Special & Additional Learning Needs

Masters in Special & Additional Learning Needs (University of East London).

This online programme, delivered jointly by the University of East London (UEL) and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology (ICEP) Europe, is designed to deepen your knowledge and hone your expertise in inclusive and special education.



Underpinned by the latest research and offered in a flexible online format, the programme is taught by experienced practitioners and international experts in the field. It will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to support diverse and potentially marginalised learners, including those with special and additional learning needs. 



Why Choose This Online Course?

Both UEL and ICEP Europe have a long track record in providing high quality postgraduate special education courses within the UK, Ireland, Europe and worldwide.



This accredited course provides expert knowledge to support teachers, SENCos, SNAs & other professionals working with the increasing diversity of children with special education needs (SEN) in education settings on an international level. This online masters course aims to build upon participants’ existing skills and competencies, thus enhancing the quality of education for children and young people with special and additional learning needs in a variety of educational and outside settings worldwide.



The international programme content is underpinned by the latest research in the field of special education, and ICEP Europe are at the forefront of research into best practice in education. Both UEL and ICEP Europe are equally committed to promoting inclusion for people with diverse needs and learning differences through the provision of the highest quality continuing professional development.



Awards:

• PG Certificate

• PG Diploma

• MA



This is a modular programme so you can commence with the PG Cert and then progress to the Diploma or MA if you wish. This part time programme can be completed alongside a full time teaching role.



Successful completion of the programme MA Special and Additional Learning Needs at ICEP Europe, leads to the award MA Special and Additional Learning Needs by University of East London (level 9 Ireland, Level 7 UK).

Online Masters In Special & Additional Learning Needs - Course Modules

• Inclusive Education: Collaboration and best practice.

• Autism Spectrum Disorders: Contemporary perspectives and best practice.

• Dyslexia and Literacy: Issues, perspectives and best practice.

• Applied Behavioural Analysis: Critical exploration and practice.

• Exceptionally Able Learners: Understanding theory, perspectives and practice.

• Understanding Behaviour: Theories, perspectives and best practice.



The above modules carry a weighting of 15 ECTS credits (30 CATS credits). A further module on Research Methods and Dissertation (30 ECTS, 60 CATS credits) will be required when completing this MA in Special Educational Needs.

Am I Eligible For This Online Course?

This Masters (MA) online course is open to all suitably qualified teachers, SNAs, SENCos, psychologists, and others who are interested in Special and Additional Learning Needs (SEN).



Applicants should have an undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) with a minimum 2:2 classification (or equivalent).



In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

We are now enrolling for September 2025.

Awards:


• PG Certificate – Two modules (30 ECTS)


• PG Diploma – Four modules (60 ECTS)


• MA – Four modules, plus a dissertation (90 ECTS)


This is a modular programme so you can commence with the PG Cert and then progress to the Diploma or MA if you wish. And you can take a module at a time giving you real flexibility.

2 years part time.

Fully Online (no in person attendance required).

The online format of the programme and the flexibility to pay for modules on an individual basis offers busy professionals the opportunity to work around their existing schedule and gain a recognised University qualification regardless of location.


Each module costs £1,120 which must be paid in full prior to the commencement of each module. In many cases students will be able to claim tax back on these fees and may be able to avail of certain fee refund schemes.

Next intake: September 2025

This online course has two intakes each year, September and January.

Future Careers In Special Education (SEN)

This MA/ PG Dip/ PG Cert in Special and Additional Learning Needs offers a graduate qualification which will enhance career prospects and professional knowledge in the field of special and additional education.



The online university course provides teachers, SENCos, SNAs & other educational professionals with the expertise and skills required to pursue a career in SEN, including consultancy, inclusion work, education journalism, management, youth/social work and employment with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as developing their personal skills and academic knowledge.



This online programme also supports those interested in further special needs based training in fields such as psychotherapy, childcare, or developing an academic career in the field of SEND and inclusion. The online masters course also supports the development of the SENCo's role and provides opportunities to specialise in specific areas of SEN.