Special Education / Inclusion Education, Master of Arts

These are the requirements for the Master's in Special Needs Education/ Inclusive Education

With your Master's in Special Needs Education/Inclusive Education, for example, you can work in the management of an inclusive educational institution, as a municipal officer for inclusion in educational institutions, or as a leader for inclusion workshops.

You can be admitted to the part-time Master's program in Special Needs Education/Inclusive Education at IU International University if you have obtained a first degree with a focus on (social) pedagogy, education, or educational sciences at a state-recognized or state university, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree. The final grade of your degree should be at least "Satisfactory".

You can also be admitted with a completed undergraduate degree in Psychology. The requirements for this:

• You have completed 2 courses with a focus on pedagogy/educational sciences, educational psychology, or learning/learning theories in your undergraduate studies.
• Or you can demonstrate at least 18 months of work experience in an educational institution for children or young people (e.g., in a daycare center, school, or extracurricular educational institution).
• Or you take 1-2 courses from the Bachelor's in Special Needs Education at IU.

In addition, you can have prior achievements recognized to shorten the study time in distance learning and save on tuition fees. Achievements that you have completed in previous Master's programs can be recognized. The university can also recognize extensive professional experience in the field of special needs education/inclusive education. It is best to submit your application for recognition along with your application.

These are the study contents in the online course Special Needs Education/Inclusive Education

This Master's program at IU includes approximately 21 modules that you will attend and complete over 4 semesters of standard study time. Each module is worth 5-10 credits (ECTS) and concludes with an examination performance such as a term paper or an exam. In total, you will earn 120 credits from module to module and from semester to semester.

The typical course schedule for full-time studies in Special Needs Education/Inclusive Education looks like this:

• Semester 1: Pedagogy of Diversity, Leadership, Research Methods, Seminar: Participation, Self-determination, Intersectionality, Conversation Techniques, Counseling, Mediation, Project: Educational Management in Initial, Continuing, and Further Education
• Semester 2: Inclusive Education: Emotional and Social Development and Learning Disabilities, Inclusive Education: Sensory and Speech Impairments, Change Management and Organizational Development, Community Orientation, Project: Research in Inclusive Education, International Comparative Inclusive Education
• Semester 3: Inclusive Education: Cognitive and Physical Disabilities, Project: Self-reflection on Professional Development Processes, Elective Module A, Elective Module B
• Semester 4: Master's Thesis

What sets the Master's program in Special Needs Education/Inclusive Education at IU apart are the numerous opportunities to delve into specific topics of interest and professional fields in the elective area.

For the first specialization, you can choose from these exciting modules: Methodology and Didactics of Pedagogy of Diversity, Leadership in Pedagogy within the Context of Diversity, Participatory Research.

For the second specialization, you can choose one of these study modules: Methodology and Didactics of Pedagogy of Diversity, Leadership in Pedagogy within the Context of Diversity, Participatory Research, Labor Law, Diversity Management, Promotion of Resilience, Early Childhood Education, Research Methods.

Flexibility in the Standard Study Time in Distance Learning Special Needs Education/Inclusive Education

At IU International University, in the part-time distance learning program, you can choose from one of three study models:

• In full-time studies, the standard study time is 4 semesters or 24 months. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. Full-time studies in Special Needs Education/Inclusive Education are particularly suitable for those who are not working or only work a few hours per week.
• In part-time studies I, the standard study time is 6 semesters or 36 months. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. Part-time studies I are suitable, for example, if you work part-time alongside your studies.
• In part-time studies II, the standard study time is 8 semesters or 48 months. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. Part-time studies II are particularly suitable if you are heavily involved in your career alongside your distance learning program.

By the way, you can also take a semester off during your studies at no additional cost.

How does online study work at IU?

A study program that adapts to your life: In online studies at IU, you learn flexibly and digitally whenever and wherever you want to learn.

In the Master's distance learning program in Special Needs Education/Inclusive Education at IU International University, there is no mandatory presence - you learn continuously from home, in the library of your choice, or wherever you can learn best.

You can take your modules and lectures whenever you want. This way, you can usually structure your study plan and semester schedule flexibly on your own.

Central to the IU distance learning program are your interactive learning scripts. You receive the scripts both in printed form and digitally as PDFs and for tablets. Through the smart IU Learn app, you have access to the scripts for your studies in Special Needs Education/Inclusive Education as well as scripts from all other distance learning programs at IU.

Additionally, through myCampus, the online campus of IU, you also have access to additional materials, such as videos. You interact with your lecturers and fellow students, for example, in virtual live formats, through interactive lectures.

And exams? You can take them as online exams if you wish. An online exam can be taken 24/7 once you feel adequately prepared. Alternatively, you can take the exam at one of the numerous exam centers of IU throughout Germany.