MA Inclusion (Special Educational Needs) (Online) MA / PGCert

Dive deep into the complexities of SEN 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.

• Global Perspective: Gain expertise in SEN policies and practices with a global and socio-cultural focus.
• Flexible Learning: Study part-time with a range of module options and distance learning flexibility.
• Specialist Pathways: Choose from pathways in Dyslexia, Literacy, and SEN Coordination for tailored expertise.
• Career Advancement: Develop advanced skills and insights to enhance career opportunities in diverse educational and care settings.

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.

We teach using a range of learning methods, including online classes, discussions and group activities.

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 Module Tutors and fellow students 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.

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.

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.

Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page

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.

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.

Our MA Inclusion (Special Educational Needs) equips you with essential skills to support children with disabilities across various career paths. You'll gain a deep understanding of educational inclusion and SEND policies, evaluate practice frameworks, and analyse disability concepts globally. The course also covers different SEND groupings, enhancing your ability to critique research and policy. These insights prepare you for roles like SEN coordinators, educational consultants, or positions in community and charitable organisations, advancing your career in education and care.

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

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.