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Course overview
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.
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
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.
Course highlights
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.
- Develop expertise in addressing the distinctive needs of pupils with SEBD through research-driven modules and practical skills.
- Enjoy flexible, part-time, distance learning tailored for educational professionals in diverse global settings.
- Explore inclusive practices through a wide range of specialist modules, embracing cultural, linguistic, and developmental diversity.
- Advance your career with opportunities for leadership roles or further qualifications, supported by expert guidance and career advice.
- Our global expertise
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.
Course delivery
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including online classes, discussions and group activities.
Online Live classes
1:1 Supervision
Online On Demand classes
- 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.
Module information
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 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.
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 |
Entry requirements
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.
- UK 2:2 honours degree
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
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.
Fees and scholarships
- £3,913
Fee per year of study starting in September 2025
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.
Application process
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.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Career opportunities
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.
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.