Why Study MA Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)?

• Step into a SEND role or SEND Leadership role at a school
• Complete innovative and impactful school-based SEND research
• Introduce and build a culture of inclusive education into your school
• Study with Academic staff who are actively engaged in research and current debates
• Educational expertise brought into the classroom by the inclusion of eminent guest speakers
• Opportunity to study in a rich, diverse and cultural stimulating setting

This programme involves workshops, independent study, action research, and active involvement in discussions.

Compulsory Modules

Special Educational Needs and Disability: Inclusive Practice and Leadership

This module will develop students’ understanding of best practice in SEND and inclusive education provision. Students will develop an understanding of local and international SEND provision, strategy and policy. As part of this module, the student will develop an understanding of research and evidence in SEND practice, policy, and implementation. Finally, students will be encouraged to develop leadership and management skills related to SEND coordination, delivery, partnership and management.

Research Methodology in Education

The aim of this module is to provide a critical overview of research methods and approaches used for investigating various aspects of modern education. Students will be able to evaluate the strengths and limitations of various methodologies and different methodological approaches including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, which underpin various approaches to knowledge generation in a range of education contexts. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore philosophical, ethical, and methodological differences, which contribute to various approaches of knowledge generation that can inform educational research.

Dissertation

The dissertation is the culmination of a student’s work on the MA Education Programme. Having previously completed credits at Masters (M) level, the participants will appraise their knowledge and critically develop their independent research skills to demonstrate mastery of a complex and specialised area in education. Supported by their supervisor, the dissertation is an individual undertaking.  The dissertation requires students to display their ability to propose, design, conduct, analyse, interpret, and evaluate an ethically sound practitioner research study that has the potential to improve professional practice in education.

Elective Modules
Developing Effective Teaching and Learning

The Teaching and Learning module addresses the connection between teaching and learning and investigates various evidence-based pedagogical approached to connect the two. Students will critically examine selected theory and practice of aspects of teaching and learning which meet the professional needs of their contexts.  This module will also encourage the development of educators as reflective practitioners and skilled self-managed learners. 

Developing Effective Leadership and Management in Education

The aim of this module is to develop the necessary knowledge and skills for effective leadership and management in education. Students will highlight and examine current scholarship and ideas in the field of educational leadership and management globally. The module activities will promote the development of criticality, synthesis, deep reflection, and scholarly activities. Students will apply selected leadership and management strategies to their own professional practice and to an improvement project in the environment they operate. 

Action Enquiry in Education

This module aims to improve practice and provide practical experience of planning a practitioner research project and analysing data. It is tailored to the subject specialism of students who can choose the focus of their enquiry based upon their own and institutional needs for improvement. Students will be encouraged to develop as investigative, action-oriented, and reflective practitioners. 

Technology Integration Leadership and Practice

This module provides opportunities for participants to critically analyse and evaluate integration of technology within school and classroom environments. Students will examine barriers to technology integration in the schools and college context with implications for policy and professional development. Also, students will become innovative educational leaders who are able to identify future technology trends, evaluate digital tools, and lead system-wide change related to technology integration in schools. Innovations in disruptive and adaptive technology and the diffusion of ideas that foster and improve student learning outcomes in the digital classroom are analysed and evaluated. 

Developing Effective Coaching and Mentoring

The aim of this module is to develop the necessary knowledge and skills for effective instructional as well as performance coaching and mentoring in education. Students will highlight and examine current scholarship and ideas in the field of educational coaching and mentoring globally. The module activities will promote the development of criticality, synthesis, deep reflection, and scholarly activities. Students will apply selected coaching and mentoring strategies to their own professional practice including reflections and professional development for their career.

Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

You will be actively involved in a range of learning and teaching approaches as part of your programme. Such active approaches aim to put you at the centre of your learning so you are involved and engaged in all aspects of your assessment and learning. Your programme will require your active participation in learning activities with your fellow students both individually and collaboratively, working and learning with other students as part of a small group. Learning activities take place within and beyond the classroom. 

Your learning will also be supported by technology. Increasingly your tutors will be using existing and emerging learning technologies to engage you in e-learning activities. Your programme will be facilitated using a variety of media and online tools (My Learning on Unihub, podcasts, wikis, etc.) which will allow you flexible access to a diverse range of online resources, quizzes and learning materials as well as collaborative tools with which you can engage and learn with your peers. Your tutors, the Center for Academic Success, the Library, the IT Office and the Student Office will provide any support you may need whilst learning.

By engaging with e-learning you will also be developing skills which are essential for your learning and are also highly valued by employers. These include but are not limited to: working flexibly, communication, understanding of IT, team working and credit shared understandings based on quality resources and access to global expertise.

Class timings and attendance

Classes are held in the evenings (6.30-9.30pm). Generally there is 1 or 2 evenings of lecture/seminar depending on the modules taken, with additional workshops and tutorials as required. Attendance is mandatory.

The proposed MA Education (SEND) pathway will enable students to embark on a number of career routes. It is ideal for those in a leadership or teaching role who are looking to build an inclusive culture within their organisation to enhance student performance. For others they could embark on a second career as a provider of SEND services at an clinic and/or gain employment or further develop their careers in the following areas:

• Business development
• Consultancy work
• Mentoring
• Education
• Leadership