Inclusion & Special Education Needs

As contemporary societies become more heterogeneous, and as inclusive education reforms gain currency across the world, educational systems are being challenged to address some fundamental questions about teaching and learning related to the accommodation of and respect for difference.



Underpinning the movement for inclusion is a concern for social justice and wellbeing. Meeting the diverse needs of learners within today's schools, colleges and universities, is one of the most challenging and important tasks facing education today.



This thoroughly revised master's degree is unique not only because of the disciplinary approaches it employs, but also because students study and apply an approach to wellbeing that has been developed by some of the world’s leading thinkers.



This is an approach that is internationally recognised by, for example, the UN, and whose principles are increasingly found in government policy on education and SEN, namely the Capability Approach. We are one of the very few institutions in the UK to offer this practical and ethical approach to assessing issues of SEN, equality and inclusion.



The skills you will develop include critical thinking skills and how best to be an inclusive practitioner. Importantly, this is a professionally based degree which means that you will apply what you have learned to your own professional practice whether you are a classroom assistant, SENCO or university lecturer.

Core Modules

Epistemic Injustice: The Ethics of Knowing in Special Educational Needs/ Inclusion (20 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (20 credits)

Social Justice in Special Needs Education and Inclusion: A Capability Approach (20 credits)

Deconstructing Special Needs Education and Inclusion (20 credits)



Optional Modules

Leadership: Theoretical Perspectives (20 credits)

Leadership for School Improvement and Change (20 credits)

Leadership in Practice (20 credits)

Fundamental elements of behaviour change (20 credits)

Behaviour Change in Education and Supervising Others (20 credits)

Understanding Children with ASD (20 credits)

Understanding Adults with ASD (20 credits)

E-learning: Concepts and Pract (20 credits)

Bilingualism, Literacy and Disciplinary Literacy Development (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Closing date for applications: Friday 26th June 2026 at 4pm



Late applications may be considered.



Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed through a written assignment of 3000 words that is informed by the student's own professional practice and experience.

3 years (Part-time)

1 year (Full-time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

Graduates from this degree have found it beneficial in their professional institutions in advising colleagues, influencing policy, and supporting pupils and students.



The degree helps students reshape their thinking on special needs education and matters of inclusion, to question values and beliefs that were previously taken for granted. Importantly, a master's degree in SEN/Inclusion will be of great advantage to professionals seeking promotion as we move towards a masters-led teaching profession.