Introduction to the postgraduate diploma

The postgraduate diploma aims to help experienced teachers in mainstream schools develop the knowledge, skills and a deep understanding to deliver expertise on special educational needs (SEN).

The programme consists of six 20-credit modules normally taken over two years. Successful completion of the course will result in a Masters level degree. School placement and work in schools form a key part of the programme. The diploma content has been planned and designed to cater for creative approaches and flexible delivery systems.

The benefits of completing the postgraduate diploma

Successful participants will strengthen their knowledge in inclusive practice and SEN to:

  • take prompt action to help children who are falling behind their classmates
  • inspire parents’ confidence in their local school
  • apply good assessment and monitoring skills of progress for pupils with SEN or a disability
  • understand and participate in strategic planning
  • become comfortable with inter-disciplinary working
  • support colleagues in spending more time on early intervention and less time on SEN-related paperwork
  • improve partnerships with parents and share information about arrangements for SEN.

Additionally, participants will be able to use the knowledge and skills gained on the programme to influence and improve other teachers’ practice and collaborate effectively to instigate positive change.

Who is the postgraduate diploma relevant to?

The postgraduate diploma is most relevant to:

  • Advanced Skills Teachers
  • advisory teachers
  • special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs)
  • special school teachers involved in outreach work
  • local authority (LA) advisers.

The modules within the diploma are theoretically topical and practically meaningful for participants in these particular positions and have been designed so that they are flexible enough to cater for varying circumstances.

Background to the diploma

The former TDA funded the development of a three year pilot project to develop the postgraduate diploma in leading on inclusive practice, with the aim of strengthening SEN expertise in schools.

You can also download a full evaluation report of the pilot.

A consortium of five universities worked on the pilot project to develop the framework. They tested the programme and the related resources, developed by experienced teachers, over a two year period, and their views are given in this video.