Overview

This pathway focuses on inclusive education. It explores and critiques barriers in society that prevent the inclusion and participation of disabled people (and those with labels of 'special' educational needs) as individuals with rights to citizenship. It rejects charity and individual deficit model interpretations that have - and continue to - place disabled people as in need of charity, cure, treatment and care. The programme draws upon the lived experiences of disabled people, their self-organisation, user-led campaigns for justice, and equality in education.

The programme introduces a fundamental conceptual shift in understanding the purpose and function of education, asking questions about who it benefits and who it excludes. Alongside raising questions about the discrimination and exclusion of disabled people from mainstream society, it explores their active participation in education, further and higher education. It critiques the use and notion of 'special' with reference to the shifting educational terminology in contemporary society. It discusses the place of personal experience with reference to the intersectionality between age, gender, 'race', religion, sexuality and social class, and takes a cross-cultural perspective. It draws upon (critical) disability studies within education and is supported by current research, practice and theory. It also explores the policy and legislative context and provides an international perspective, particularly highlighting the issue of human rights.

The programme is designed to develop your knowledge, understanding and critical skills in the analysis and evaluation of current research, theory and practice for learners experiencing barriers to participation.

This MSc Education (Inclusive Education) pathway would suit professionals working within the educational sector from schools, colleges, university, life-long learning and adult education provision. This includes teaching/learning support assistants, coordinators, parents, advocates and individuals working within Disabled Peoples' Organisations (DPOs), and actively encourages the participation and contribution of disabled people.

Programme structure

Our education master's degrees give you the opportunity to select a programme of study tailored towards your interests and learning needs. The range of degrees we offer means you will be able to specialise and receive an award in a particular discipline area.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Education (Inclusive Education). Please note that this pathway consists of core units that all students on the pathway must take and a range of optional units that students can choose from, within availability or timetabling constraints.

Alternatively, you can design your own pathway by opting not to specialise and to take those units that fit with your availability. Units can be taken from across the different specialisms and from our bank of available optional units to build a tailored programme of study, resulting in an award of MSc Education.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any discipline.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant (minimum of 1 year) relevant work experience in roles within the disability related sector such as teaching, teaching support, human rights/social justice organisations, advocacy work, non-government oragnisations.
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£11,900 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£5,950 per year
UK: part-time (three years)
£3,967 per year
Overseas: full-time
£27,200 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

We offer academic and personal development opportunities to equip you for the intellectual, social and personal challenges you will encounter during your career.

Our overarching goal is to enable our education graduates to display the following characteristics:

  • equipped to demonstrate impact, excellence and distinctiveness in their chosen field;
  • visionary, imaginative, innovative, reflective and creative;
  • with high ideals and values, including a strong sense of social justice;
  • highly employable throughout the world;
  • adaptable, with the potential to be a leader in work and in the community.