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MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties) (Online) MA / PGCert
- Delivery formatOnline
- Start dateSeptember 2026DurationMA 36 months; PGCert 12 months
- AwardMaster of Arts / Postgraduate Certificate
- Entry requirementsUK 2:2 honours degree or equivalent vocational qualifications
- Fees (UK/Ireland)£4,050 (per year)
Course overview
Our MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties) helps you develop the specialist skills needed to support pupils with SEBD. Designed for people working in education, this flexible course builds your understanding of inclusive practice, offering pathways to advanced qualifications and career progression across a wide range of educational settings.
Programme approved by the BPS
This programme is CPD Quality Mark scheme approved.
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First year
First year
Explore inclusive education through universal and specialist approaches, gain insights into SEBD and mental health identification and assessment, and develop strategies for effective interventions. You'll build practical skills to support diverse learners and enhance your professional practice. Combine these core modules with optional ones to gain comprehensive theoretical and practical expertise. Assessments include coursework, case studies, professional reflection and more.
Second year
Second year
Choose from a range of optional modules to earn 60 credits, including core modules from other MA Inclusion pathways which will empower you to create tailored support and drive change in educational settings. These modules enhance your ability to manage behaviours, develop inclusive curricula, and design interventions, while providing expertise in cross-cultural issues and support for diverse learners, including those with autism and sensory impairments. Assessments include coursework, professional reflection, presentations, and case studies.
Third year
Third year
In your third year, you'll complete a 60-credit dissertation, conducting independent research on a topic of professional interest related to your programme. Guided by a tutor, you'll explore a focused area, refine your research skills, and contribute valuable insights to your field.
Course highlights
The MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties) offers a flexible, part-time study experience, perfect for professionals in diverse educational roles. Dive deep into the complexities of SEBD with expert-led modules and critical research designed to provide you with advanced skills and a nuanced understanding of inclusive practices. Tailor your learning experience by choosing from an extensive range of optional modules, blending practical experience with specialised knowledge to enhance your impact in educational settings. Upon graduation you'll be confident and ready to advance into leadership roles or pursue further qualifications, supported by our expert tutors and comprehensive career advice.
- Develop expertise in addressing the distinctive needs of pupils with SEBD through research-driven modules and practical skills.
- Enjoy flexible, part-time, distance learning tailored for educational professionals in diverse global settings.
- Explore inclusive practices through a wide range of specialist modules, embracing cultural, linguistic, and developmental diversity.
- Advance your career with opportunities for leadership roles or further qualifications, supported by expert guidance and career advice.
- Top 50
in the world for Education and Teaching subjects
QS World Rankings 2026
- #68
QS World University Rankings 2027
QS Top Universities
- Our global expertise
Our Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN) blends global expertise with practical insights to drive inclusion and social justice through innovative research and tailored education.
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
As well as the MA, we also offer a one year, part-time Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits in total). This option gives you the opportunity to gain a specialist qualification at Masters level after just one year of study. On successful completion of the modules, you can also opt to transfer to the three year MA Programme, with the PGCert being your first year of study. The MA Inclusion entry criteria, teaching and assessment all apply to the PGCert option.
MA Inclusion pathways
The MA Inclusion: Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties programme is one of a number of pathways which investigate inclusive practice through multiple lenses and specialisms.
Course delivery
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including online classes, discussions and group activities.
Online Live classes
1:1 Supervision
Online On Demand classes
- Online on-demand classes: content is released weekly for you to study at your own pace.
- Online live classes: these sessions enhance your learning experience by allowing you to meet and interact with your instructor and classmates as you study.
- Tutorials: Your Personal Academic Tutor will give you individual support and guidance if needed, so that you can maximise your academic potential, personal development and professional/ employability skills. This ensures you can take full advantage of the many resources available to you as a student of the University.
Module information
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Year 1
Year 1
The following must be taken:
Year 2
Year 2
You must choose 60 credits of optional modules:
Year 3
Year 3
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- UK 2:2 honours degree or equivalent vocational qualifications
Normally a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant area of practice or discipline. Equivalent vocational qualifications are accepted as criteria for entry to this course.
Most students will have some relevant professional experience and all applicants are encouraged to gain relevant experience in educational, care or other professional settings before, and during, embarking on a programme of study.
We offer Accreditation of Prior Leaning (APL) for a range of postgraduate qualifications, including SenCO qualifications and those awarded by other Higher Education Institutions.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £4,050
Per year
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Enhance your employability with our Inclusion programme. You'll be equipped with specialised skills in supporting pupils with SEBD, laying the foundation for meaningful career advancement. Whether you aim to lead in an educational setting, provide specialist support, or influence inclusive practices at a policy level, our programme prepares you for diverse roles including SEN coordinators or behaviour specialists and more.
Your careers toolkit
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
From application through to graduation, we will support you throughout your exciting online learning journey. As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers.
Why study online?
Studying online allows you to study at your own pace and fit your studies around your other commitments. All whilst enjoying the same level of support and access to experienced academic staff.
How does online learning work?
All of your learning materials for our online courses can be accessed in your own time, on our user-friendly virtual learning environment. This is accessible on desktop, laptop, and mobile devices.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to supporting you throughout your exciting online learning journey.
Visiting campus
As an online student, you are able to access all of our on-campus facilities. Take advantage of our library, the Sports and Fitness centre or make use of our collaborative learning spaces.