COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Early Intervention and Inclusive Practice for Children is a postgraduate program focused on supporting children aged birth to 12 who experience adversity that affects their learning, development, and participation in education. These challenges may arise from disability, additional learning needs, poverty, family circumstances, or social and emotional difficulties. The program equips students with knowledge and practical skills to promote inclusion and wellbeing across diverse educational and care settings. In the first semester, students study historical and contemporary perspectives of inclusion, early intervention through physical education, therapeutic and creative play skills, and professional development, gaining insight into inclusive theories, physical activity adaptation, and child-centred creative approaches. The second semester builds on this with modules on trauma, resilience, early intervention strategies, positive behaviour approaches, and applied research methods, with strong emphasis on policy, legislation, and evidence-based practice. Students explore how adversity impacts development and how systems-based interventions can support children effectively. The final semester is dedicated to a substantial research project where learners design and conduct an independent study, synthesising theory and practice to address real-world issues in inclusive education. Overall, the program prepares graduates to work confidently in early intervention roles, supporting children’s wellbeing, development, and inclusion through informed, ethical, and reflective practice grounded in research and contemporary policy frameworks.