Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion PGDip

Course overview

For the March 2025 start, please see course information for academic year 2024/25. The information on this page relates to start dates from September 2025 onwards.

Make a difference in the field of disability rights and social justice with this ground-breaking new online Postgraduate Diploma in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion.

The study of disability has never been more important. Globally, there are around one billion disabled people and, with an ageing population in many countries, this figure is set to rise.

Disability is an important equality and human rights issue, with disabled people more likely to experience poverty and receive fewer education and employment opportunities than non-disabled people.

This online Postgraduate Diploma in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion will support you to recognise, understand and meet the challenges facing disabled people around the world. By studying this innovative online course, you will be equipped to work to ensure that disabled people’s rights are respected, helping to build more inclusive and sustainable societies.

As an online learner you will join a global classroom with like-minded learners from around the world, in an accessible and inclusive online environment.

The Postgraduate Diploma provides a strong foundation for further development of your expertise. You’ll study eight modules of the Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion Masters and exit with the Postgraduate Diploma award.

Whether you’re already active in the field of disability rights, or looking to take your first steps, this course will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to be a change-maker in the field of disability and social justice.

You’ll explore:

• global perspectives on disability issues
• the social creation of disability and social models of disability
• cultural and human rights frameworks
• how and why disabled people experience inequalities
• building inclusive societies and futures
• the role and impact of disability activism and advocacy with an intersectional approach.
• influencing disability policy, services and practice in a range of sectors, including law, architecture and design, medicine and healthcare, and the creative industries
• relationship with other areas of study including gender studies, transport studies and geography
• global issues such as climate change, natural disasters and conflict from a disability rights perspective.

Who is this course for?

• disabled people and their allies
• policy makers
• service providers and professionals in the field of disability
• professionals working in NGOs and community organisations
• those new to disability, or who wish to think about disability differently, looking for a safe, affirming learning environment
• those interested in disability rights and inclusion who wish to explore this field of study.

Why study this subject at Leeds?

The University of Leeds is ranked in the global top 100 and in the top 15 in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024). Our online Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion Postgraduate Diploma is taught by the School of Sociology and Social Policy and informed by our Centre for Disability Studies.

You’ll be taught by our expert academics with contributions from activists, policy makers and practitioners working in the disability space globally.

The School of Sociology and Social Policy is ranked in the global top 100 for Sociology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). The School has an international reputation for research on social change that has set new agendas, developed new concepts and methodologies, and transformed policy and practice.

Leeds has pioneered education in the field of Disability Studies since 1990 and is recognised as a global leader in the field. The Centre for Disability Studies at the University of Leeds was the first university centre in the UK to establish disability studies as an academic field of research and study.

The Centre is committed to achieving equality and social justice for disabled people globally. Our academics are well-known for their work in the areas of disability politics, policy and practice, the sociology of disability, disability law and human rights, and inclusive design.

The University of Leeds offers a world-class online learning journey within a specialised learning environment. You’ll connect with professionals across the world within our virtual social spaces, and learn from expert academics who conduct regular live sessions for interactive learning. 

Join our online taster course

Our short online course on FutureLearn will familiarise you with topics explored on this online course. Gain a deep understanding of disability through a social model perspective with practical insights and tools for inclusivity and empowerment. Sign up for Social Model of Disability.

Why study Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion?

Video transcript
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Course details

Our Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion online course has been designed to cater for online postgraduate learners from around the world who wish to balance their studies with other commitments.

The course will begin with a two-week online induction designed to prepare you for online learning at the University of Leeds. It will introduce the study skills you will need to successfully complete your degree.

There are eight 15-credit taught online modules in the Postgraduate Diploma. You’ll typically spend eight weeks studying each module. The modules cover subject areas such as Disability and Inequality, Building Enabling Futures and Becoming Change-Makers.

Taught modules typically include 10 hours of tutor-guided learning per week, along with 10 hours of self-guided study per week, plus an assessment at the end of each module. You’ll take part in a weekly scheduled webinar to collaborate with other students and your tutor. A module discussion board and an online programme area will also be available for you to connect with your fellow students and share your learning journey.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion PGDip in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

You will typically study three out of the six Development modules as Optional in your first year.

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

You will study 30 credits from the following optional modules.

Learning and teaching

Join our powerful learning network

You’ll be taught by our expert academics with contributions from activists, policy makers and practitioners working in the disability space globally. When you start the course you become a member of our vibrant, global community of over 500 disability studies alumni who have completed Masters or PhD programmes in the field of disability studies at Leeds.

Flexible learning

You can take the course at your own pace and adapt your studies to fit around your work and life commitments. To give you flexibility, it is possible to pause your studies and take them up again at a later point. Most students complete the modules in turn over two years, but there is flexibility to take a break and re-join the programme within a maximum of four years.

If you would like to continue to the next level of qualification beyond the Postgraduate Diploma, you can contact the online admissions team during your studies to discuss your options.

Online learning environment

Your learning will be delivered online via our award-winning virtual learning environment, Minerva. You will study through live online sessions with our module tutors in a mixture of structured and open-ended learning techniques.

We recognise that people have busy lives, so with a 100% online delivery mode, you can manage your learning around your employment and other commitments, without the need to disrupt your life. You will study with a world-leading UK institution without the additional cost of living. We will also provide many tools, including study planners, to help you track your progress and better manage your time.

Read more about studying online with Leeds.

Accessibility

We aim to make your online learning experience as accessible as possible. The majority of the course material conforms to the latest international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 (WCAG 2.1 AAA). For example, all video resources will include captions and transcription, and you’ll have options to participate in online classrooms by both typing and oral speech. Some activities or third-party material may not meet these standards, and we will aim to make any reasonable adjustments that may support your learning. For example, our transcription centre can provide alternative accessible formats.

Minerva is our online learning platform, which can be accessed on different devices including smartphones, tablets and laptop or desktop computers, whenever and wherever it suits you. The platform has been designed by a team of experts to ensure your online learning experience is of the highest quality and prepares you for success, both academically and professionally.

We recommend a high-speed broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps. You will need regular access to a desktop computer, tablet, or laptop, with a webcam. You will also need the ability to view PDF documents and work in Microsoft Office (software and accessible formats provided).

Student support

As an online student with the University of Leeds you will have access to a wide range of student support. Whether in relation to disability, personal tutoring, emergency situations or counselling, you will be supported through every step of your learning journey to ensure you can make the most of your studies. Find out more about our student support service

Disability services at Leeds

Disability Services provides advice, guidance and support to both current and prospective disabled students. There's a wide range of support available to you throughout your studies. You are encouraged contact Disability Services before starting your studies as far in advance as possible, to make sure we can support your learning from the start. Find out more about support for remote learners

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessments provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have developed in the module. You will be able to focus on areas and topics that are important to you.

Each week your learning will be tailored to support you in completing the assessment. You will also have the option to submit your assessments in different ways.

Our assessment methods include:

• case studies
• reports
• inclusive design plan
• briefing papers
• human rights bulletins
• research proposal
• presentations.

Applying

Entry requirements

A 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree, ideally in a social science or humanities related subject.
OR
A 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree in any other subject plus relevant experience.
OR
A 2.2 (hons) degree in any subject with at least three years relevant experience.

Applications will be individually assessed.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For further information, please contact our admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

How to apply

The link at the top of this page takes you to the University's online application system, where you can start your application for this course.

Read more about applying for taught postgraduate programmes before you start your application.

If you require assistance in completing the online application, please contact onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk and a member of our team will be happy to help

Identification

The University of Leeds requires all applicants for fully online programmes to provide proof of their identity at the point of application. Accepted forms of ID are:

• passport photo page, or
• driving licence, or
• national identity card.

Application deadlines

The deadline for applications to join each intake are outlined below:

• March 2025 start: application deadline is 4 February 2025. Please see course information for academic year 2024/25.
• September 2025 start: application deadline is 12 August 2025.
• March 2026 start: application deadline is 10 February 2026.

Candidates may be invited to interview by telephone or online as part of the selection process.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Sociology and Social Policy

Contact us

Online Admissions team

Email: onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £9,360 (Total)

International: £9,360 (Total)

These fees apply to those starting their course between September 2025 and July 2026.

The fee is composed of (which can be paid on a module-by-module basis*):

• eight taught modules (15 credits each): £1,170 per module

* If you are receiving a student loan or your fees are being paid directly to the University by your employer or sponsor you will not be able to pay on a module-by-module basis. Please check with the Online Admissions Team.

Additional cost information

Read more about paying for online courses.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

Graduates of the University of Leeds (or an affiliated institution) are entitled to a 10% bursary towards tuition fees. Find out more about eligibility for the alumni bursary and how to apply.

UK students may be able to apply for a UK government-backed loan and there may be specific terms and conditions for online courses. Applications should be made through the Student Loans Company. Visit the UK Government website to find out more.

If you have a disability there are a range of external funding and scholarships that you may be eligible for, including:

• Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) - UK students may be eligible for a government bursary that can fund additional support for your studies. Find out more about the Disabled Students Allowance.

Career opportunities

The School of Sociology and Social Policy and our Centre for Disability Studies have long established links with organisations in the UK and overseas. Our experts provide research and consultancy, working with local, national and international organisations to help achieve equality and social justice for disabled people, globally. Our influential network of academics and professionals includes organisations such as the European Network on Independent Living, UNESCO, the International Disability Alliance and Harvard Law School’s Project on Disability.

Thanks to our global connections, you’ll be able to hear first-hand from inspiring contributors about the real-world challenges and opportunities for your future career.

The knowledge and skills you gain from this course will equip you to develop your career in governments and organisations around the globe in a wide range of professional fields. This may include health and social support services, activism, education, statutory and voluntary agencies, legal services, national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs and INGOs), human resources, business environments and charities. You would also be well prepared for further research at PhD level and careers in disability research or academia.

Careers support

You will have access to the University of Leeds Careers Service’s extensive online resources to help you make the most of your studies and support you to achieve your ambitions.

This includes:

• One-to-one support from a careers advisor via telephone or virtual meeting
• Online career workshops and webinars
• A database of job opportunities and online employer events
• E-resources including the University of Leeds LinkedIn Learning platform
• CV writing tips
• Job application support
• Interview skills advice and practice sessions

The Careers Service can often connect students wishing to work in a specific region with other students in the same country to assist with job seeking. The service can also offer professional development access to our alumni network, online careers support and employer links.