PG Diploma in Special Education Needs: 240 Hours
The PG Diploma in Special Education Needs is a 240-hour online course for graduates who want senior roles in inclusive education. It covers special education at postgraduate depth, with a focus on Individualised Education Programmes (IEPs), autism and ADHD, and is assessed through module MCQs, an assignment and a research paper. It takes up to 12 months and costs US$475, £390 or ₹35,400 including GST.
Who this course is for
- Graduates moving into special or inclusive education
- Teachers aiming for SEN coordinator or learning support roles
- Shadow teachers ready for more responsibility
- Teachers planning to work in international schools' learning support departments
What you will learn
- Write and review IEP goals with a team
- Use evidence-informed strategies for autism and ADHD
- Lead inclusion in a classroom or department
- Work with parents, therapists and specialists
About the PG Diploma level
The PG Diploma is the postgraduate level of LCT's special education training and the main course inside the Master Level, where it is taught as the PG Diploma in SEN with IEP, Autism and ADHD. It suits graduates who want to plan support for children, write and review IEPs and lead inclusion.
The focus: IEP, autism and ADHD
The PG Diploma in SEN concentrates on three things schools ask for most. IEPs: setting clear, measurable goals for a child, planning support and reviewing progress with parents and specialists. Autism: communication, routines, sensory needs and visual supports. ADHD: attention, impulsivity, organisation and behaviour support. Read more in our IEP guide.
Careers it supports
- SEN coordinator or inclusion lead (where local rules allow)
- Learning support teacher in international schools
- Senior shadow teacher or resource-room teacher
- Trainer for school staff on inclusion
- Parent and teacher workshops on autism and ADHD
Where special needs teachers work
Special education teachers and shadow teachers are in demand in special schools, preschools and mainstream schools. They work in kindergartens and preschools, elementary and middle schools, high schools and inclusive classrooms, as well as teaching children at home, supervising classrooms and shadow teaching a single child.
What a special needs teacher does
A special needs teacher helps students with intellectual, developmental, behavioural or physical challenges learn and reach their goals. Day to day that means:
- Creating and running Individualised Education Programmes (IEPs) and updating them as the child progresses
- Monitoring each child's progress and behaviour
- Adapting lessons, materials and activities to each child's needs
- Working closely with parents, therapists and other teachers
- Keeping the classroom safe, calm and well organised
What this course does and does not do
London College of Teachers is clear about the scope of its special needs courses. They qualify you as a regular educator with extensive knowledge of children with special needs, able to supervise and instruct children at home or in a classroom, and to work as a shadow teacher. They do not license you as a qualified special educator, they do not qualify you to perform assessments or diagnostic tests (which are reserved for qualified rehabilitation professionals), and they do not provide a government licence. In India, for example, practising as a registered special educator requires RCI-recognised training and registration.
Sample IEP goal areas
- Communication
- Reading and writing
- Attention and organisation
- Social interaction
- Emotional regulation
- Independence skills
PG Diploma in Special Education Needs syllabus
- The full special education syllabus at postgraduate depth
- Individualised Education Programmes (IEPs)
- Autism spectrum: understanding and teaching strategies
- ADHD: attention, behaviour and learning support
- Inclusion, collaboration with parents and specialists
- Assignment and research paper
The Master Level is built on the PG Diploma in SEN with IEP, Autism and ADHD.
Fees and study time
The SEN PG Diploma (240 hours) costs US$475, £390 or ₹35,400 incl. GST. It is designed for up to 12 months of self-paced study, and an optional fast-track add-on costs US$75, £58 or ₹5,400. Compare all fees and payment options.
Entry requirements
A university degree is usually expected (confirm with admissions). No previous teaching experience is needed. Schools and employers in some countries also ask for a degree or a local licence for lead-teacher roles.
How you are assessed
Each module ends with multiple-choice questions, and the answer key is provided afterwards so you can learn from your mistakes. At this level you also submit an assignment and a research paper, which are examined by a qualified professional before your certificate is issued.
Practical experience and scope
The course is studied online. If you have not worked with children with special needs before, we strongly recommend supervised time in an inclusive school, special school, resource room or therapy centre while you study. This training does not license you as a special educator and does not qualify you to carry out assessments or diagnostic tests, which are reserved for qualified rehabilitation professionals.
Apply for the SEN PG Diploma (240 hours)
Frequently asked questions
Who should take the PG Diploma in Special Education?
Graduates who want senior or coordinating roles. A degree is usually expected; confirm eligibility with admissions.
Is the PG Diploma a master's degree?
No. It is a postgraduate-level professional diploma, not a university degree.
Is there a fast-track option?
Yes. An optional fast-track add-on costs US$75, £58 or ₹5,400.
How long is the PG Diploma in SEN?
240 hours, designed for up to 12 months.
