Explore pedagogy, practice, and policy related to special education needs and disabilities with this online Master's in SEND.
- Apply your learning to practical situations within your own setting, using your knowledge to drive effective change in inclusive SEND provision and practice.
- Advance your professional skills and expertise in SEND through the development of a research culture.
- Study this Master's programme online, working around your current commitments.
- Access our staff expertise and supervisory support and our strong links to practising professionals in the field of SEND.
This online Master's course develops a systematic understanding of knowledge related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through critical engagement with theory and practice.
The course is relevant to anyone involved in teaching and learning wishing to advance their knowledge, practice, and pedagogy in the SEND field.
Why St Mary's
Explore a range of SEND
You'll develop a depth of understanding of a range of SEND across all phases of compulsory education. There will be opportunities to focus on an area of choice (such as autism, sensory impairment, and speech, language, and communication). The dissertation in particular allows you to research in depth an area of your own interest.
Learn leading SEND theory and practice
You'll be introduced to seminal and cutting-edge theory and research and consider how this links to current policy and practice. You will also be encouraged to consider wider concepts of inclusion and leadership in SEND.
Throughout the online course, you'll deepen your pedagogical understanding as a reflective practitioner who is able to use research to inform their own practice.
Study flexibly online
This online Master's in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities allows you to study flexibly around your other commitments, regardless of your location. You'll engage with lectures, alongside students on site, at set times through video conferencing, and you'll have access to excellent online learning resources and facilities.
Education Master's degrees in London
This degree is one pathway from within our Education Master's programme, which includes:
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Career opportunities
Our SEND degree supports your long-term career development. You will learn to contribute to strategic development and leadership of SEND at a classroom or whole-school level. You will also develop your confidence and ability to articulate an argument.
A high proportion of past students achieve internal or external promotion to middle and senior educational leadership positions.
Course content
Modules
The modules listed are the modules that were available to students in the 2023/24 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2024/25.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
2:2
Previous degree
You will normally be expected to possess a good honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or an equivalent qualification approved by the University.
St Mary's is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and nurturing an inclusive and diverse student population. As such, we welcome applications from all those interested in pursuing an academic programme of study. Throughout the application process and while a student is enrolled at St Mary's, we will ensure that individuals will not be discriminated against based on any of the characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010.
Fees & funding
September 2026
Home
£9,630
International
£12,150
Alumni discount
A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.
Funding
Except for any iQTS courses, you can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.
Home and international students for non-iQTS courses may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.
How the degree is taught
Assessment methods
Learning is assessed through a variety of methods:
- reflective journals
- research proposals
- essays
- case studies
- portfolios
- seminar and conference presentations.
Apply now
September 2026
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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