Research in Special Needs Education

Want to make a difference? The Master`s in Research in Special Needs Education offers an innovative, research-driven path to promote education as a way to inclusion, diversity, and social justice. Develop expertise for a better world.

The Master`s in Reseach in Special Needs Education (RSNE) rigorously align with open science, inclusion, multiculturalism, sustainability, democracy, and the of promotion social justice. This program addresses several of the UN`s Sustainable Development Goals. Read more about sustainability in special needs education.

Teaching is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures, focusing on various theoretical disciplines, historical contexts, and research training. Assessments include written assignments and exams, with plenty of opportunity to reflect on different professional and cultural contexts through groupwork and discussions. The language of instruction is English.

This programme educates students who want to work in the sectors of special needs education, promoting inclusion and inclusive practice, and in policy development. Choosing the programme is a step towards a career committed to improving the quality of life for people with special needs, and to promoting social justice in local communities. The programme is relevant for candidates looking to develop their professional practice, and for those wishing to pursue an academic career as a researcher in special needs education (e.g., as a Ph.D. candidate).

As a student you have access to esteemed scholars and leading institutions through our international network. Expand your horizons and enhance your research with insights from top experts in the field.

While the Norwegian master`s programme master i spesialpedagogikk offers a combination of practical and theoretical instruction, this programme has a more research-oriented profile. This includes more credits in methodology and a larger master`s thesis. Master i spesialpedagogikk has a greater focus on counselling and assessment in practical contexts.

There are numerous student societies, which all UiO students may join.

As a student at the Department of Special Needs Education, you can get involved in student politics by joining the Student Academic Organisation at ISP. You can also contribute to the study environment by joining Kjellerutvalget– the organisation responsible for the Faculty`s student pub, or you can get involved with the UV Student Union and be a representative of the students at the faculty. If you have an interest in writing, you can write for Pedagogisk profil, which is a student-driven magazine.

As a graduate of this programme, you will have the skills to work in an international environment, and the knowledge to operate in the different roles involved in the preparation, management and realisation of intervention, consultation, inclusion, and research. You will also be eligible to apply for PhD programmes.

Read more about further studies and career prospects after completing this programme.

Are you academically ambitious? It is possible to supplement your master`s degree with an honours certificate worth 20 credits. You take the certificate concurrently with the master`s programme.