Our MA Inclusion (SLD/PMLD) offers a flexible, online learning experience tailored for professionals supporting individuals with severe and profound learning disabilities. Develop expertise in inclusive practices and educational policies through a comprehensive, part-time course with a choice of modules and a focus on collaborative approaches to meet diverse needs.
Position yourself at the forefront of inclusive education. Study with us and develop advanced knowledge as well as practical skills that will enhance your career prospects and prepare you for impactful roles in supporting individuals with severe and profound learning disabilities.
This course will run in a part-time mode, online for either 12 or 36 months depending on which awarded degree you enrolled for.
You’ll focus on developing and assessing targeted interventions for SLD/PMLD, exploring universal and specialist approaches in inclusive education, and enhancing reflective practices using psychological theories. Combine these three 20-credit core modules with an optional module to get equipped with practical skills and theoretical insights to support diverse learners effectively. Assessments include coursework, case studies, and more.
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. The Inclusion (SLD/PMLD) MA/PGCert equips you with practical skills to support learners with severe, profound, and multiple learning disabilities. Our part-time, distance learning course is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers by developing and evaluating interventions informed by the latest research.
in Disability, Inclusion, and Special Needs
for Education (QS World Rankings 2024)
for 4* research in Education (REF 2021)
Led by experts from our Department, you'll gain valuable insights into inclusive education, enhancing your reflective practice. Providing career support and flexible learning that fits around your commitments, you’ll graduate ready to lead and innovate in the field of inclusive education.
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including online classes, discussions and group activities.
Students will complete three 20-credit modules to obtain the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert). For those progressing onto the MA in the second year, you'll need to choose 60 credits from a combination of optional modules (which include core modules from the other pathways on the MA Inclusion) and complete a dissertation (60 credits) in your third year.
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.
The following must be taken in Year 1:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Developing and Evaluating Interventions for Learners with SLD/PMLD | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Inclusion : Universal and Specialist Approaches | 20 | |
| LM Reflective Practice in Meeting the Needs of Learners with SLD/PMLD | 20 | Semester 1 |
In Year 2, students must choose 60 credits of optional modules:
In Year 3, the following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation (Distance Education) | 60 | Full Term |
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.
in a relevant area of practice or discipline
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.
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.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve 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.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
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.
Complete our Inclusion (SLD/PMLD) MA/PGCert and you'll be ready to position yourself as a leader in inclusive education.
Whether you're looking to enhance your current role or transition into a new sector, you'll graduate with in-demand skills to design and implement interventions that make a tangible difference in special education settings. With a strong focus on professional growth and career support, you'll be equipped to advance into senior positions or pursue further academic qualifications.
by leading graduate employers (High Fliers Research 2024)
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
