Home

Special and Inclusive Education MA

London, Bloomsbury

The MA Special and Inclusive Education will develop students' knowledge of special and inclusive education. Students will be introduced to cutting-edge theory and research and consider how it links to policy and practice. The MA will appeal to those looking to develop their professional practice, progress to further study about disability, inclusive education, and educational policy, and/or progress to doctoral study. The MA also has two specialist routes in Autism and Specific Learning Difficulties.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2023/24)
£11,800
£5,900
Pathways include:
Autism (TMANUMSAUT01)
Specific Learning Difficulties (TMANUMSPLD01)

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2023/24)
£29,000
£14,500
Pathways include:
Autism (TMANUMSAUT01)
Specific Learning Difficulties (TMANUMSPLD01)

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2023
Applications accepted
All applicants: 17 Oct 2022 – 30 Jun 2023

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of a lower second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants will also normally have some related professional experience.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level. International Preparation Courses

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa – study must be full-time, face-to-face, starting October.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


Students will gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of theory and research relevant to special and inclusive education including subject-specific knowledge; intellectual, academic and research skills; and practical and transferrable skills. Through a variety of taught sessions, independent activities and group/individual assessments, students on the programme will graduate with a broad range of knowledge, interpersonal contacts, and skills preparing them to continue work in the field of inclusive education. Anyone interested in either of the two specialist routes should see our Special and Inclusive Education (Autism) MA or Special and Inclusive Education (Specific Learning Difficulties) MA.

Who this course is for

This programme would appeal to those working within education (e.g., teachers, teaching assistants) who have an interest in working with children, young people or adults with special educational needs and disabilities. We particularly welcome those with personal experience of disability (e.g., family members, individuals with disabilities).

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

This high-level programme provides students with the opportunity to engage with the latest theory and research on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) delivered by world leaders in research and teaching. IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society is ranked #1 in the world for education (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022) and our team of internationally-recognised tutors (researchers, academics, and professionals) from the Department of Psychology and Human Development (PHD) will provide students with a cutting-edge programme of taught sessions, independent activities and group/individual assessments; all of which will deepen their knowledge, challenge their thinking and enhance their employability. London offers a rich and diverse population so students can focus on neurodiversity within a wide range of individuals and communities.

Students on this MA benefit from a rigorous academic programme. Critical engagement with current research and evidence-informed practice on special and inclusive education provides a thorough grounding for those new to the field. It also challenges the thinking and deepens the knowledge of those with prior (academic, personal or professional) experience in special and inclusive education. Input from a broad range of experts (including people with disabilities, their parents and their educators) ensures strong relevance to practice and the crucial inclusion of insider expertise.

The programme attracts national and international students with rich and varied professional and/or personal experiences; offering a valuable opportunity for networking and collaborative learning. At the end of the programme, students are encouraged to join professional learning networks; to continue their personal and professional development and to provide further opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. The programme, along with the diverse range of events and initiatives provided by our centres of excellence, PHD, IOE and UCL, offers a transformative experience for students interested in special and inclusive education.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Students on this programme can broaden their career horizons within the educational settings in which they work (if applicable) and/or develop skills that can be utilised in a wide range of careers (within or outside the field of special education). Students will also develop skills in the areas of personal and time management; oral and written communication; collaborative working; computing and IT; critical and adaptive thinking; problem solving; research and inquiry.

Employability

The programme prepares students for employment in a broad range of areas, for example: as senior leaders in mainstream schools, special schools, or other educational settings; and/or directly supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Graduates may follow pathways within specialist services for children and young people with SEND or SEND charities. Graduates may choose to pursue a research pathway and/or work in Higher Education. Graduates may choose to work in government and policymaking positions or as consultants.

Teaching and learning

The MA is taught through a combination of face-to-face lectures/seminars, plus online materials and lectures, group discussions, small group and/or one-to-one tutorials.

Compulsory and optional modules are assessed through a range of different assessment types, including a range of written/oral assignments. For some modules students may choose from a range of assignment titles or may be able to negotiate their own title. They will be required to choose to write either a report or a dissertation in the final year of the programme.

Contact hours are module dependent, but each 30 credit module will equate to 300 hours of study time. Each module will include contact with faculty via a range of forums (e.g., individual tuition, whole/small group lectures/seminars, online materials on the learning platform Moodle).

Modules

Over the course of a year full-time, students undertake either two compulsory modules (Concepts and Contexts of Special and Inclusive Education and Research Design and Methodology), two optional modules in the areas of special and inclusive education and a dissertation or two compulsory modules, three optional modules and a report.

Part-time students undertake one compulsory module (Concepts and Contexts of Special and Inclusive Education) and two optional modules in the first year and in the second year a second compulsory module (Research Design and Methodology) and a dissertation or a second compulsory module, an optional module and a report. 

Flexible modular students must complete the programme between 2 to 5 years. Students must take the compulsory module Concepts and Contexts of Special and Inclusive Education in their first year of study. Optional modules can be taken at any point during the remainder of the programme. The Research Design and Methodology module, and either a Dissertation or Report, must be taken in the final year of study.

Compulsory modules






Optional modules











Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MA in Special and Inclusive Education. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a in Special and Inclusive Education.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.

Visit us

All open days and events

—

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society Virtual Event series

—

Please note that there are 27 sessions across a range of subject areas. IOE is ranked number one for education for consecutive nine years and the world's leading centre for research and teaching in education, culture, psychology and social science. If you’re interested in enhancing and progressing your career in education and related social sciences, why not join our open events? You’ll get to meet the programme team, ask any questions you have and find out what it’s like studying at UCL.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2023/24) £11,800 £5,900
Tuition fees (2023/24) £29,000 £14,500

Pathways include:
Autism (TMANUMSAUT01)
Specific Learning Difficulties (TMANUMSPLD01)

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Students should take into account any travel, accommodation and expenses involved in their report or dissertation. Students are also expected to fund their travel if they wish to attend school visits that are offered as part of the programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

IOE Centenary-Windle Trust Scholarship

Value: Full tuition fees and stipend (online study only) (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE Windle Trust Scholarship

Value: Full tuition fees and stipend (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-Clarke Scholarships

Deadline: 2 May 2023
Value: Tuition fees and a stipend of £17,609 (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-ISH Centenary Masters Scholarships

Deadline: 2 May 2023
Value: Tuition fees and accommodation at International Students House (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Special and Inclusive Education at graduate level
  • why you want to study Special and Inclusive Education at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2023-2024

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Psychology and Human Development
Psychology and Human Development

e.sumner@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.