Stephanie Black has built her career as a high school science teacher at an international school in South Korea, where she has taught for more than 16 years. Stephanie has lived abroad for much of her life and as a general teacher, she wanted to deepen her understanding of inclusive education and learn how to better support students of all abilities, including those with special and additional learning needs. This motivation led her to pursue the MA in Special and Additional Learning Needs with the University of East London (UEL) and ICEP Europe, combining her passion for teaching with a commitment to creating supportive learning environments for all.
My Experience on the Programme
During my studies, I significantly broadened my understanding of different forms of neurodiversity and the impact on learners in the classroom. The programme encouraged me to critically reflect on how to support each student’s individual needs while also developing teaching practices that have a universal benefit. This balance—between personalised support and inclusive strategies—has been one of the most valuable aspects of my learning journey.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
One of the strongest outcomes of the programme has been the range of skills I developed, which continue to support my teaching practice:
Research skills – I learned how to locate, analyse, and evaluate current studies in inclusive education.
Academic writing – Strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
Critical thinking – Gained confidence in questioning and reflecting on existing practices, and considering how they can be adapted for diverse classrooms.
Application of evidence – Developed the ability to apply modern research directly into teaching, ensuring that strategies are informed by best practice.
Together, these skills allow me to remain up to date with evolving approaches to inclusive education and to apply them meaningfully in my own work.
Why I Recommend this MA to Educators in South Korea
What stood out most to me was the flexibility of the programme. Students can choose to complete a PGCert, PGDip, or the full Master’s, depending on their goals. The structure also allowed me to manage my academic workload around my responsibilities as a teacher, wife, and mother of young children. Some weeks I was able to dedicate more time to study, while during busier periods I could step back without falling behind. This level of adaptability made it possible for me to succeed academically without sacrificing balance in my personal and professional life.
For teachers and education professionals around the world, the MA in Special and Additional Learning Needs offers the flexibility, depth, and practical application needed to make a lasting difference. Whether you are balancing family life, teaching responsibilities, or planning a career shift into learning support, this programme provides the structure and support to help you succeed.
Applications are now open for the next intake of the MA in Special and Additional Learning Needs with the University of East London (UEL) and ICEP Europe.