Master of Education (Special Education)

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Important Notice

The programme will be opened for the August 2021 intake. Application period is from 9 November 2020 – 8 January 2021. Click here for more details.

Click here for the application details for January 2022 intake.

This specialisation promotes professional competence in special education by providing knowledge- based theory, practice and research. It enables you to establish the nexus of educational theories and practices for developing a curriculum and pedagogy that meet your pupils’ diverse needs.

Entry Requirements

A good Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
A teaching qualification such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Education and at least ONE year of teaching experience
or
At least THREE years of teaching experience or other relevant working experience in education
Field experience in special education

For international applicants, more information on the entry requirements can be found here.

Structure

Effective from August 2017 intake

The coursework for this specialisation comprises 1 core course, 2 required specialisation courses, 2 specialisation elective courses, 1 open elective course plus either:

a dissertation or
two additional courses (one open elective course and MED 902 Integrative Project)

MED 902 Integrative Project is open only for applicants pursuing the degree totally by coursework.

Core Course

MED 900 Educational Inquiry

Required Specialisation Courses

MSE 901 Issues and Trends in Special Education
MSE 902 Human Development

Specialisation Elective Courses

MSE 911 Learning Disabilities
MSE 912 Early Intervention
MSE 913 Curriculum Design and Development
MSE 914 Intervention Research in Special Education
MSE 915 Assessment of Children and Youth with Special Needs
MSE 916 Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to Build Success in Literacy for Educators

Open Elective Course

Other than the core and specialisation courses, you may select open elective courses offered across all NIE Master Degree programmes. The offer of electives is reviewed regularly to reflect developments in education and the respective fields. You are advised to take note of the prerequisites (if any) before registering.

Optional Specialisation Courses are offered subject to demand and availability of faculty expertise. Hence, not all specialisation courses are available for selection to every intake.

Download the course descriptions for the programme

In line with SkillsFuture Singapore's (SSG) initiative, some of the courses in this programme can be taken as standalone modular graduate courses and accumulated into credits leading to the master’s degree.

Important note for matriculated students:
Please refer to the ISAAC system for the programme structure relevant to your intake during Course Registration or consult your programme leader if you need clarifications.

Note: Programme structure is subject to changes

Period of Candidature

The degree of Master of Education is generally offered on a part-time basis although full-time studies are also available for some specialisations. The candidature periods are as follows:

Full-time

Minimum

1 year

Maximum

2 years

Part-time

Minimum

2 years

Maximum

4 years

Fees

Our tuition fees are subject to revision on a yearly basis. More details can be found here.

Application for Admission

There are generally two intakes a year (January and August). You are advised to visit the website and look out for NIE’s announcements in May/June and Nov/December to confirm if the specialisation will be open for application at any particular intake.

Applicants who are currently working with sponsors, donors or financial institutions to fund their studies, are encouraged to submit their applications early to NIE so as not to miss out on our application period.

Applications are to be made online.

More information on required documents for application can be found here.

Scholarship

For more information, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

To view, please click here.

Videos

Introduction of Master of Education (Special Education / Early Childhood / High Ability Studies) Programme

GPL Video

NIE - the place to be for your learning journey

Developing your passion into mastery with NIE

Hear from our students

Master of Education (Special Education) experience by Lim Ai Lay

Sharing Sessions at NIE Postgraduate Fair 2016

Higher Degrees in Early Childhood, High Ability Studies and Special Education

For more sharing sessions videos taken at NIE Postgraduate Fair 2016, please click here.

Brochure

Master of Education

Testimonials

“With the knowledge that I had acquired during my master’s programme, I feel more equipped and confident to support my staff and students. I can understand the challenges faced by my students, staff, as well as their families. I have also brought with me the good practices from my experience as a mainstream principal which will add value to the school.

Lim Ai Lay
Getting to Know, 2016

“The programme has enriched my understanding of Special Education for students with learning disabilities, from pre-school level to adults transitioning into the workforce. Besides developing an inquiring mind as a researcher, the pedagogical approaches demonstrated by the lecturers and the lively interaction with my colleagues during the course have built my confidence as an educator in the special needs sector.”

Law Li Lian (Luo Lilian)
Recipient of STU Gold Medal, 2015

Contact Us

E-mail: nieadmpp@nie.edu.sg
(for administrative enquiries related to admissions and application)
E-mail: higherdegrees@nie.edu.sg
(for administrative matters related to programme matters such as time-table, study plans)
Programme Leader: Dr Goh Ee Ping Ailsa
(for specific academic enquiries related to the programme such as curriculum requirements)