Our MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties) equips you with expert skills to support pupils with SEBD. Designed for education professionals, this flexible course enhances your understanding of inclusive practice, offering pathways to advanced qualifications and career progression in diverse educational settings.
Get ready to lead in inclusive education and transform the lives of young people with SEBD. Take your career to the next level by gaining in-demand skills that enhance your employability. The specialist knowledge and confidence you acquire will set you apart, paving the way for advanced opportunities in a dynamic and rewarding field.
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.
This course will run in a part-time mode, online for either 12 or 36 months depending on which awarded degree you enrolled for.
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.
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.
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.
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including online classes, discussions and group activities.
Complete three 20-credit modules to obtain your 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).
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.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
In the second year, students must choose 60 credits of optional modules:
In the third year, students will work on their Dissertation:
| 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.
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.
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
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.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fee per year of study starting in September 2025
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.
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.
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.
