12 Application Tips for MA in Special & Additional Learning Needs with University of East London

Let’s face it! We’ve all been through the struggle of writing an application and agree that it can be a challenging first step to fulfilling your dream of growth in a particular field. For the Masters in Special & Additional Learning Needs in collaboration with the University of East London, we try to provide as much guidance and student support as you need. But it’s important to follow the guidelines specified in the application form. However, we understand that some applicants might struggle through some specific aspects of the application like the references, English Language Requirements and most importantly the Personal Statement. 

Here are 12 tips in this Christmas Season to help you overcome the challenges of completing your application form and acing your application to enrol in the programme:

1. Understand the Programme: Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to grasp the level of study you’re embarking on and comprehend the essence of the programme. Take time to understand the core values and mission of our Masters in Special & Additional Learning Needs. Making an effort to get an in-depth understanding of the curriculum and the university’s inclusive approach to education can help you in important aspects of the application process like drafting the personal statement.
2. Personal Details: Ensure that your personal information matches the details on your educational certificates or other professional documents accurately. If you’ve previously completed a programme with the University of East London, sharing your previous student number can help streamlining records, making the process smoother and preventing administrative issues.
3. Employment Information: Make sure you’re including details about your current or most recent employment. The programme doesn’t require candidates to be working while pursuing the course. There’s flexibility in that regard: some candidates choose to study alongside work, while others take time off for studies, a sabbatical or just take the time to transition to a new field.
4. References Matter: References are vital, offering a glimpse into your academic or professional background. Ensure they are academic or professional contacts, not friends or family. They don’t need to be letters, just contact details, but avoid non-professional references.
5. Qualification Requirements: As an applicant, it’s essential to understand the specific qualifications needed to pursue 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).
6. English Language Requirements: In case your first language is not English, here are some commonly accepted proofs of English language:
   • IELTS Academic
   • IELTS for UKVI
   • TOEFL iBT
   • Pearson PTE Academic
   • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English
   • Cambridge IGCSE
   • UEL has recently added an option of an online language test Oxford ELLT (English Language Level Test) and you can use their exclusive promo code ELON75 to book your test at a discounted price. This provides flexibility and an alternative to traditional English language exams, making it more accessible for applicants. However, it crucial to be mindful of minimum scores and exceptions based on certain degrees or certificates.
   • For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page on the UEL website. If you’re unsure whether you need to submit an English Language test proof, please feel free to send us an email and the admissions team will be happy to advise you.
7. List All Academic Qualifications: We encourage candidates to list all academic qualifications, even if seemingly unrelated to the program, as some qualifications might meet the entry criteria. Exceptions to standard requirements exist in some cases, particularly when applicants have unique academic or professional backgrounds.
8. Craft a Heartfelt Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that genuinely reflects your passion and commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment for all students. It’s just approximately 250 words so it’s important to focus on motivations, relevant experiences and aspirations. Here are some tips on how to ace the personal statement:
   • Keep it Relevant: Showcase experiences where you’ve promoted inclusivity, showing how you can contribute to an inclusive learning community. Emphasize your empathy towards individuals with additional learning needs. Show understanding and willingness to learn and grow in this field. Highlight your understanding of diverse learning needs.
   • Focus on Your Motivations and Goals: You might be motivated to apply for this programme due to diverse reasons like aspiration to advance in your career, field change, personal experiences, professional goals or the desire to contribute positively to specialized education. Don’t forget to add what you hope to achieve through this learning experience and the impact you wish to create in either your personal life or the world around you.
9. Ask for Feedback: After working on a document for an extended period, it can be challenging to spot errors or necessary improvements. Hence, it’s critical to seek help with proofreading. Having someone review your work ensures that it effectively conveys your intended message and maintains good readability in English. Ask friends, family members or your mentor to proofread it and provide their honest feedback.
10. Advanced Standing & Module Choices: Advanced standing is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and doesn’t automatically apply to everyone. There’s flexibility in module choice and in case of any queries regarding module preferences, please reach out to our admissions team directly and share details instead of using up the space in personal statement to specify your preference.
11. Accessibility & Inclusion: We prioritize accessibility through online formats, supporting individuals with diverse responsibilities. Our programme is focused on catering to those with additional needs; please do not hesitate to share your requirements to receive tailored support. Rest assured, this information does not impact your admission to the programme; rather, it is essential for us to offer appropriate assistance to all students.
12. Submission and Confirmation: Once you’ve finalized your application and feel it’s ready, remember to take the final step. Click the ‘Save & Submit’ button to ensure your application reaches us successfully. Merely saving it might leave it in drafts, preventing us from receiving it. Double-check your submission to avoid this issue.

We trust these 12 essential tips have provided you with a clear roadmap to tackle the Masters in Special & Additional Learning Needs application. Your dedication to a heartfelt personal statement, meticulous attention to details, and meeting prerequisites are crucial for a successful application. For any clarifications or guidance, our admissions team at [email protected] or [email protected] is ready to assist.

We eagerly anticipate your application and wish you the best in this enriching pursuit of academic growth and specialization in Special Educational Needs.