Diploma in Special Education Needs: 200 Hours
The Diploma in Special Education Needs is a 200-hour online course for shadow teachers, inclusive classroom teachers and parents who want deeper skills. It builds on the Certificate and adds cerebral palsy, sensory issues, and visual and hearing impairment, with an assignment and a research paper examined by a qualified professional. It takes up to 10 months and costs US$399, £340 or ₹29,500 including GST.
Who this course is for
- Shadow teachers and learning support assistants
- Teachers in inclusive and special schools
- Parents who want in-depth understanding
- Therapy-centre staff who support teaching
What you will learn
- Everything in the Certificate, in more depth
- Support children with cerebral palsy and physical disabilities
- Adapt teaching for sensory, visual and hearing needs
- Plan behaviour support and efficient instruction
- Complete an assignment and a research paper
About the Diploma level
At Diploma level you go deeper into special needs and specific conditions, including cerebral palsy, sensory issues and visual and hearing impairment. You also complete an assignment and a research paper, which are examined by a qualified professional counsellor, with a mentor to help when you need it. LCT recommends a diploma for better job opportunities.
What the Diploma adds
The Diploma covers everything in the Certificate in more depth and adds:
- Cerebral palsy and physical disabilities: positioning, access, communication and participation.
- Sensory issues: sensory seeking and avoiding, sensory-friendly classrooms and calming strategies.
- Visual impairment: access to print, tactile resources and orientation in the classroom.
- Hearing impairment: seating, visual cues, clear speech and working with hearing aids.
- Assignment and research paper: examined by a qualified professional before your certificate is issued.
Who hires Diploma holders
- Families and schools hiring shadow teachers
- Inclusive private schools and learning support departments
- Special schools (alongside required local qualifications)
- Therapy and early intervention centres (in support roles)
- Tutoring centres for children with learning difficulties
Diploma or PG Diploma?
If you are a graduate and want senior responsibility, the 240-hour PG Diploma focuses on IEPs, autism and ADHD at postgraduate depth and is the core of the Master Level.
Personal qualities that make a good special needs teacher
- Calmness and patience
- A sense of humour
- Organisation
- Creativity
- Acceptance of every student as they are
- Clear communication with children, parents and colleagues
- Intuition and quick, sensible decisions
- Dedication
What the qualification prepares you for
- Working as a shadow teacher for a child with special needs
- Teaching and supervising children with special needs at home or in a classroom
- Becoming a more effective mainstream teacher or parent
- Better employability with international and inclusive schools worldwide
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 research paper topics
- Visual schedules and transitions for an autistic child
- Sensory-friendly classroom adjustments
- Supporting a child with hearing impairment in a mainstream class
- Peer support for inclusion
Diploma in Special Education Needs syllabus
- Everything in the Certificate, in more depth
- Cerebral palsy and physical disabilities
- Sensory issues and sensory processing
- Visual impairment and hearing impairment
- Behaviour support, classroom management and efficient instruction
- Assignment and research paper, examined by a qualified professional
Diploma candidates submit an assignment and a research paper, examined by a qualified professional counsellor.
Fees and study time
The SEN Diploma (200 hours) costs US$399, £340 or ₹29,500 incl. GST. It is designed for up to 10 months of self-paced study, and an optional fast-track add-on costs US$65, £50 or ₹4,700. Compare all fees and payment options.
Entry requirements
Open to teachers, shadow teachers, parents and caregivers with good English. 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 Diploma (200 hours)
Frequently asked questions
Is the SEN Diploma better than the Certificate?
It is longer (200 hours), covers more conditions and includes an assessed assignment and research paper.
Can I work as a shadow teacher after the Diploma?
Many schools and families hire shadow teachers with SEN training; requirements vary, so check with the employer.
Is there a fast-track option?
Yes. An optional fast-track add-on costs US$65, £50 or ₹4,700.
How long is the SEN Diploma?
200 hours, designed for up to 10 months.
