MA Education SEND (Special Education Needs and Disability) pathway

Introduction to the Programme

The MA Education SEND (Special Education Needs and Disability) pathway is part of Middlesex University Dubai’s strategy to further develop its provision of programmes from the School of Health and Education. The successful introduction in 2014-15 of the MA Education (Leadership & Management) and MA Education (Teaching and Learning) focused on providing a pathway for teachers with an interest in developing their management and leadership skills. This new pathway module within the MA Education aims to provide students with a systematic understanding and critical awareness of models and frameworks of coaching and mentoring. This pathway will provide students with the experience of coaching in the workplace, including a range of theories related to emotional intelligence, psychology and personal and organisational change and development. There will be a focus on educational contexts. The module seeks to engage students in critical discussion and application of opportunities for coaching and mentoring within a range of educational settings.

As part of the SEND Pathway module, students will be encouraged to participate in a non-compulsory, three-day practical coaching training which will equip them with specific coaching skills at a foundation level. This training will be offered in conjunction with professional certifying partner such as ‘The Performance Coach’, a UK-certified organisation who will provide students with an additional coaching certification which is recognised by EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council). This optional certification will be offered at an additional cost to the student.

The SEND Pathway provides a comprehensive analysis of common core principles in the fields of coaching and mentoring whilst encouraging students to develop and pursue their own personal and professional research interests. Upon successful completion of the programme graduates are likely to benefit from ever increasing career opportunities within the Gulf Region, and the UAE in particular. This claim is evidenced by the UAE Ministry of Education Strategy 2010 - 2020 which specifically targets enhancing teacher development and educational qualifications as drivers of the knowledge economy.

This module pathway success will not only provide an increasing talent pool of qualified professionals, but will also assist dedicated teachers to enhance their existing skills in the classroom and support their transition into senior leadership positions by utilising coaching and mentoring tools and techniques. Overtime, this will feed through the education system to enable the increased development of local talent; destined to become leaders and industry professionals able to compete and transact proficiently in the global economy.

Benefits

Step into a school leadership role

Complete innovative school based research

Lead new initiatives in your school

Introduce a coaching culture into your school

Progress as a leader in your school

Research inclusive practices in your school

Programme Content

MODULE Breakdown

Year 1 Modules

Developing Effective Teaching and Learning (60 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to look at the structure of learning within our education systems. It also aims to challenge thinking about how learning takes place in schools and colleges. It is designed for those who are interested in exploring ways of developing high quality teaching and learning where students are empowered to take responsibility for their learning. These issues will be examined and critically assessed from a theoretical and practical perspective. Each participant will carry out a small-scale research project on one area of your own educational practice, the outcomes of which will be disseminated and have an impact on your whole institutional approach to learning. This module is a blended course which involves workshops, independent study and active involvement in on-line discussions.

Year 2 Modules

Dissertation (60 credits) - Compulsory

In this module you will choose a topic for your dissertation which is a substantial piece of research you will conduct with the aid of a supervisor. Your dissertation will be expected to display mastery of a complex and specialised areas of knowledge and the ability to bring research ideas, enquiry and analysis into synthesis in a written form. You will also be expected to demonstrate critical and analytical reference to your own field of criticism and enquiry. The choice of your dissertation topic will determine the title of your degree: either MA Education (Leadership and Management) or MA Education (Teaching and Learning) or MA Education (Coaching and Mentoring).

Special Education Needs and Disability: Inclusive Practice and Leadership (60 credits) - Compulsory

This module examines SEND and inclusive education provisions in both local and international contexts. Students will explore the latest knowledge in best practice, research, and policy in SEND. As part of this course, each participant will design an implementation plan or change management model to incorporate SEND into existing educational frameworks and institutions. The module is ideal for those who are interested in understanding and implementing SEND frameworks as well as those developing leadership and management skills related to SEND coordination, delivery, partnership and management. This module is a blended course which involves workshops, independent study and active involvement in on-line discussions.

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

Teaching

The MA Education SEND Pathway pathway will offer a part-time mode that runs over 2 years. The programme will consist of three core modules, including one shared module with other MA Education pathways and a dissertation. All modules will be worth 60 credits and be taught over the full academic year. Year-long modules will provide students with more time to assimilate the subject matter in each module. In order to motivate students and facilitate student retention and progression, taught modules will contain a mix of assessment components, both summative and formative. These might include computer-based assignments, essays, case-studies, group presentations/assignments and reflective journals. The use of summative assessment at various stages of the programme will encourage students to consolidate their understanding.

There will be dissertation workshops on a range of research related topics, such as, the structure of a Masters dissertation, identifying a topic, research tools available on the internet (sites where data and academic papers can be downloaded), developing and writing a research proposal and how to write a literature review. Students will be required to submit a dissertation proposal during the second year. This will be used to allocate dissertation supervisors. With guidance from their supervisor students will be required to prepare a detailed review of the literature, proposed methodology and sourcing of data.

Entry requirements

Academic and Work Experience Requirements

Minimum second class honours degree (UK) or above, or overseas equivalent qualification is required.Currently employed or have work experience in an educational field is a must. Potential applicants should have the support of a work based mentor.

English Language Requirements (Postgraduate)

All programmes at Middlesex University Dubai are taught in English and applicants with previous education outside of English-speaking countries (such as the UK, the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand), must demonstrate English language proficiency as follows:

English Language Test	Entry Requirement
IELTS Academic	6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each band)
TOEFL Internet-based	87 (21 in listening & writing, 22 in speaking and 23 in reading)
PearsonPTE Academic	58

For admissions related enquiries, kindly contact our admissions team on 0097143678100 / 0097143751212 alternatively you can email on admissions@mdx.ac.ae

Future Careers and Employability

The proposed MA Education (SEND) pathway in addition to the training provided by ‘The Performance Coach’ will enable students to embark on a number of career routes. It is ideal for those in a senior leadership or line management role who are looking to build a coaching culture within their organisation to enhance employee performance. For others they could embark on a second career as a professional freelance coach and/or gain employment or further develop their careers in the following areas:

Business development
Consultancy work
Mentoring
Education
Leadership

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