Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (Autism Pathway) MA

Program Overview

This program specializes in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion, focusing on the autism spectrum. It provides in-depth knowledge of autism from the perspectives of individuals and families, and explores evidence-based approaches to support individuals with autism in education and society. The program is taught by an experienced team and offers flexible learning options, including face-to-face and online delivery. Graduates gain skills for careers in education, social care, advocacy, and research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course will help you to develop your knowledge and skills in the field of Special Educational Needs and Inclusion, specialising in the autism spectrum, including Asperger syndrome. This specialist pathway is ideal for professionals working in early years, primary or secondary schools, further and higher education, voluntary sector, advisory roles, and residential settings. Special Educational Needs and Inclusion will give you in-depth knowledge and understanding of various aspects related to autism. In order to help you evaluate best practice, including your own, we will take you through a thorough analysis of evidence-based approaches. Overall, we aim to help you to reduce the barriers that individuals with autism face in education and wider society.

Outline:

This course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG4 Quality Education. The modules undertaken will vary depending upon the selected exit award (PG certificate, diploma, MA). Each module is equivalent to 30 Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points at level 7, except the dissertation which is 60 CATS points. If you want to complete the full MA, you will complete three compulsory modules, an optional module and a research thesis. Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

Stage 1

• Research Thesis (60 Credits)
• Module code: EDUM100
• Status: Designate
• This module provides an opportunity for students to engage in completing an original research project, supported by structured research training, under the guidance of a supervisor.
When the student is studying on a named pathway or programme this research thesis will be aligned to that field of study.
• Physical Disabilities: Contexts and Interventions
• Module code: SENM006
• Status: Designate
• Key Concepts in Inclusion and Diversity (30 Credits)
• Module code: SENM019
• Status: Designate
• This module examines and analyses the historical, cultural, legislative, philosophical and practical origins of social and educational inclusion within the UK and globally.
It includes the critical analysis of approaches used to develop more inclusive environments within settings and organisations and scrutiny of the various challenges which can exist.
• Understanding Autism Spectrum (30 Credits)
• Module code: SENM026
• Status: Designate
• The purpose of this module is to examine the nature and possible causes of autism, both from a historical context and by critical analysis of current perspectives, theory and research.
The implications of behaviours and the continuumn of needs are examined along with exploration of perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum, families and professionals.
• Evaluating Approaches for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum (30 Credits)
• Module code: SENM027
• Status: Designate
Students will engage critically with research and literature relevant to the field.
• Perspectives on Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) (30 Credits)
• Module code: SENM032
• Status: Designate
• This module focuses on enabling students to critically analyse how different theoretical perspectives influence the identification, inclusion and teaching/support of individuals with needs in the area of social, emotional and mental health (SEMH).
Students critically engage with research and literature at international, national and regional level; for example, current policy.
• Promoting Cultural and Linguistic Participation and Inclusion
• Module code: SENM033
• Status: Designate
• Supporting Individuals with Intellectual Difficulty and/or Complex Needs
• Module code: SENM034
• Status: Designate
• Understanding The Nature of Literacy Difficulties and Specific Learning Difficulities (Dyslexia) (30 Credits)
• Module code: SENM035
• Status: Designate
Difficulties experienced in the acquisition of literacy will be analysed in relation to underpinning theories of language and literacy development.
• Understanding Challenging Behaviour in People with Autism and other Neurodevelopmental Conditions (30 Credits)
• Module code: SENM041
• Status: Designate
• Adverse Childhood Experiences and their Impact on well-being and development (30 Credits)
• Module code: SENM042
• Status: Designate
• This module provides students with opportunities to critically engage with research around adverse childhood experiences affecting attachment and relationships across the life-span, encompassing infant, childhood, adolescent and adult relationships.
Individuals' social, emotional, physical and behavioural development is examined including identification, assessment and provision. International, national and regional contexts are considered.
• Module code: SENM044
• Status: Designate
Students examine theories of learning and pedagogy, and use organisational data and other sources to critically evaluate existing provision.
• Leading and Managing Special Educational Needs, Diversity, Inclusion and Equality (30 Credits)
• Module code: SENM045
• Status: Designate
• This module examines the strategic role of the SENCO and/or Leader of Inclusion to shape and lead the development of special educational needs provision in a whole setting.
Your modules will be taught through lectures, seminars, group work, case studies, tutorials and independent study, over three terms. The course has a highly experienced and supportive teaching team who have a variety of teaching and research experiences in autism, which are embedded into the learning experience.

Careers:

If you are already working in the field of autism then the in-depth knowledge you will gain from this programme can help you to improve your practice or apply for management positions. A range of other career options in education, social care and voluntary sectors will be possible, such as being an advocate, learning mentor, or family adviser. For those who want to pursue further post-graduate research there is also a possibility of studying for a PhD.

Other:

The Subject Area has a strong reputation for research in autism. As a result, there are opportunities to pursue your research interests towards a PhD.

Schedule:

For this course, taught study is usually three hours per week, per module. We also recommend that you spend 10 hours per week, per module in self-directed study time. This course is available to study full-time and part-time with a September start. The PG Certificate includes two 30 credit modules and takes one year full-time or between one and two years part-time. The PG Diploma includes four 30 credit modules and takes one year full-time or between two and three years part-time. The MA will involve completing four 30 credits modules and a dissertation and takes one year full-time or between two and four years part-time.

Fees and Funding

2024/25 Tuition Fees Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UK – Full Time: £8,250 UK – Part Time: £4,140 per 90 credits year one and £4,140 year 2 International – Full Time: £16,995

• may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
2023/24 Tuition Fees Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UK – Full Time: £8,010 UK – Part Time: £4,005 per 90 credits year one and £4,005 year 2 International – Full Time: £16,500
• may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
Additional Costs There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2020. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs. Master’s Loans Scholarships and Bursaries