Today, special education is a central issue not only in broader European policy but also in Greek educational and social policy. There is an urgent need to create appropriate frameworks for the education and support of children with special educational needs, either within mainstream education or in existing special education units, with the ultimate goal of reducing exclusion and marginalisation of these students. Furthermore, there is an increasing need for the structured provision of appropriate interventions, as well as for the staffing of special education with specialised teaching personnel.
The Postgraduate Programme (MSc) “Educational Sciences: Special Education” responds to this need and provides graduates from various disciplines with the opportunity to acquire the appropriate knowledge and skills to successfully meet the modern demands of the educational community.
The aim of the Postgraduate Programme is the specialisation of postgraduate students from different academic backgrounds in the field of Special Education. In particular, the programme aims for graduates to:
a) acquire sufficient theoretical knowledge regarding special education, policies and practices in special and inclusive education, different types of disabilities, as well as current trends, perspectives and research findings in these fields;
b) develop skills in differentiation, modification and adaptation of the curriculum, teaching methods and techniques, classroom organisation, educational and teaching materials, as well as assessment procedures;
c) acquire knowledge and skills related to the assessment of the needs and abilities of students with disabilities and/or special educational needs, as well as the design of appropriate support and educational interventions based on individual needs and capacities;
d) acquire knowledge and skills in classroom management, implementation of strategies for developing social skills in individuals with disabilities and/or special educational needs, and interventions aimed at reducing exclusionary practices and ableism within and outside the school environment.
Achieving these objectives is a complex and multifaceted process and requires:
- Attendance at courses related to special education, inclusion of persons with disabilities and/or special educational needs, neuroscience, psychology, differentiated instruction, and research methodology. Course attendance is delivered through synchronous distance learning in 85% of cases.
- Completion of an Internship in public institutions providing special education and support, such as special education schools at all levels, mainstream schools with integration/support units, and Centers for Educational and Counseling Support (KEDASY).
The completion of a Master’s Thesis is also optionally provided.