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MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (Distance Learning)

A part-time, distance-learning Masters designed to develop highly skilled, reflective practitioners in special educational needs, disability and inclusion.

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Why choose this course

  1. Political debates on SEND provision, from national and international perspectives
  2. How working partnerships create holistic support for people with additional needs
  3. Champions social justice and challenges inequalities facing people with SEND
  4. Weekly recorded content and discussion forums, studied around busy schedules
  5. Pathways towards doctoral study through the University of Hull

Overview

This Masters Programme is designed to develop highly skilled, reflective practitioners who are equipped to people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Watch on YouTube: MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion - Distance Learning
Read the full overview

The programme focuses on fostering graduate competencies that are essential for navigating and leading in the modern educational landscape.

The programme provides a critical overview of the political debates surrounding the landscape and provision for people with SEND from both national and international perspectives. It develops a critical understanding of the role of working partnerships in creating holistic support systems for people with additional needs. The programme also champions social justice and challenges the impact of societal inequalities on people with SEND. Additionally, it examines theory and evidence-based research findings that inform and drive developments in practice. Finally, the programme cultivates highly skilled, reflective practitioners who advocate for disability rights and are well-prepared to support the future needs of people with SEND.

Throughout the programme, students will engage with contemporary issues and innovative practices, ensuring they are well-prepared to lead and innovate in the field of special education. By the end of the programme, graduates will be equipped to champion the rights of people with SEND and contribute to the development of inclusive educational practices.

What you’ll study

5 modules

This course includes the following core modules that all students complete:

  1. Modules

    • Media Representations of Special Educational Need, Disability and Inclusion
    • Mental Health and Well-being
    • Understanding Relationships Through Societal Agents for Inclusive Practice
    • Global Perspectives of Disability
    • Major Independent Study
Then: where it leads

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

How you’ll learn

You’ll learn through one-to-one tutorials, an online learning platform and supervised research.

  • One-to-one tutorials
  • Online learning platform
  • Research project supervision
Read more about how you’ll learn

This programme has been designed through the adoption of Transforming Programmes which is aligned to a competencies approach to learning ensuring graduates are fully equipped to enter a graduate workforce.

Distance learning students will access weekly recorded content via the virtual learning environment (CANVAS). Weekly online discussion forums will support the students’ developing knowledge and will encourage peer collaboration, developing a community of practice. Digital technologies can consequently provide both communication and experimental environments in support of the learning process. The exploration of key points and sharing ideas within the discussion forums will enable students to understand and evaluate different perspectives. Initially this will be led by the module leader but as students’ progress, they will take the lead in developing this collaboration, students will have opportunities to initiate the on-going discussion and construct new knowledge and can access this forum in a flexible way. The combination of asynchronous and synchronous learning facilitates students accessing learning around their busy schedules, though also ensuring opportunities for meaningful discussion and the sharing of good practice.

Live group tutorials will be held virtually through Microsoft Teams to support assessments. These will be delivered by the module leader and will allow all students to collaborate within their programme variant and explore ideas in greater depth, pursue their own research interests, and clarify ideas and access guidance. Live group tutorials will be recorded so students have an aide memoire to refer to.

Studying online? Ask us how it works.

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Where it can take you

The high-quality learning experiences within the MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion programme are designed to support students’ development, with a clear focus on developing high level academic skills and preparation for the sector, through the development of key, transferable skills. Students will learn from the acquisition of knowledge through inquiry-based learning and collaboration with peers to inform discussion, practice and co-production of knowledge. This is achieved through a two-way process, where the learning in an academic environment is applied in the workplace. Therefore, academic study informs provision and supports the development of practice. Careers are varied within the SEND sector and students may take several routes depending on their specific aspirations.

  • Education, health or care sectors
  • Local authorities
Read more about careers and progression

Many of our graduate’s work with children and their families within education, health or care sectors, whereas others may progress into posts within local authorities which could involve the development of local strategy and policy. Many of our graduates wish to work with children and their families within education, health or care sectors, whereas others may progress into posts within local authorities which could involve the development of local strategy and policy.

While DN Colleges Group does not offer PhD or EdD programmes directly, we collaborate with the University of Hull to provide pathways for our students to pursue advanced doctoral studies. We can offer guidance and support to students interested in applying to these programmes and can facilitate connections with potential supervisors and research opportunities. In previous years the AC at the University has spoken to year 2 students in trimester 2 regarding the PhD at the University of Hull.

Found where you fit?

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Student stories

Chris’s learning journey with University Campus Doncaster

I enrolled onto the MA SEND in 2019 when the programme first became available at UCDon.

Read the full story

I enrolled onto the MA SEND in 2019 when the programme first became available at UCDon. At the time I was employed at a Pupil Referral Unit that provides an educational provision for Key Stage 1/2/3 pupils who have been permanently excluded or at risk of permanent exclusion.

I gained new employment as a TA in a specialist business, enterprise and employability post-16 education provision for students with autism and SEN in June in my final year of study. A couple of weeks after graduation in October I was promoted to behaviour lead for the entire college. I wouldn’t have gotten the position without having a MA in SEND.

The lecturing team at the University Campus Doncaster gave me a great opportunity to study on the programme and supported me through my 3 years of study and for that I thank them.

Clare

“MA SEND has changed the way I view supporting children with SEND and has challenged me to reflect on and improve daily practice”

“MA SEND has enabled me to critically evaluate inclusive practice within my setting and confidently implement changes to improve outcomes for children with SEND”

Examples of Work

  • Examples of Work

Entry requirements

Don’t have the standard qualifications? You may still be able to apply.

Level 6 qualification (360 credits), such as BA (Hons) degree - Minimum of 2:2 classification

Level 6 qualification (360 credits), such as BA (Hons) degree - Minimum of 2:2 classification

Applicants will be practitioners already working with children and young people, within a relevant sector. This might be in a full time or voluntary capacity. Importantly they will have at least 2 years full time equivalent experience working with children or young people prior to starting the course.

All students will be required to hold an enhanced DBS.* Any applicant with criminal convictions will be considered by the DNCG Safeguarding team to establish their suitability to engage in the programme. Early disclosure is therefore highly recommended and encouraged through the rigorous application process.

*Or suitable alternative

Taken a different path?

We are committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds and situations. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you do not have the qualifications stated, we might still be able to consider your application and offer you a range of support. We are here to help. Please get in touch to find out more.

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Fees and funding

£4,095

a year for UK students

Financial support

A Postgraduate Master’s Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course. Master’s Loan on GOV.UK.

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Additional costs

Your Tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition, and assessment).

There may be some extra costs that you might need to make, or choose to pay, for example:

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may wish to buy your own copies)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Trips and enhancement opportunities

As the programme requires vocational hours within a vulnerable sector, you may be required to pay for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check if you are not in possession of a current one or registered on the update service.

Questions about funding?

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or call 01724 281111, option 2

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to apply?

Apply direct to us, online.

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Open Event – 7th January 2027Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

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What happens after you apply

1

You apply

Apply direct to us online, and we’ll reply by email.

2

You hear back

You’ll get an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or an unsuccessful application.

3

You get ready to start

Before you enrol we’ll need photo ID and copies of your certificates. Apply for Student Finance early.

Read our full guide to applying

Quick reference for careers advisers

Level

Level 7

Duration

2 years

Study mode

Part-time
Distance learning

Awarding body

University of Hull

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