Special Needs Education - Education and Heterogeneity (M.A.)

Join us in shaping the future of inclusive education and special needs education.

What is Special needs education - Education and Heterogeneity?

Special needs education - Education and Heterogeneity comprises the professional guidance and support of people with special needs in educational and life processes. The degree programme aims to qualify specialists who are able to develop, implement and further develop inclusive educational programmes.

Fields of work

The Special needs education - Education and Heterogeneity degree programme prepares you for a wide range of fields of work in which you can work as an expert in inclusion, education and social participation. Possible fields of activity include work in inclusive educational institutions, counselling centres, social services and social space work. There are also opportunities in research and teaching, where you will be involved in the further development of special educational concepts. Your skills are particularly in demand in the design and implementation of educational and support programmes that support people with different needs and promote their participation in society.

At a glance

Study programmeInfo
Short description:HPMA
Academic degree:Master of Arts (M.A.)
Standard period of study / scope of services:6 semesters / 120 ECTS credits i
Teaching language:German
Study format:Part-time, attendance, part-time, continuing education
Study start:

Winter term

Pre-internship:

not required

Application period:

Extended application deadline for the aptitude test: 15 March 2025

Degree programme: by 15 September via the university's online application form

Admission restriction:

no

Admission requirements:

Authorisation is required:

  • A university degree in special education or a related degree programme with at least one year of professional experience in the relevant field 
  • or Proof of state recognition as a Special needs educator (e.g. Bachelor Professional in Social Work etc.).
  • Successful participation in an aptitude test.
  • A letter of motivation explaining your motives and goals for the programme.
Tuition fees:1,752 euros per semester plus semester contribution

In an increasingly complex and diverse society, special education is becoming more and more important. The continuing education Master's degree programme in Special needs education - Education and Heterogeneity at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences offers you a unique opportunity to develop your specialist skills in a targeted manner and prepare yourself for the challenges of inclusive education.

This degree programme is aimed at experienced professionals who wish to expand and deepen their expertise in special education in order to better support and promote people with special needs. With a strong focus on inclusion and participation, the degree programme provides both theoretical knowledge and practical methods to competently support individual educational and life paths. You will learn how to organise educational processes for heterogeneous groups, develop individual support concepts and implement ethical and legal standards in your work.

A particular focus of the programme is on reflecting on your own professional experience and integrating this knowledge into daily practice. You will be able to understand, critically scrutinise and practically apply scientifically based approaches in special education. The close intermeshing of theory and practice runs through the entire degree programme and prepares you optimally for responsible positions in Special needs education work.

In addition, the degree programme offers the opportunity to work in project, social space and research-related contexts. For example, you can initiate your own research work based on the specific needs of your target groups and develop innovative concepts to promote participation and inclusion. This practice-orientated training prepares you to become active in your professional career as a shaping force in a constantly changing society.

Regardless of whether you already work in a special education institution, have responsibility in the fields of education and social work or are involved in another context of inclusive education - the Master's degree programme in Special Education - Education and Heterogeneity opens up new perspectives and career opportunities for you. The practical teaching, close collaboration with experienced lecturers and the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow students from different professional backgrounds make this degree programme a valuable building block for your personal and professional development.

Information about the degree programme

The Special Education - Education and Heterogeneity degree programme provides you with sound knowledge and practical skills in the following areas:

  • Reflection on Special needs education professionalism: Develop and reflect on your professional attitude and self-image as a Special needs educator.
  • Philosophy of science and methodology: Deepen your knowledge of scientific approaches and methods in Special needs education.
  • Ethics and human rights: Develop and anchor ethical guiding principles in your work.
  • Inclusive education concepts: Plan and design educational programmes that are geared towards participation and inclusion.
  • Legal framework: Acquire knowledge of educational and social law and learn how to apply it in your work.
  • Research and practice: Use your degree programme to develop and carry out practical research projects.

The degree programme is aimed at:

  • State-recognised remedial teachers with a Bachelor's degree or comparable qualification who have already gained professional experience and would like to expand their skills.
  • Graduates from related disciplineswho would like to gain further qualifications in the field of special needs education.

A degree in Special needs education - Education and Heterogeneity opens up a wide range of career opportunities for you. The course enables you to work in management positions in inclusive educational institutions, in counselling, in research and in social space-oriented projects.

  • Final certificate the first professionally qualifying university degree or a specialised academy
  • Proof of professional experience in a relevant area
  • Letter of motivation
  • Application form (to be completed and submitted online)

The degree programme concludes with the academic degree "Master of Arts (M.A.)". It is accredited and state-recognised by the accreditation agency ACQUIN. Please note that this degree programme does not lead to state recognition as a Special needs educator.

Note:
Semester details apply to first-time enrolments from this date (e.g. valid for first-time enrolment from winter semester 2020/2021)

Authorisation is required:

  • A university degree in special education or a related degree programme with at least one year of professional experience in the relevant field.
  • Successful participation in an aptitude test.
  • A letter of motivation explaining your motives and goals for the programme.

The Master's degree programme in Special needs education - Education and Heterogeneity at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences offers a particularly practical and research-oriented education that is characterised by innovative teaching methods and a close integration of theory and practice. Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences attaches great importance to individual support and encourages personal dialogue between students and lecturers. Small seminar groups enable intensive learning that is orientated towards the needs of the students.

Another advantage is the university's strong network with regional and national partners from the social sector. These co-operations open up numerous opportunities for internships, projects and the practical application of the knowledge you acquire during your studies. You will benefit from a broad network of experts and institutions that will make it easier for you to enter professional life.

In addition, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences enjoys an excellent reputation in the professional world. Many graduates of the programme have gone on to successful careers and value the practice-oriented training they received in Nordhausen. The combination of theoretical knowledge, practical application and individual support makes the degree programme an excellent choice for anyone wishing to specialise in special education and inclusive education.

Online information evenings

  • Wed, 22.01.25
  • Wed, 19.02.25
  • Wed, 12.03.25
  • Wed, 09.04.25

18:00 each evening

Video conference (webconf)

We have the Application deadline for the aptitude test extended:

  • 15 March 2025

Logo Accreditation Council

Module handbook:

Flyer:

Flyer HPMA

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