Special Education

Due to the programme's broad orientation students will be able to develop their knowledge and skills within a variety of central topics. The students will also develop their analytical and practical skills, enabling them to create teaching conditions which will improve the pupils' academic, personal and social development. The students will qualify for dealing with a variety of special educational challenges within different age-groups, schools and institutions, and be able to solve problems related to special education. They will also be able to deal with various research problems within the field.

Career opportunities

This degree qualifies for various special-pedagogical tasks in relation to different age groups, types of schools and institutions, and tasks related to special-pedagogical education and development/research tasks within this field. This master's degree primarily qualifies for work within the educational system and public administration. The tasks are particularly focused towards children, youth and adults with special needs, and include teaching, counselling, advice and planning at school, local and regional government level. In day-care centres and at all levels in schools the special educationalist's tasks may be related to the planning and implementation of pedagogical measures for children and youth with special needs.

This programme is suited for students who seek a profession where they facilitate learning and development with children, youth and adults who need adapted learning arrangements. It is also well suited for teachers who need higher special pedagogics qualifications or for others who would like a position in the Pedagogical Psychological Services or within for instance departments of childhood and education or competence centres. There they will be given tasks in relation to counselling, consultation and action counselling, competence, knowledge and information dissemination, and research and development work.

Programme structure

The master's degree in Special Education consists of compulsory courses as well as a master's thesis of 30 ECTS. Please note that the language of instruction is mostly Norwegian, consult Courses in English for an overview of courses given in English.