Special Needs

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Course Content

Through four core modules, the MA in Special Needs explores multi-theoretical aspects of:

* Specific Learning Difficulties / Dyslexia
* Behaviour / Relationship Management
* Personal, Social and Emotional Development
* Understanding and Supporting Mental Wellbeing

The course includes both teaching and experiential activities. It is supplemented by an induction and a study weekend, focusing on general special needs issues, critical thinking, severe learning difficulties and sensory impairments.

At Certificate level it is necessary to take at least one module out of Specific Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia and Behaviour/Relationship Management: from Theory to Practice.

Please note that all module details are subject to change.

Towards the end of the course, you will undertake a 12,000 to 15,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice. This provides you with the opportunity to undertake a major piece of independent research under the supervision of a suitable supervisor.

Course Structure
The MA in Special Needs can be completed over 1 year of full-time study or part-time over 2 to 4 years.

You have the flexibility to commence your study in the autumn or spring semester.

The course comprises four core modules (worth 120 credits) with a dissertation requirement (worth 60 credits).

Unless otherwise stated, each 30-credit module is assessed by a written assignment of 5,000-6,000 words. Each assignment is graded numerically and for a student to complete the MA programme successfully, an overall pass mark of 50% must be achieved.

Whilst this is a Masters course, should your circumstances change and you are not able to complete, it is possible to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, subject to successful completion of the relevant modules.

We also offer a Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Special Needs. Two modules leading to the Postgraduate Certificate are offered through intensive block sessions as part of the Education Summer Study.

Modules
This module will cover o World views and models of human behaviour o Theoretical perspectives on behaviour: behaviourist, humanistic and ecosystemic approaches o The Functionality of behaviour o Issues of assessment o The intensity of behaviour - escalation/de-escalation, communication and crisis intervention o Punitive and restorative justice - responding to bullying o Conflict resolution and peer mediation o UK policies/key reports o Controversial issues: e.g. restraint, exclusion from school o Target setting: Contracts, IEPs, Behaviour Support Plans o Supporting students with ADHD o Supporting students with ASD o Whole school issues This module looks at o Experiential learning and group dynamics o Human development and the brain o Social and emotional aspects of learning and special needs o Risk and resilience o Promoting emotional intelligence o The pastoral and the academic o Circle time o Self-esteem o Developing friendships o Citizenship, diversity and classroom dynamics o Pupil and parent voices o Inclusion: values and ethics

Entry requirements:Applicants would normally hold a good first degree with at least second class honours.Other requirements:2 years relevant experienceIELTS:6.5 with at least 6.0 in each elementTOEFL paper based:573 with 4.5 TWETOEFL computer based:230 with 4.5 TWETOEFL IBT:88 (no less than 19 in any element) English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B)