Special and Inclusive Education (Part time) MA / PGCert; PGDip
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September, January and April
- Duration: Four years part-time (maximum)
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Education at Nottingham Trent University (NTU)
This course is designed for a wide range of people interested in special and inclusive education, such as those who currently, or are wanting to, have a role that is directly concerned with special and inclusive education in an education setting or education policy or research contexts. These education settings range from early years to higher education and all sectors in between and beyond formal education. Therefore, the course is designed to provide different modes and routes that are suited to the breadth of potential students who have a range of expertise and experience. As such it has an approach to the modules which can then be applied locally and in different contexts.
This part time MA route has been structured to allow you to join the MA at different stages based on your accredited prior learning (APL). Within the part time route three modules are offered for offsite teaching, which are designed for groups of employees to undertake level 7 study onsite in the school, college or other educational setting where they are employed, under the guidance of the university tutor. To achieve an MA Special and Inclusive Education at least 90 credits of your 180 credits must include the Perspectives on Inclusive Education module and your dissertation subject must relate to special and inclusive education.
What you’ll study
This is a demanding and exciting research-based programme. It requires you to immerse yourself in reading, thinking, discussion, reflection and writing, enabling you to take the next, critical step in your professional learning.
This Masters degree allows you to investigate a range of issues impacting on education in general and your own organisation in particular. We want you to challenge your thinking.
On the part-time route you will complete three core modules:
Research Skills (30 credit points)
- This module will prepare you for undertaking empirical study independently and ethically and it will help you critique published work you study in subsequent modules.
- It provides a foundation for other modules, it helps you understand how research has impact and is the start of your progression towards conducting research studies that will have impact.
- In this module you are also introduced to alternative research methods and will study creative and indigenous research methods.
Perspectives on Inclusive Education (30 credit points)
- The Perspectives on Inclusive Education module provides an opportunity to explore a wide range of perspectives on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and inclusion.
Dissertation (60 credit points)
- The dissertation module allows you to focus your research in an area of professional interest; thus, you will deepen your knowledge and understanding in your chosen career area.
- If you are on the part time route, you will normally complete two modules in year 1, two in year 2 and begin the dissertation module in term 3 of year 2, which will be submitted at the end of term 2 in year 3. The part time route has been designed so that you complete one module at a time. The part time route compromises 180 credits and will be completed within four years.
You will complete two optional modules. The following option modules will be available for part time students, although not all modules will be available to study every academic year:
Early career teachers (30 credit points)
This module is an opportunity for recently qualified (<5 years) teachers to examine key learning experiences and the imp act these have had on their professional practice.
You'll explore the knowledge and understanding that they have gained, and examine the skills they have developed.
You'll also learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.
Coaching and Mentoring in educational contexts (30 credit points)
- Coaching and mentoring are an important aspect in the professional development of staff in schools, universities and colleges, and other educational settings.
- The focus of this module will be on the purposes, strategies and theories of coaching and mentoring, as they apply to individuals working to support colleagues in their role, and the institutional issues these raise in schools, colleges and universities.
- Through a critical examination and application of the theory and an analytical exploration of the practice of coaching and mentoring, this module aims to enhance the professional development of the staff working in educational settings.
Curriculum Innovations (30 credit points)
- The module aims to provide opportunities for you to explore the fundamental theories of curriculum innovation.
- Through this exploration, you will start to consider how research evidence informs educational change.
- Through a combination of desktop research, skills and project planning you will develop an innovative practice related to curriculum development, process or product, for future enactment in your chosen educational setting.
Education leadership and change management (30 credit points)
- For all involved in any enterprise it is essential to understand the change process.
- In education, where there is significant externally-imposed change and consequent (or self-determined) institutional change those aspiring to lead in such a context need to be able to lead and manage the process of change effectively.
Social Justice in Education (30 credit points)
- The Social Justice in Education module explicitly links to the Institute’s aim to work with and for the disadvantaged and hard to reach.
- Its focus is to enable you to critically analyse current debates on aspects of social identity, equality, inequality, inclusion and exclusion in education. During the module there will be opportunities for you to bring your own views and experience to bear on these debates, whilst introducing you to new concepts and theories. The dissertation module is where you will undertake an independent research project.
- This module gives you the opportunity to carry out an extended piece of empirical research of your own design under the supervision of an individual staff member with specialist knowledge in you chosen area of study.
Reflection on National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) (30 credit points)
- This module provides an opportunity to reflect on the experience of an accredited National Professional Qualification (NPQML/Sl/H/EH) and the impact this has had on your professional practice.
- You will explore the knowledge and understanding gained, and examine the skills developed. You will also learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.
The modules offered are designed so that the focus of the module is defined in such a way for the outcomes to benefit your educational setting:
Early career teachers (30 credit points)
- As above.
Independent study (30 credit points)
- You will be able to select a small scale project to investigate an area of practice that is of current professional interest.
- The focus will be negotiated and agreed with the module tutor through an initial proposal.
- The investigation will include collection of information from both secondary and should you choose, primary sources, demonstrating knowledge and understanding through analysis, evaluation and reflection.
Reflecting on professional development (30 credit points)
- You will critically reflect your professional learning arising from recent and on-going courses of professional development.
- The module is for a small study group who are taught within their educational setting, known as ‘offsite’.
- The module involves some face to face sessions delivered offsite, several independent learning tasks and supported by online resources.
- The module aims to explore how teacher reflection can be used to support professional learning by considering how professional learning activities impact individual practice.
- The module also enables students to develop collaborative professionalism within different educational settings.
- You will only be able to study a maximum of two offsite modules. After completing one or two offsite modules you will have the opportunity to study modules on the Clifton campus and join other part time students.
- To enable you to reflexively draw upon, apply and assess concepts and approaches relating to social justice in your understanding of education, and inform your action to address social justice issues.
How you’re taught
The course content reflects the changing education environment and is subject to regular review and development. A variety of teaching and learning approaches are used to support you during the course. These approaches are designed to help you to achieve the course learning outcomes and support and prepare you for your current and future careers.
While completing your master's you will study in a number of ways including:
- blended learning
- our virtual online learning environment (NOW)
- teaching at your own institution (by prior arrangement)
- learning through practical experience in an educational setting
- study sets.
Face-to-face and blended learning teaching provides core course teaching, supported by seminars as a space where you will enhance your understanding of the taught material. Lectures and online activities are given and prepared by tutors and visiting guest lecturers, who may include course alumni and postgraduate research students from the Institute of Education.
Additionally, group work and activities, discussions and debates is used to explore issues from the lecture and pre-session reading. Tutors draw on their own research that is relevant to the course, such as their research on teaching, educational issues and research methods. You can choose to build on or use tutor’s research in your own studies, particularly in the Dissertation module.
Assessment methods
A wide range of creative assessment strategies are used in the course, which will develop the skills, knowledge and expertise you will need to develop an effective professional profile relevant to, or progression within, their desired career area. These include:
- Seminar presentations
- Research posters
- Critical reviews of published research
- Extended critical reflections on your own practice and professional development experiences
- Research study in an area of your choice.
Careers and employability
The MA Special and Inclusive Education degree is increasingly seen as both academic enhancement and a means to facilitate career progress. Many graduates have gone on to successful careers within the education sector, pursuing senior roles, while others have continued studying to complete a Professional Doctorate, an MPhil or a PhD.
Please note, this is not a teacher training course and will not give you Qualified Teacher Status.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Learning a new language can:
- Enhance your communication skills
- Enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- Boost your career prospects.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
You will need:
- Applicants will be expected to have achieved a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, at undergraduate level in a relevant area of study. Applicants with a third class honours degree will be considered alongside evidence of successful achievement of at least 30 credits at Masters Level in the last 3 years. Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable for entry to the programme.
Other requirements:
- A short piece of written work based on specific questions related to the programme.
- Work experience is preferred, but applications will be considered without it. We can find placements during the course for students without experience.
APL credits
Applicants can APL on to the part time route to complete between 90 and 170 credits. Therefore, the maximum APL is 90 credits and 10 credits is the minimum; the exception to this are applicants who graduated from the NTU PGDE ITE courses prior to 2018 with 120 credits at level 7 (the last year of entry for this cohort will be October 2023).
There are two common level 7 entry routes for applicants with APL into the course:
- PG Certificate in Education (with QTS) (maximum of 60 credits)
- Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) award (maximum of 60 credits)
For applicants with a PGCE in Education from an NTU ITE course (i.e. 60 credits at level 7), their level 7 credits will be automatically accepted. For applicants who completed a PGCE ITE course at another university or gained level 7 credits from any non-ITE education course, consideration for APL on to the course will be considered on an individual basis.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of education, APL must occur within three years of having attained the award. (Note: the exception to this is applicants who graduated from the NTU PGDE ITE courses prior to 2018 with 120 credits at level 7).
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Please note: This course does not meet the UK Visas and Immigration requirements for Student Route sponsorship and therefore we cannot progress applications from candidates who require a Student Route visa under the Points Based Immigration System. Applicants to this course must be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the course.
What are we looking for?
You will need:
- Applicants will be expected to have achieved a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, at undergraduate level in a relevant area of study. Applicants with a third class honours degree will be considered alongside evidence of successful achievement of at least 30 credits at Masters Level in the last 3 years. Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable for entry to the programme.
Other requirements:
- A short piece of written work based on specific questions related to the programme.
- Work experience is preferred, but applications will be considered without it. We can find placements during the course for students without experience.
APL credits
Applicants can APL on to the part time route to complete between 90 and 170 credits. Therefore, the maximum APL is 90 credits and 10 credits is the minimum; the exception to this are applicants who graduated from the NTU PGDE ITE courses prior to 2018 with 120 credits at level 7 (the last year of entry for this cohort will be October 2023).
There are two common level 7 entry routes for applicants with APL into the course:
- PG Certificate in Education (with QTS) (maximum of 60 credits)
- Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) award (maximum of 60 credits)
For applicants with a PGCE in Education from an NTU ITE course (i.e. 60 credits at level 7), their level 7 credits will be automatically accepted. For applicants who completed a PGCE ITE course at another university or gained level 7 credits from any non-ITE education course, consideration for APL on to the course will be considered on an individual basis.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of education, APL must occur within three years of having attained the award. (Note: the exception to this is applicants who graduated from the NTU PGDE ITE courses prior to 2018 with 120 credits at level 7).
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
For guidance, course fees for 2023 entry are:
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
Part-time | £1,367 per 30 credit module, £2,734 per 60 credit module. |
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page or our funding page will answer all your questions.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
For guidance, course fees for 2023 entry are:
| Study route | International/ EU students |
|---|---|
Part-time | £2,800 per 30 credit module, £5,600 per 60 credit module. |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your postgraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.