MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and March

Explore the principles and practice of conducting educational research, including research design, research paradigms, data collection, management and analysis, as well as the politics and ethics involved in educational research. Develop your own research knowledge and ability, through engaging with a variety of relevant critical literature. Consider a range of approaches to educational research through case studies of current and recent research projects.

Grow your knowledge of critical thinking and explore the importance of this in the broader context of education. Develop skills in self-assessment, mental flexibility, creativity, interpretation and argument. Draw on various theoretical approaches that can then be applied to very different educational contexts. 

Complete a substantial piece of research within your chosen field of study or professional practice, with the support of an allocated supervisor. Gain an in-depth understanding of your specialist area by answering a research question, the proposal for which will have been examined in the Research Methods in Education module.

Consider the breadth of approaches to learning available to pupils with special and/or additional needs. Examine behaviourist and child-centred approaches, communication and learning. Focus not only on the issues of learning for those traditionally identified as having special needs, but also on those who have additional needs, for example, EAL, Gifted and Talented, and Looked After Children.

Examine the diverse physical, psychological, intellectual, social and emotional difficulties which may be encountered by children and young people. Explore a variety of difficulties ranging from behavioural issues, sensory/physical impairment, language development and communication difficulties. Consider the different levels of analysis from within-individual to systemic and the close relationship between conceptualisation and forms of intervention. Investigate, in depth, the issues surrounding the practical application of a differentiated scheme of work designed to address the learning needs of a child/adult with an identified area of difficulty that presents as a barrier to effective learning.

Explore the concept of gender diversity in relation to inclusive and representative education for all pupils- including transgender and cisgender children. Learn about gender diversity and develop the reflective and analytical ability to be adaptive and flexible in response to a dynamic and fast evolving field. Develop contemporary knowledge of the topic, as well as the skills to foster an inclusive, representative and supportive pedagogical approach and learning environment for all students.

Critically explore the cause of the barriers to learning that SEND needs can engender, including the impact of Government policy, adverse childhood experiences and day-to-day practice within a range of health, education and care contexts. Examine the impact of evidence-based staff knowledge, understanding and skills and the importance of prompt identification and assessment of SEND. Consider the importance of co-production with caregivers, learners with SEND and professional organisations to improve participation and outcomes across the life-course.

Consider the breadth of approaches to learning available for pupils with special and/or additional needs. Focus on behaviourist and child-centred approaches, communication and learning. Explore the issues of learning for those who are traditionally identified as having special needs, but also for those who have additional needs, for example EAL, Gifted and Talented and Looked After Children.

Explore the intersections of sex, gender, and sexuality within education and society, with attention to how political, social, and legal frameworks shape identity. Engage with key issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, consent, sex work, and gender-based violence in contemporary contexts. Examine the legal and ethical dimensions that influence how these topics are experienced and addressed. Apply feminist, queer, post-structuralist, and intersectional theories to develop critical skills for diverse educational and professional settings.