Curious about studying Special and Inclusive Education (Autism) MAat UCL (University College London)? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MA - Master of Arts
UCL (University College London) - Bloomsbury Campus
Part Time
Sep 2026
2 Year
The Special and Inclusive Education (Autism) MA develops students' knowledge of special and inclusive education, focusing on autism. Led by the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), students will be introduced to cutting-edge theory and research, and consider how it links to policy and practice. This MA will appeal to students looking to develop their professional practice, work in a variety of roles requiring expertise in autism, and/or progress to doctoral study. Students will gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of theory and research relevant to special and inclusive education, as well as topics within autism research such as employment, mental health, and autism across the life span. They will also learn about the applicability of theory and research to policy and practice; all with a specific focus on autism as led by the CRAE team. Through a variety of taught sessions, independent activities and group/individual assessments, students on the course will graduate with a broad range of knowledge, interpersonal contacts, and skills related to the field of inclusive education. The course is designed for national and international students with rich and varied professional and/or personal experiences, offering a valuable opportunity for networking and collaborative learning. At the end of the course, students are encouraged to join professional learning networks to continue their personal and professional development, and to provide further opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. The course, along with the diverse range of events and initiatives provided by CRAE, PHD and UCL Institute of Education (IOE) and UCL, offers a transformative experience for students interested in special and inclusive education (with particular reference to autism). This course would appeal to individuals working within education (e.g., teachers, teaching assistants), or those who would like to get into the education field, who have an interest in supporting children, young people or adults with special educational needs and disabilities, especially those who are autistic. It would also appeal to applicants who may be interested in continuing their education through a research degree, such as a PhD or doctorate in educational psychology. We particularly welcome applicants with lived experience connected to the content of the MA (e.g., whether through being autistic themselves, or as the parent/carer/sibling of someone who is autistic). This programme is also available on a modular (flexible) basis, with a duration of 5 calendar years.
This Masters-level module will enable you to critically assess cutting-edge scientific research on autism. It will also enable you to relate those findings to contemporary educational practice and to reflect on the ethical issues posed by autism science and practice. You will be taught by international leaders in the field from the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) at the UCL Institute of Education (IOE). Topics discussed in the module include: scientific definitions of autism; theoretical frameworks for understanding autism; educational journeys and approaches for autistic children, young people and adults; and the social and ethical aspects of autism research. The module is delivered via blended learning and practical settings (including a visit to an outstanding autism specialist school, for classroom observations and a lecture on best practice in autism education). The module is for anyone who wants to learn about the most up-to-date autism research and to apply scientific knowledge to everyday practice and thinking about autism.
This module reflects on the implications of recent, current and relevant legislation in the UK and elsewhere on policy and practice in schools, colleges and other education-related settings. It includes critical analysis of the terminology of 'special educational needs', 'inclusion', 'exclusion' and 'labelling' and sets UK special education policy and provision into a wider international context. The focus is to relate participants' own professional experience to a range of diverse theoretical models and use knowledge, understanding, awareness and insights gained to generate own hypotheses and propose own 'solutions' to issues relevant to the field of special and inclusive education.
This is the dissertation module for the MA in Special and Inclusive Education and is only open to students from this programme.
This is the Report module for the MA in Special and Inclusive Education and is only open to students on this programme.
This module aims to enable participants (i) to acquire a critical understanding of research design and methodology and (ii) to be constructively critical about research issues relevant to the field of special education. Please note that this module is only available to students on the MA Special and Inclusive Education and MA Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) programmes.
A fee deposit will be charged at 2.5 percent of the first year fee
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