Inclusive Education: Research, Policy & Practice PgDip/PgCert: Online distance learning available

Why this programme

• Our research-informed courses will help you to think about practice and policy in the light of current educational thinking and enable you to consider how an inclusive/special education system might operate in schools and other educational institutions.
• You will discuss recent theories related to many of the conditions and labels associated with special educational needs/additional support needs and have the opportunity to develop practice that takes account of these within an inclusive framework. In particular you can specialise in autism, behaviour, gifted and talented, dyslexia, English as an Additional Language and disability.
• You can tailor research projects to provide the maximum relevance and benefit to your interests and work. You will explore how effective learning and teaching can support the Sustainable Development Goal 4 – to ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning by 2030 (United Nations).
• On completion of the degree, you will receive Professional Recognition from the GTC Scotland. The award recognises the enhanced, significant, sustained and reflective enquiry you have undertaken, and the development of your professional learning in a particular area.
• This programme has continued to attract both national and international students. Consistently rated as excellent by our students, this programme brings together students and researchers with an interest in inclusive/special education.
• The international community is seeking to develop inclusive, equitable and quality education for all by 2030. This programme offers you the opportunity to consider how this will be achieved. A highlight for both international and Scottish students is the opportunity to work together as they seek to support all learners.
• Education at Glasgow is ranked 6th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2025.
• Watch: Inclusive Education MEd programme overview

Career prospects

The programme will support your career development as a class teacher, lecturer, policy developer, special education professional, head teacher, education administrator or researcher.

Fees & funding

Additional fees

• Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
• Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

Ordinary (or non-UK equivalent) in a subject related to education, or in any subject with experience in education.

This programme is primarily for teachers and those working in the areas of educational inclusion, special and inclusive education, or additional support needs. Those with any first degree and relevant experience in educational inclusion, special and inclusive education, or additional support needs will be considered.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

• A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
• A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
• Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
• One reference letter on headed paper
• Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
• Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
• A copy of the photo page of your passport

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.

• Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
• Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
• Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
• Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
• Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
• English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
• Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

• Applications for this online programme will be accepted up until it starts.

Application deadlines

September 2025

International & EU applicants

• 25 July 2025

UK applicants

• 22 August 2025