Special needs education
Special needs education
Providing pupils with needs-based and qualified support
Private special schools and day centres currently lack sufficient numbers of qualified teaching staff. And, according to forecasts, the demand for professionals trained in special educational needs is likely to continue to rise. There are therefore many good reasons to pursue further education in special educational needs:
Greater professional expertise for day-to-day work,
a generally higher salary
as well as more options and greater security in your career.
What is taught in the further education programme in special needs education?
Participants expand their special educational skills so that they can master academic appointments. Three certificate programmes are offered: Two Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) and one Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS). Modules and certificate programmes can be taken individually or consecutively (our recommendation):
- Foundations of Special Needs Education (DAS 1): Participants are given an overview of special educational needs. The programme also covers diagnostics and support planning as well as classroom-based support (30 credit points).
- Special needs education and inclusive education (DAS 2): Content covers support for learning difficulties, emotional-social development and specific needs such as autism or complex impairments (30 credit points).
- Inclusive education - specialising in subject-related learning (CAS): teaches inclusive education concepts and curricular principles for subject-related learning in Lower Saxony as well as the didactics and methodology of learning in the natural and social sciences (20 credit points).
University degree
Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) and/or Certificate Diploma of Advanced Studies (CAS)
Start date and duration
Start: summer semester or winter semester
DAS I: Modules 1–3, over three semesters
DAS II: Modules 4–6, over three semesters
CAS I: Modules 7 and 8, over two semesters
Many special schools and day education centres in Lower Saxony are run by independent providers. Teachers without special educational qualifications also teach in these centres. There are also social pedagogues or school social workers working there who would like to work as teachers for special needs education in schools in the future. The further education programme is aimed at these target groups in particular, but is also suitable for teaching staff at general and vocational schools who would like to further their education in the area of participation and inclusion.
What is the background?
The further education programme in special educational needs in schools fills a skills gap that exists particularly in privately run special schools. These schools must demonstrate that they have qualified teaching staff in order to maintain an adequate range of educational provision. Teachers can use the programme to gain targeted qualifications to provide special educational support to pupils. By demonstrating that they have trained staff, independent schools ensure the continued existence of their school type and the provision of teaching services.
The further education programme was developed by experts from the University of Oldenburg; the majority of the tutors also come from the Institute of Special Needs Education and Rehabilitation.
Details on further education
In this further education programme, topics such as inclusion and exclusion, diagnostics and support, prevention and intervention as well as subject-related learning are taught in a research and practice-oriented manner.
Participants acquire application-orientated specialist knowledge in the fields of cross-categorical special education, general and special methodology and didactics as well as support for specific impairments. This provides them with the skills they need to work as a special needs teacher.
Module 1 - Introduction and basics of special needs education and inclusion
- Overview, mission, framework conditions
- Theoretical foundation
- Focal points of support
Module 2 - Fundamentals of special needs education
- Communication and counselling
- Special educational diagnostics
- Support planning
Module 5 - Promotion of emotional-social development (ESE)
- Forms, causes, criteria
- Principles of effective behavioural support
- Specific impairments
You can find more information on the modules of further education in the catalogue of modules (PDF).
The further education comprises three certificate programmes: "Fundamentals of Special Education" and "Special Education and Inclusive Education" conclude with the university certificate "Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS)". "Inclusive Education - Focus on Inclusive Learning" concludes with a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS).
The programmes can be taken consecutively or individually. Those who successfully complete both DAS programmes receive the final certificate "Further Education in Special Needs Education". It is also possible to book individual modules. These also conclude with the CAS certificate.
How much time do I need to plan for?
The three programmes comprise a total of eight modules with a total of 80 credit points. Each module is expected to take around 300 hours to complete. The programme is mainly taught online and with flexible time management. One or two compact workshops per module take place on Fridays and Saturdays on site at the University of Oldenburg.
How is learning done?
The programme is based on blended learning. Online self-study phases alternate with web seminars, case-based group work and a few compact attendance phases. The flexible structure means that further education can be customised and combined with family and academic appointments. During the self-study phase, participants have access to the study material, current research articles and an online learning platform (C3LLO) specially set up for the programme. Group work is also possible via this platform. The attendance phases and web seminars are designed to be interactive and practical.
Module costs
The costs depend on the individual module selection: The fee per module is 990 euros. There are no further ongoing or additional costs for examinations or similar.
Questions about further education
Who is the further education programme in special educational needs suitable for?
The further education course in Special Educational Needs in Schools is aimed at teachers, educational professionals and other practitioners who wish to provide professional support to children, young people or adults with special educational needs. It is particularly aimed at those working in (privately run) schools, inclusion, social pedagogy, early intervention or out-of-school education. The further education programme is suitable for anyone wishing to expand their special educational needs skills and to design inclusive educational processes in a professionally sound manner.
What topics are covered?
The further education programme in Special Educational Needs in Schools provides both foundational and in-depth knowledge of special educational support, inclusive education and professional educational assessment. Specifically, the course covers topics such as learning and developmental processes, support planning, managing diversity, counselling, lesson and programme design, and co-operation with parents, schools, funding bodies and other specialist organisations. The aim of the further education programme is to support participants in identifying individual needs and developing appropriate support measures.
Why is further education in special educational needs in schools worthwhile?
Professionals need in-depth knowledge to identify barriers to learning, facilitate participation and provide children, young people or adults with support tailored to their needs. This further education boosts confidence in dealing with a wide range of support needs and helps to design educational programmes in an inclusive, resource-oriented and professional manner.
Can I study the Special Educational Needs in Schools programme whilst working?
Yes, the further education programme in Special Educational Needs in Schools is tailored to the needs of working professionals. Thanks to flexible learning formats, practical content and a structured combination of theory and practice, the programme can be easily reconciled with professional commitments. Participants can apply the knowledge they have gained directly to their day-to-day work through projects (for example, in schools, counselling services or inclusive educational programmes). The blended learning format gives participants the opportunity, on the one hand, to engage with the course content individually at home and, on the other hand, to engage in direct discussion and practical application with fellow learners and tutors during the compact face-to-face sessions held over two weekends.
What career prospects will this further education open up for me?
The further education programme in special educational needs broadens career opportunities in educational, school-based and social sectors. Graduates can apply their skills in settings such as schools, special needs centres, counselling centres, child and youth welfare services, and early intervention programmes, amongst others. This qualification is particularly relevant for roles in privately run schools, where it helps to promote individual support, educational assessment, counselling, inclusion support and multi-professional collaboration in day-to-day school life.
What makes the further education programme in Special Educational Needs at the University of Oldenburg stand out?
The lecturers conduct research and work in the field of special educational needs. The university’s further education programme in Special Educational Needs in Schools thus combines academically sound specialist knowledge with a strong practical focus. Participants engage with current issues relating to inclusion and participation and reflect on these in the context of their own professional practice. The programme helps participants to systematically build up their knowledge of special educational needs, strengthen their pedagogical skills and develop professional perspectives for inclusive educational practice.
