Inclusive and Special Education MA

Course overview

Our new MA in Inclusive and Special Education is designed for educators, therapists, and education leaders who want to lead transformative change in diverse educational settings without pausing their careers or relocating.

A fully online, interdisciplinary programme, it offers flexible study options, real-world assessments, and a strong foundation in evidence-based practice. With it, you’ll be equipped to design inclusive learning environments, influence policy, and advance equity across global contexts.

Learn from experts in neurodiversity, disability, and social justice to critically engage with research evidence, theory, and real-life tasks and challenges. Through this course, you’ll build expertise that directly impacts your professional journey.

Delivered by a Russell Group university with a strong research reputation, our programme prepares you for roles in inclusive education leadership, policy development, consultancy, and doctoral research.

Why study at Leeds:

• Fully online with flexible delivery: Delivered online, this programme is designed for working professionals based across the globe. Its blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning is designed to suit your schedule.
• Expert-led learning: Learn from staff who are specialists in neurodiversity, disability, inclusion, assessment and intervention, education evaluation, long-term health conditions, care-experienced children, social justice, and wellbeing.
• Develop future-focused skills: Develop a robust skillset across sustainability, digital innovation, enterprise, and academic inquiry. This will prepare you to lead inclusive education through strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, collaborative practice, and evidence-based analysis.
• Global and local perspectives: Explore inclusive education through international case studies, intersectionality, and lived experiences – letting you work capably across cultures and systems.
• Collaborative learning community: Join a diverse, global cohort of educators, advocates, and change-makers committed to equity and inclusion.
• Inclusive by design: Our programme is built from the ground up to be inclusive – not just in content, but in delivery, accessibility, and student support.
• Career versatility: You’ll be prepared for impactful careers in teaching, curriculum design, education consultancy, policy development, and leadership across schools, higher education, NGOs, and government agencies. And if you seek research or academic advancement, you’ll have the option to pursue doctoral studies, too.
• Explore inclusion through a rich interdisciplinary lens: This programme draws on diverse disciplines – Psychology, Sociology, Linguistics, Medicine, Politics, Social Policy, Disability Studies, and Childhood Studies – to critically explore inclusion and exclusion in education.

This course is taught in the School of Education.

Course details and modules

The MA Inclusive and Special Education is a two-year, part-time, fully online programme designed for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise while continuing their careers. The course is structured to provide a progressive learning experience:

• Year 1 focuses on foundational knowledge and research skills through core modules on inclusive approaches and research methods. This is complemented by optional modules such as Neurodivergence and Universal Design for Learning.
• Year 2 builds advanced understanding and leadership capacity. It offers modules on inclusive leadership and wellbeing, alongside a substantial capstone project or dissertation that lets you apply theory to practice in your own context.

Throughout the programme, you’ll engage in interactive online seminars, collaborative projects, and independent study, supported by a learning community and expert academic staff.

Design and deploy research methods to investigate issues in inclusive education and interpret findings to inform practice, understanding, and decision-making. Critically appraise current research and propose innovative, evidence-informed solutions to educational challenges. And gain knowledge of theories, research, perspectives and practices related to inclusive and special education within global and local contexts.

You’ll also evaluate the complex social, cultural, political, and economic factors that shape inclusion and exclusion in education. Additionally, analyse educational contexts to support the design of contextually responsive approaches that promote equity and participation for diverse learners.

The course will equip you with skills in systems thinking, integrated problem-solving, ethical consideration, and academic analysis. You’ll also gain broader expertise in digital communication, collaboration and participation, as well as planning and mobilising resources in enterprise contexts.

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.

Year 1

Foundations of Inclusion [Compulsory, 30 Credits]
Explore the principles, policies, and practices that underpin inclusive education across diverse contexts. Examine historical and contemporary debates on equity, participation, and access for learners. Develop critical perspectives on inclusion as a social and educational commitment.

Neurodivergence [Optional, 15 Credits]
Investigate neurodivergence and its implications for teaching and learning. Explore the concept of neurodivergence in relation to existing notions of disability and inclusion.

Universal Design for Learning [Optional, 15 Credits]
Learn how Universal Design for Learning principles can create flexible, accessible learning environments for all students by providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. These principles promote proactive design of curricula to remove barriers and foster inclusive learning environments.

Directed Study [Optional, 15 Credits]
Undertake an independent, tutor-supported project on a topic of personal or professional interest within inclusive education.

Research Methods [Compulsory, 15 Credits]
Gain foundational knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research approaches in education. Learn to design ethical, rigorous studies and critically evaluate research evidence. Develop skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to inform inclusive practices.

Year 2

Advancing Equity and Inclusion [Compulsory, 30 Credits]
Critically examine the structural and systemic factors that perpetuate educational inequities and marginalisation. Explore social justice and inclusive policies and practices that can challenge discrimination and exclusion. Investigate strategies for transformative change that promote equity, participation, and dignity for all learners across diverse contexts.

Inclusive Leadership [Optional, 15 Credits]
Explore leadership models that foster inclusive cultures in educational settings. Analyse policy frameworks and organisational change strategies that support diversity and participation.

Directed Study [Optional, 15 Credits]
Undertake an independent, tutor-supported project on a topic of personal or professional interest within inclusive education.

Social Emotional Behaviour, Mental Health, and Wellbeing [Optional, 15 Credits]
Examine the interplay between social-emotional development, mental health, and educational outcomes. Evaluate evidence-based interventions and inclusive strategies to support wellbeing.

Dissertation/Capstone Project [Compulsory, 60 Credits]
Design and execute a substantial applied or research project addressing a real-world issue in inclusive education, on a topic of your interest. Demonstrate advanced skills in inquiry, analysis, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Learning and teaching

This course is delivered entirely online in a highly interactive format. You’ll learn through a variety of synchronous and asynchronous learning and teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, group projects, and tutorials, depending on module choice.

Independent individual and group study will also be a key part of your studies. Here, supported by our excellent library resources, you’ll be able to pursue your interests while developing high-level skills.

Our course is informed by cutting-edge research and contemporary developments in inclusive and special education theory and practice within both global and local contexts. Your tutors will integrate insights from their own research and professional experience into learning activities, enriching your educational journey.

This course attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Our teaching practices promote equality, diversity and inclusion. What’s more, you’ll be part of an international community of education professionals and be encouraged to share insights from your context with your peers from other parts of the world.

Throughout the course, you’ll also be supported by a personal academic tutor, with whom you can meet regularly to discuss any personal or career issues that may enhance your student experience and assist in shaping your future. This makes sure you receive personalised advice and support tailored to your needs and aspirations.

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’ve developed in the module. You’ll be able to focus on areas and topics that are important to you and your professional context.

You’ll be expected to show a critical understanding of current trends and debates in the field and apply these to a specific context of relevance. You’ll be required to read widely and use evidence from theoretical and empirical research literature, alongside your own experience and contextual knowledge, to develop arguments.

Our assessment methods include written essays, case studies, reports, presentations, posters, and group projects. We’ll provide clear guidelines and structured support for all assessments, including coursework. Your tutors will also offer formative feedback to help you with your assignments.

You’ll have the opportunity to showcase all your learning over the course of your studies through the successful completion of a capstone project. A capstone project may include a substantially research-based project, or a project that uses evidence to inform the development of a solution to a real-world problem, a particular practice or policy, or an artefact for use in the workplace.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor’s degree with a 2:2 (hons) in teaching, education, or a related subject.

OR

We will also consider applicants with a 2:2 degree in any subject, plus relevant work experience in an educational setting (e.g., school, college, or higher education), on an individual basis.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

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.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read  Language for Education (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Education (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application Deadlines

If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information we will need include:

• Original or certified copies of your transcripts
• Original or certified copies of your degree certificate
• Original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language)

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Education

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgeduc@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Additional cost information

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

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

The course provides the knowledge and practical expertise needed to work across a wide spectrum of educational contexts, both locally and internationally.

Once you graduate, you’ll be well prepared for careers in teaching, professional learning and development, education project leadership, curriculum design, inclusive education consultancy, and policy formulation within state and independent institutions.

Typical industries include schools, colleges, higher education institutions, local authorities, NGOs, charities, and government agencies focused on education and social inclusion. And if you wish to continue learning, you may also progress into doctoral study (EdD or PhD).

The Careers Service and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Learn more about the Careers Service at Leeds. 

Careers support

Our friendly Employability team based within the School of Education can provide a range of help and advice about employment or volunteering opportunities in the education sector.

You'll be able to enhance your career prospects and take advantage of the numerous paid and volunteer positions in schools and other educational settings in and around Leeds. We strongly encourage volunteering, as it enriches your experiences and develops transferable skills.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.