Special Needs (MA) – (M.A.)

Course Content

Through four core modules, the MA in Special Needs explores multi-theoretical aspects of:

* Specific Learning Difficulties / Dyslexia
* Behaviour / Relationship Management
* Personal, Social and Emotional Development
* Understanding and Supporting Mental Wellbeing

The course includes both teaching and experiential activities. It is supplemented by an induction and a study weekend, focusing on general special needs issues, critical thinking, severe learning difficulties and sensory impairments.

At Certificate level it is necessary to take at least one module out of Specific Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia and Behaviour/Relationship Management: from Theory to Practice.

Please note that all module details are subject to change.

Towards the end of the course, you will undertake a 12,000 to 15,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice. This provides you with the opportunity to undertake a major piece of independent research under the supervision of a suitable supervisor.

Course Structure
The MA in Special Needs can be completed over 1 year of full-time study or part-time over 2 to 4 years.

You have the flexibility to commence your study in the autumn or spring semester.

The course comprises four core modules (worth 120 credits) with a dissertation requirement (worth 60 credits).

Unless otherwise stated, each 30-credit module is assessed by a written assignment of 5,000-6,000 words. Each assignment is graded numerically and for a student to complete the MA programme successfully, an overall pass mark of 50% must be achieved.

Whilst this is a Masters course, should your circumstances change and you are not able to complete, it is possible to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, subject to successful completion of the relevant modules.

We also offer a Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Special Needs. Two modules leading to the Postgraduate Certificate are offered through intensive block sessions as part of the Education Summer Study.

Modules
Specific Learning Difficulties/DyslexiaThis module will cover: * Specific Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia: definitions, primary and secondary characteristics
* The reading process
* Biological, cognitive and educational approaches to dyslexia
* Subtypes of dyslexia
* Issues of assessment (diagnostic criteria, IQ, reading difficulties)
* Learning styles theory
* Classroom and individual support
* Inclusion and dyslexia-friendly schools
* Living with dyslexia (self-esteem, motivation and parenting)

Behaviour/Relationship Management: From Theory to PracticeThis module will cover o World views and models of human behaviour o Theoretical perspectives on behaviour: behaviourist, humanistic and ecosystemic approaches o The Functionality of behaviour o Issues of assessment o The intensity of behaviour - escalation/de-escalation, communication and crisis intervention o Punitive and restorative justice - responding to bullying o Conflict resolution and peer mediation o UK policies/key reports o Controversial issues: e.g. restraint, exclusion from school o Target setting: Contracts, IEPs, Behaviour Support Plans o Supporting students with ADHD o Supporting students with ASD o Whole school issues Understanding and Supporting Mental Well BeingThis module will explore theoretical and practical aspects of mental well being, specifically: o Definitions of `health´ o Issues concerning the assessment and classification of mental health difficulties o The role of the school in supporting mental well being o Interventions to promote mental well being in schools o Counselling and helping skills o Recurring themes in counselling and helping: attachment and loss, shame, identity, bullying o Peers as a potential resource for promoting mental well being o The importance of self-care, reflection and development in providing support Personal, Social and Emotional DevelopmentThis module looks at o Experiential learning and group dynamics o Human development and the brain o Social and emotional aspects of learning and special needs o Risk and resilience o Promoting emotional intelligence o The pastoral and the academic o Circle time o Self-esteem o Developing friendships o Citizenship, diversity and classroom dynamics o Pupil and parent voices o Inclusion: values and ethics Masters-level dissertation: EducationThe researching and writing of a substantive piece of scholarship. The dissertation should be be between 12,000 to 15,000 words.