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

You can complete the online application form on the ICEP Europe Website (www.icepe.eu). 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 Academic 7.0 (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 2025/26 academic year are £1,420 per module and £2,840 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 module per term. 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.
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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 in September and January every year. You can attend your graduation in person at the UEL Docklands Campus. 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]. 

Yes, you can undertake the Masters as a full-time programme. Students have the option to choose two modules per term, allowing them to complete the programme in 1 year and 3 months, or across 4 terms.

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.