Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) MA/PGDip/PGCert

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of the sociocultural, political, and legislative frameworks surrounding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It is designed for students interested in developing a critical understanding of disability discourse, policy implications, and practical strategies for supporting individuals with SEND. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the module will equip students to examine how historical and current policy frameworks influence practice and shape the educational experiences of individuals with SEND. Students will engage with both historical and contemporary SEND policies, critically evaluating the evolution of statutory and legislative contexts and the ways these influence practice within professional settings.

The module will also address the sociocultural constructions of disability, challenging traditional perspectives and encouraging reflection on inclusive practices. Students will analyse common barriers to learning and participation faced by individuals with SEND and will be introduced to evidence-based strategies for promoting inclusion and improving educational and social outcomes.

This module is designed for postgraduate students and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of inclusive practices within diverse professional and educational contexts. It offers a critical exploration of theories, models, and policies that underpin inclusive practices, equipping learners to address systemic inequities and barriers to participation.

Students will engage in reflective practice, drawing on their personal and professional experiences to identify strengths and areas for growth. Through critical evaluation of current research and case studies, participants will examine the effectiveness of inclusive practices and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.

The module emphasises advocacy, supporting students to develop strategies for promoting inclusive policies and practices in their own settings. By the end of the module, students will have the tools to drive meaningful change, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive environment for all.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to research methods and design, equipping students with essential skills for conducting rigorous and impactful research. Students will explore a range of different approaches to conducting research, gaining practical experience in research planning, data collection, and ethical considerations. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate research designs for various questions and contexts.  By the end of the module, students will be prepared to independently design and execute research projects that contribute meaningfully to their field of study.

This module offers students an opportunity to undertake an independent research project in an area related to their final award. Through this module, students will develop critical research skills by designing, conducting, and presenting a research study that addresses a significant area of professional interest. This module encourages students to make a meaningful contribution to the field while honing skills essential for research, critical thinking, and current/future professional practice.

This module gives students the opportunity to critically examine definitions and causal theories of a particular SpLD. Students will engage with contemporary debates surrounding the nature of the SpLD, critically evaluating research on cognitive, neurological, and environmental factors. Building on this foundation, the module will explore the typical development of language, literacy, and numeracy skills, allowing students to contrast normative developmental trajectories with those impacted by SpLD. Through this comparative analysis, students will develop a critical understanding of how SpLD affects individual learners and how to tailor support to their needs.

A significant focus of the module is on the principles of specialist, multisensory teaching methods. Students will learn how these methods—rooted in multimodal engagement and individualised instruction—can be applied to enhance learning outcomes for individuals with SpLD. Students will design, deliver, and critically evaluate a bespoke teaching or support programme tailored to an individual learner with SpLD. This practical element provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world situation, integrating effective planning and reflective evaluation skills. By the end of the module, students will be equipped with both the theoretical grounding and practical skills necessary to provide effective, specialised support for individuals with SpLD in diverse educational contexts.

Rooted in contemporary research and the lived experiences of the neurodiverse community, the module encourages students to engage with key debates, challenge assumptions, and develop as informed advocates for neurodiversity-affirming practices. The module will explore neurodiversity as an inclusive umbrella term, offering a critical perspective on diagnostic labels and their implications for individuals and society. Students will reflect on the complex interplay between neurodiversity, personal identity, and lived experience, placing the voices of neurodiverse individuals at the heart of these discussions.

A key focus of the module is the evaluation of neurodiversity-affirming practices within educational and workplace settings. Drawing on theory, research, and best practices, students will critically assess strategies to foster inclusion, equity, and empowerment for neurodiverse individuals. The module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to act as advocates and agents of change, driving forward neurodiversity-informed approaches in their professional and personal spheres.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the theories and research surrounding attachment and trauma, their critical influence on human development, behaviour, and wellbeing. Students will examine underlying and contemporary theories of attachment, including the role of early attachment patterns and the effects of traumatic experiences on brain development and behaviour. Through an analysis of complex interactions between attachment, trauma, and neurobiological processes, students will gain a deeper understanding of how these factors intersect and influence behavioural responses across the lifespan.

In this module, students will also evaluate the impact of socio-economic and biological factors, cultural influences, and parental styles on attachment patterns and trauma responses. An essential component of the module will involve critically reflecting on current trauma-informed practices in professional settings, incorporating recent research and insights into how professionals can apply trauma-informed approaches effectively in diverse settings.

This module explores the complex landscape of mental health and resilience, equipping students with the advanced theoretical and practical knowledge required to understand, evaluate, and influence mental health outcomes in diverse settings. Through a critical examination of key frameworks, theories, and models, students will explore the factors that contribute to both vulnerability and resilience, including risk and protective mechanisms that shape individual mental health trajectories.

By engaging with real-world case studies, research findings, and interactive discussions, students will analyse the impact of specific mental health challenges on individual outcomes. Furthermore, the module will address contemporary approaches to building and enhancing resilience, encouraging students to evaluate these strategies’ effectiveness. The role of professionals in supporting mental health and resilience will be a focal point, with an emphasis on self-care practices and the maintenance of professional boundaries as essential components of sustainable, ethical practice.