This masters degree will:
- introduce recent theory of cognitive and affective processes involved in reading and writing, and their development in children and adults
- evaluate the nature of specific learning difficulties (SpLD) (dyslexia) across the life span and analyse the implications of its identification
- provide a critical understanding of psychometric and educational assessment
- develop your professional expertise in assessing children and adults and in writing professional reports containing recommendations for intervention
- analyse and evaluate the implications of research and theory for teaching learners struggling with reading, writing and spelling
- develop your understanding of the key principles of learning and reflect on the aspects that underpin your own teaching approach.
This masters degree provides the opportunity to:
- gain a qualification endorsed by the Department of Education, and by the British Dyslexia Association as meeting the requirements for Approved Teacher Status (AT S) and Associate Membership (AMBDA) of the British Dyslexia Association
- administer standardised tests and receive formative feedback on two recordings of these assessments
- teach (in your own school) a pupil with literacy difficulties in a one-to-one setting and in small groups for 20 hours (as required by AT S) or 30 hours (as required by AMBDA).
Qualified teachers with an interest in working with children with SpLD and literacy difficulties, and/or who wish to have the AST or AMBDA qualification that enables them to be specialist teachers or practising assessors of pupils with dyslexia.
Entry requirementsA good first degree in a relevant subject plus a teaching qualification, and ideally appropriate experience of educational settings or working with children with literacy difficulties. You will need to have access to a school in which you can assess and teach pupils with literacy difficulties.
Core topics- Understanding SpLD (dyslexia)
- Evidence-based practice in SpLD (dyslexia)
- Assessment of SpLD (dyslexia)
- Research methodology in literacy.
- Language development.
By coursework assignments and recordings of administering assessments and teaching pupils with literacy difficulties, plus a research report of 6,000 to 7,000 words or dissertation of 10,000 to 12,000 words.
AttendanceFace-to-face evening and daytime sessions at the IOE, and online learning.
Where do our students go?This is a recently established MA programme. Graduates of IOE studies in special education are currently working as:
- specialist teachers of children with SpLD (dyslexia)
- special educational needs coordinators
- staff in local authority advisory support services.
