Graduate Certificate of Inclusive and Special Education
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate of Inclusive and Special Education provides a coherent program of study and professional experience to prepare you for the advanced professional duties of a qualified special educator working in either inclusive or specialised settings. A key focus is on identifying the barriers to education for many students, including common misunderstandings relating to disability. You’ll evaluate the impact of a range of social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental factors, and develop strategies for addressing these barriers. The course provides a specific focus on disability equity education.
Program Outline
Biodiversity and Conservation MSc - University of Leeds
Degree Overview:
This MSc program focuses on the biological principles underlying biodiversity, its assessment, and management. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in ecology or conservation, or for further research at the PhD level. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of:
- Ecological factors behind biodiversity and conservation: This includes learning about the processes that drive biodiversity, the threats to biodiversity, and the principles of conservation.
- Key field skills for assessing and managing biodiversity: Students will gain practical experience in surveying, monitoring, and managing biodiversity.
- Key analytical skills for a range of academic and professional careers: This includes developing skills in data analysis, statistics, and GIS. The program is heavily influenced by the University's world-leading research in ecology and conservation, which drives national and international policy agendas around environmental change and global sustainability.
Outline:
The program offers a flexible structure, allowing students to personalize their studies based on their career goals. It combines theoretical modules on the principles of ecology and conservation with practical skills-based modules.
Year 1 Compulsory Modules:
- Research Skills and Data Analysis: This module provides students with the necessary skills to conduct research, analyze data, and interpret results.
- Masters Research Project: This is a significant component of the program, allowing students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice. Projects can be carried out in the UK or overseas, covering a wide range of applied, empirical, and theoretical subjects.
Practical Skills:
The program offers numerous opportunities to develop practical skills through modules such as:
- Insect Identification: This module focuses on the identification and classification of insects.
- Plant Identification: This module focuses on the identification and classification of plants.
- Mediterranean Field Course: This course takes students to southern Spain to experience a different ecological landscape and conduct research on unique plant communities, pollinators, and other wildlife.
- African Ecology Field Course: This course takes students to Mpala Research Centre in Kenya to gain firsthand experience of the ecology and conservation of an African savannah ecosystem.
Analytical Skills:
Students can also build their analytical skills through modules in:
- Statistics: This module provides students with a solid foundation in statistical methods for analyzing ecological data.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Formal lectures: These provide students with a theoretical foundation in the subject matter.
- Interactive workshops: These allow students to engage with the material in a more hands-on way.
- Field trips: These provide students with practical experience in the field and allow them to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
- Problem-solving: This encourages students to think critically and develop solutions to ecological challenges.
- Practical classes and demonstrations: These provide students with hands-on experience in techniques and methods used in ecology and conservation. The program is taught by a team of expert academics, including lecturers, professors, and industry professionals with years of experience.
Assessment:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Practical work: This assesses students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills in practical settings.
- Group work: This encourages collaboration and teamwork.
- Computer-based simulation: This allows students to explore ecological concepts in a virtual environment.
- Essays: These assess students' ability to communicate their understanding of the subject matter in a written format.
- Posters: These allow students to present their research findings in a visual format.
- Oral presentations: These assess students' ability to communicate their research findings effectively to an audience.
Careers:
Graduates of the program have gone on to a wide range of careers in biodiversity and conservation, both in the UK and internationally. Potential career paths include:
- Research: Graduates can pursue careers in academic research, working in universities, research institutions, or government agencies.
- Conservation: Graduates can work in conservation organizations, such as NGOs, government agencies, or private companies, to protect and manage biodiversity.
- Ecological consultancy: Graduates can work as ecological consultants, providing advice and services to businesses and organizations on environmental issues.
- Education: Graduates can pursue careers in education, teaching ecology and conservation at various levels. The program provides students with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in a competitive job market. The Careers Centre at the University of Leeds offers a range of support services to help students plan their careers and find employment.
Other:
- The program offers two optional field courses: the Mediterranean Field Course and the African Ecology Field Course.
- The program is based in Leeds, which is within easy reach of three areas of great natural beauty: the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire Moors, and Peak District.
- The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
UK fees:
£13,750 (Total)
International fees:
£31,000 (Total)
