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Our MA Inclusion (SLD/PMLD) offers a flexible, online learning experience tailored for professionals supporting individuals with severe and profound and multiple learning disabilities. Develop expertise in specialist 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 of meeting the needs of individuals with severe and profound and multiple learning disabilities. 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.
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.
The MA Inclusion: SLD/PMLD programme is one of a number of pathways which investigate inclusive practice through multiple lenses and specialisms.
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You’ll focus on understanding 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 MA/PGCert Inclusion (SLD/PMLD) 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.
This programme has been recognised by the British Psychology Society as meeting their stringent ethical, professional, and practical standards.
in Disability, Inclusion, and Special Needs
for Education (QS World Rankings 2024)
for 4* research in Education (REF 2021)
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 |
---|---|---|
Reflective Practice in Meeting the Needs of Learners with SLD/PMLD | 20 | Semester 1 |
Developing and Evaluating Interventions for Learners with SLD/PMLD | 20 | Semester 2 |
Inclusion : Universal and Specialist Approaches | 20 | Semester 3 |
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. Equivalent 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.
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 or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
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.
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 MA/PGCert Inclusion (SLD/PMLD) 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.