Masters in Special & Additional Learning Needs (University of East London)

University of east london

This online MA/ PG Diploma / PG Certificate in Special and Additional Learning Needs is a university course developed jointly by The School of Education and Communities, University of East London (UEL), and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology (ICEP) Europe.

Why Choose This Online Course?

Both UEL and ICEP Europe have a long track record in providing high quality postgraduate special education courses within the UK, Ireland, Europe and worldwide. 

This accredited course provides expert knowledge to support teachers, SENCos, SNAs & other professionals working with the increasing diversity of children with special education needs (SEN) in education settings on an international level. This online masters course aims to build upon participants’ existing skills and competencies, thus enhancing the quality of education for children and young people with special and additional learning needs in a variety of educational and outside settings worldwide.

The international programme content is underpinned by the latest research in the field of special education, and ICEP Europe are at the forefront of research into best practice in education. Both UEL and ICEP Europe are equally committed to promoting inclusion for people with diverse needs and learning differences through the provision of the highest quality continuing professional development.

Who Would Benefit from this Online Masters?

This accredited  course is relevant to both mainstream and specialist settings. The overall aim of this online course is to build the capacity of teachers, SENCos, SNAs & other educational professionals to respond effectively to the diverse educational needs of all learners, including those with special and additional educational needs.

This online programme is for all those, both in Ireland, the UK, Europe & internationally who are interested in Special and Additional Learning Needs, and those who have achieved a National Award in Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCo qualification) and want to progress to a Masters (MA) qualification.

This course is also particularly suitable for educators, psychologists, and other allied professionals working in educational & SEN settings who wish to deepen and extend their existing knowledge of inclusive education and evidence-based approaches in order to respond effectively to the needs of their students. This online training course will provide participants with the capacity to meet legislative requirements for pupils with SEN and to meet the specific and general needs of learners.

This online masters (MA) programme supports the development of the SENCo role and provides opportunities to specialise in specific areas of SEN.

Future Careers In Special Education (SEN)

This MA/ PG Dip/ PG Cert in Special and Additional Learning Needs offers a graduate qualification which will enhance career prospects and professional knowledge in the field of special and additional education.

The online university course provides teachers, SENCos, SNAs & other educational professionals with the expertise and skills required to pursue a career in SEN, including consultancy, inclusion work, education journalism, management, youth/social work and employment with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as developing their personal skills and academic knowledge.

This online programme also supports those interested in further special needs based training in fields such as psychotherapy, childcare, or developing an academic career in the field of SEND and inclusion. The online masters course also supports the development of the SENCo's role and provides opportunities to specialise in specific areas of SEN.

Can I apply to This Online MA Course From Anywhere?

This accredited online Masters course is accessible to those in Ireland, the UK, Europe & internationally and the fact that there are no international fees makes it quite unique.

How Do I find Out More?

You can click on the buttons to register your interest, join a webinar or apply today!

If you would like to speak to a course advisor please call +353 1 651 0618 or email [email protected] or you can contact ICEPE here.

How Is This Online Masters  Delivered?

This specialist SEN qualification is delivered in a distance learning format and is fully online. This course is international in focus and is undertaken on a modular, part time basis giving you real flexibility in terms of study and payment. If modules are completed in succession for the Masters, students can complete the course in two years.

A suite of unique course modules have been developed solely for this online masters (MA) programme, designed to offer educators specialist, practical knowledge in special and additional educational needs. Participants working in SEN can customise this online university course to their needs by choosing the modules which reflect their specific interests and educational contexts.

Online Masters In Special & Additional Learning Needs - Course Modules 

  • Inclusive Education: Collaboration and best practice.

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders: Contemporary perspectives and best practice.

  • Dyslexia and Literacy: Issues, perspectives and best practice.

  • Applied Behavioural Analysis: Critical exploration and practice.

  • Exceptionally Able Learners: Understanding theory, perspectives and practice.

  • Understanding Behaviour: Theories, perspectives and best practice.

-The above modules carry a weighting of 15 ECTS credits (30 CATS credits). A further module on Research Methods and Dissertation (30 ECTS, 60 CATS credits) will be required when completing this MA in Special Educational Needs.

Course Awards:

  • PG Certificate – Two modules (30 ECTS)
  • PG Diploma – Four modules (60 ECTS)
  • MA – Four modules, plus a dissertation (90 ECTS)

This is a modular programme so you can commence with the PG Cert and then progress to the Diploma or MA if you wish. This part time online masters course can be completed alongside a full time role as a teacher, SENCo, SNA or other allied professional.

Successful completion of this MA in Special and Additional Learning Needs at ICEP Europe, leads to the award MA Special and Additional Learning Needs by University of East London (level 9 Ireland, Level 7 UK).

When Are The Intakes For This Online Course?

This online course has two intakes each year, September and January.

We are now enrolling for September 2024. Participants will avail of the specialist expertise of tutors who have worked professionally at a high level in the field of SEN and are experienced working with participants from a range of cultures and professional backgrounds.

Am I Eligible For This Online Course?

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).

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

How Do I Apply For This Online Course?

To apply for this accredited online course simply apply now here!

How Do I Pay For This Online Masters Course?

The online format of this Masters course in Special & Additional Learning Needs (SEN) offers the flexibility to pay for modules on an individual basis. This can allow busy professionals the opportunity to work around their existing schedule and gain a recognised accredited university qualification regardless of location.

Please note there are no international fees to apply.

Each module must be paid in full prior to the commencement of each module. In many cases students will be able to claim tax back on these fees.

If you have any additional questions please contact us.

You can complete the online application form at the following link: https://icepe.eu/UEL_Application_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. 
Fees are paid for on a module-by-module basis. The fees for the 2024/25 academic year are £1,360 per module and £2,720 for the Research Methodologies and Dissertation module, which runs over two semesters. There are no additional fees for international students; the same rates apply to UK, EU and international students alike.

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.

Student Experiences

Kat McAteer, Canada
Erin Marsh, Belgium
Denise Coleman, Ireland
Demi Naoum-Berger, Luxembourg

September 2024

2 years part time

Fully Online (no in person attendance required)

£1360 per module

No international fees

Why Choose ICEP Europe?

Since its establishment in 2001, ICEP Europe has recognised the importance of creating strong accreditation and collaboration links with key bodies. We have cemented our reputation as a leading provider of specialist courses in inclusion and SEN, up to Masters level, by delivering on our mission to provide flexible and innovative training to teaching professionals working with learners with diverse needs.

BY SUBMITTING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS YOU ARE CONSENTING FOR ICEP EUROPE TO CONTACT YOU ABOUT COURSES, RESEARCH PROJECTS AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES WITH US. UNSUBSCRIBE AT ANY TIME – LEARN MORE

Register Your Interest

By submitting your email you are consenting for us to contact you about this course and other related courses. Unsubscribe at any time - Learn More here