Inclusion (SENCo) MA

Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and adults with diverse needs. It has been designed for teachers and other educational and care professionals working in a range of national and international settings.

Course Structure

• Global Perspective: Gain expertise in SENCo policies and practices with a global and socio-cultural focus.
• Flexible Learning: Study part-time with a range of module options and distance learning flexibility.
• Career Advancement: Develop advanced skills and insights to enhance career opportunities in diverse educational and care settings.

 The course has been designed based on feedback provided by SENCos who wish to continue learning about the fascinating and complex world of special educational needs and disability. Our approach will enable you to investigate inclusive practice through multiple lenses and to embrace cultural, linguistic and developmental diversity. You will be able to choose module options from across an unrivalled range of provision in Inclusive Education within the School of Education at the University of Birmingham. 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.

• Online live classes: Classes with this format meet at a regularly scheduled time online. You can interact live with your instructor and classmates as you all work together at the same time and same days.
• Online on-demand classes: On-Demand content and materials are available around the clock, whenever they are needed. Each learner can proceed through at their own speed.
• 1:1 Supervision: Supervisors expected to support, encourage and guide those students who are their tutees’ so that they are supported in maximising their academic potential, personal development, and professional and employability skills acquisition throughout their time as a student at the University.

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

The following modules must be taken in Year 1:

Students will choose 60 credits from the following optional modules:

Students will complete the following module in Year 2:

You must hold the following academic qualifications:

• A good first degree
• The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCo)

You must also hold:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS),
• OR Qualified Teacher Learning Status (QTLS)
• OR Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS - appropriate for ages 0-5 only)

In addition, you need to have completed your induction period.

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.

English language requirements

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:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

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.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

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.

Scholarships

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.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

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.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

The qualification will also benefit those wishing to work in local authority or advocacy roles.

Many of our graduates successfully apply for roles working with children and young people with special educational needs. The course also enables ambitious students to work towards a further professional qualification in the field of Education, including progression to a PhD.

Careers Network

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.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.