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MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties)

MA/Postgraduate Certificate

Start date
September
Duration
MA 36 months; PGCert 12 months
Course Type
Continuing professional development, Distance learning, Taught
Fees

2024 - 2025
£3,780 (UK)
£7,770 (International)
More Fees and funding details.

Neil Hall introduces the MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties) specialist pathway.

On the MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties) specialist pathway, you will develop the key skills and expertise to meet the needs of pupils with SEBD

This specialist pathway will provide you with an opportunity to develop your understanding of inclusive practice by focusing on the distinctive learning needs of pupils with Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD). Through this degree, you will be able to develop knowledge, understanding and critiques of research, educational policy and practice and have the opportunity to investigate historical and cultural aspects of disability. If you work with children and young people who exhibit challenging behaviour, disaffection and disengagement with schooling, then it will be relevant to you. 

MA Inclusion

The MA Inclusion is a flexible, part-time distance learning course, for those who want to make a difference to the lives of children, young people and adults with diverse needs. It has been designed for teachers and other educational and care professionals working in a range of national and international settings.

Our approach will enable you to investigate inclusive practice through multiple lenses and to embrace cultural, linguistic and developmental diversity. You will be able to choose module options from across an unrivalled range of provision in Inclusive Education within the School of Education at the University of Birmingham.

The MA Inclusion is made up of 180 credits which consists of 3 compulsory taught modules (60 credits) in the named pathway, a number of optional modules (60 credits) and a 60 credit dissertation. Successful completion of the 180 credits leads to the award of MA Inclusion.

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

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 , or (on successful completion of the modules) to transfer to the MA Programme. For the PGCert, you choose from one of the first year pathway options and for those who transfer to the MA, this would constitute your first year of the three-year course. The MA Inclusion entry criteria, teaching and assessment all apply to the PGCert option.

MA Inclusion pathways

You may also be interested in our other specialist pathways on the MA Inclusion.

Why Study this course?

  • The University of Birmingham is a leading provider of degree-level courses in inclusion and special educational needs.
  • Our courses develop real insight and encourage reflective practice. You will be tutored by senior practitioners and researchers in the field of inclusion who work within the Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN) 
  • The MA Inclusion degree offers both flexibility and choice from a range of modules.

Modules

Those taking a PGCert need to complete the three compulsory modules listed below (60 credits in total). Those progressing onto the MA in the second year will need to choose a further 60 credits from the optional modules (which includes core modules from the other pathways on the MA Inclusion) and complete a dissertation worth 60 credits.

Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024.

Compulsory modules

Optional Modules 

View the list of optional modules


Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Fees 2024 - 2025

UK

  • Code 582G PGCert £3,780
  • Code 583G MA £3,780

International

  • Code 582G PGCert £7,770
  • Code 583G MA £7,770

Fees for distance learning programmes are based on students studying 60 credits per year. The fees shown above are the first year fees for students starting their courses September in 2024. The fees are fixed at this price for each year of study for the duration of the programme.

Learn more about fees and funding

Scholarships and Loans

You may be eligible for a postgraduate loan which provides up to £12,167 (for 2023/2024 entry) for taught and research Masters courses in most subject areas. This includes Distance Learning. 

Other scholarships may be available, please view the Scholarships webpage in the School of Education. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. More details may be found on the  international scholarships page.

For further information contact the School directly or visit the Funding, Graduation & Awards Office via  online enquiries. 

How To Apply

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

Normally a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant area of practice or discipline. 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.

Speakers of English as a second language will be required to hold an IELTs 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.

English language support

The Birmingham International Academy (BIA) provides free English language services to international students who are currently studying on undergraduate or postgraduate courses at the University of Birmingham. Services include Open-access English classes, online self-assessment, online materials through CANVAS, email answers to quick questions and individual one to one tutorials. 

International Requirements


Our MA Inclusion is delivered and assessed online. Some activities are scheduled – like meetings with your tutor – but otherwise you can work through the online learning materials at times to suit you. Each module is broken down into weekly study units and each week you will have a mixture of reading, videos/recordings and interactive activities to work through at your own convenience. All you need is some time, and an internet connection. 

We also know how important it is to provide you with opportunities to meet, collaborate and network with like-minded students. We do this in two ways. 

Firstly, we provide a live induction event where you will get the opportunity to meet the teaching team and fellow students. We will also provide a step-by-step guide to working through materials on your first module of study. 

Secondly, in every module of study there are live (real time) opportunities to engage in module group work and seminars. This gives you the chance to discuss key topics, share your learning and to reflect on workplace experiences. 

How you will learn:

  • Interactive teaching materials and study skills resources available via our online learning platform             
  • Three live online tutorials per module within your own tutor group, hosted by a tutor experienced in your field of study       
  • Two live lectures hosted by your Module Lead             
  • Access to our extensive online library, research materials and a vibrant community of students with shared interests          
  • Access to a range of other study and research activities hosted by our department and the School of Education.

The MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties) degree is ideal for those working in settings which provide education for children and young people with SEBD. It is particularly suited to teachers, care workers, mentors, youth workers and learning support assistants working in primary, secondary, further education and specialist settings. Upon completion of this course, you will have experience in dealing with pupils with challenging behaviour within educational settings.

There is the opportunity to work towards a further professional qualification in the field of Education, including progression to a PhD. The excellent careers advice provided by personal tutors has encouraged many of our graduates to successfully apply for leadership roles working with children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. These include: specialist teachers, education advisors, special educational needs coordinators, teaching assistants, youth workers, behaviour managers and counsellors.