaks between modules  if you wish. We run three terms per year in September, January and May. 

A single module is taught over a period of 8-10 weeks, with a further 3-4 weeks to complete  the assignment. The Research Methodologies and Dissertation module is a double module, so  the hand in date is generally two terms after you start the module. This would mean if you  start in January, the hand in date is usually the first week of September, if you start in April,  the hand in date will be the first week of January and if you start in September, the hand in  date will be in April. 

 There are 3 teaching terms available each year. They are in September, January and May .

Each module is assessed through a single portfolio/assignment of 5,000 words. The  dissertation is 14,000 words. 

Yes the programme is 100% online and can be studied from anywhere in the world. There is  no on campus attendance required.

No, students will not need to have any more than a basic knowledge of IT Technology.

• 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.

Yes. Students will have complete access to the UEL online library while enrolled.

Students will be well supported in terms of accessing and using the online learning  environment, using the learning materials, writing assignments and with issues of  administration by both UEL and ICEP Europe. Students are supported through discussion  boards in the online learning environment and through personal contact with tutors/staff.  Academic, technical and pastoral support is available to all learners through the online  learning platform, via email and telephone contact. 

Given the lack of face to face interaction in online learning, this form of personalised support  helps to build relationships and combats the risk of isolation among learners. All information  relating to learning support and technical support is accessible through the online learning environment.

 Yes, UEL has two graduation ceremonies every year. Depending on when your final grades  are approved you will be able to attend a graduation in July or November. Attendance at  graduation is not mandatory.

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 [email protected]. 

The PG Cert / PG Dip / MA in Special and Additional Learning Needs offers you a qualification  that will enhance your career prospects and professional knowledge in the field of special and  additional education. The programme provides you with the expertise and skills required to  pursue a career in SEN, including teaching (please note this is not a teaching qualification) or  consultancy, inclusion work, education journalism, management, youth/social work and  employment with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as developing your  personal skills and academic knowledge. The programme also supports those working in the  UK and internationally who are interested in further training in fields such as psychotherapy,  childcare, or developing an academic career in the field of SEND and inclusion. The  programme also supports the development of the SENCo role and provides opportunities to  specialise in specific areas of SEN.