• Programme aims
• Programme content
• Entry requirements
• Fees

Programme aims

The programme aims to enable students to become familiar with a range of issues related to ISEN, for example aspects of:

• Strategic direction and development
• Identification, assessment and planning
• Learning, teaching and curriculum
• Promoting pupil well-being and achievement

The programme is designed with two distinct groups of participants in mind:

• Students who wish to study a range of campus-based modules relating to ISEN (depending on those available each year).   Please note that in this mode applicants can apply for MA (Education) straight from their first degree.  To apply for BPhil/ MEd, applicants are required to have at least 2 years’ experience in working in a relevant field..
• Students on distance education programmes who wish to combine modules from two programmes.  Please note that in this mode, applicants must have at least two years’ experience working with children/ adults with the difficulties and disabilities they would like to study.  There is no MA (Education) available.

The programme is available in both campus-based and distance education modes. The campus-based mode consists of lectures, seminars, tutorials and school visits, practical tasks and discussions of videos of practice.

The distance education mode consists of  material for home study, tutorial and seminar groups, together with one or  two residential weekends per year in Birmingham. 

Programme content

Campus-based mode: Students may choose modules from any of modules related to ISEN; for example, Speech and Language Difficulties, Autism or Dyslexia. They may also choose generic ISE modules, such as Introduction to Inclusion and SEN or Policy, Practice and Provision for SEN. Normally students would choose all their modules from ISEN for a certificate and all but one module for all other qualifications.

Please note MA (Education) is the award for applicants with little or no experience of special education and the MEd is for those with two or more years relevant experience.

Distance education mode: students may choose two programmes of study, one for each year of study. Students can choose from the following programmes:

• Autism (Children) or Autism (Adults)
• Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (Severe, Profound and Complex) (Mental Retardation)
• Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (first year only)
• Speech and Language Difficulties

Please find the relevant pages to read more about these programmes.

Assessment

Assessment will be by means of written assignments attached to the modules chosen. These are related to the level of award being sought.

Accreditation

Successful completion of the programme can lead to the award of AdCert, BPhil, PGCert, PGDip, MEd, MA depending on the level and number of modules studied.  Distance education is a 2 or 3 year programme and can lead to the award of BPhil, PGDip or MEd only.

Programme entry requirements

For an overview of the entry requirements, please refer to the "Admission requirements" page.

Applicants for Level Three awards (AdCert and BPhil) will normally possess a professional qualification. Applicants for Level M (PGCert, PGDip, MEd) will normally possess a degree including a professional qualification. Applicants for the MA will normally possess a degree but less than 2 years’ professional experience.

Fees*

1st Year (Full- and part time)

Level of Study	Mode	Home/EU (£)	Overseas (£)
AdCert**	F/T	1,615	4,940
AdCert	P/T	1,615	4,940
BPhil	F/T	3,225	9,880
BPhil	P/T	1,615	4,940
PGCert**	F/T	1,450	9,880
PGCert	P/T	1,450	4,940
PGDip	P/T	1,450	4,940
MEd	P/T	1,450	4,940

** Full-time: one semester

The fees shown are for students commencing study in 2009-2010.  Please note MEd fees will be charged over 3 years and the fees are likely to increase due to inflation.  Students should confirm their fees upon being offered a place.

Please request fees on application for Island applicants.

*Fees correct as of 27th May 2009

1st Year (Distance education)

Level of Study	Mode	Home/EU (£)	Overseas (£)
BPhil	DE	2,265	Contact us
PGDip	DE	2,100	Contact us
MEd	DE	2,100	Contact us

The fees shown are for students commencing study in 2009-2010.  Please note MEd fees will be charged over 3 years and the fees are likely to increase due to inflation.  Students should confirm their fees upon being offered a place.

Please request fees on application for Island applicants.

*Fees correct as of 27th May 2009