Compare special needs courses and levels
London College of Teachers offers four special education levels, from the 120-hour SEN Certificate (US$325) to the 550-hour Master Level (US$750), plus Child Psychology Certificate and Diploma courses. All are studied online at your own pace. The Certificate builds core knowledge; the Diploma covers more conditions with a research paper; the PG Diploma focuses on IEPs, autism and ADHD; and the Master Level adds learning disability, child psychology and 21st century teaching skills.
Compare special needs course levels
| Course | Hours | Study time | Entry | Best for | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Special Education Needs | 120 | up to 6 months | Open to teachers, parents and caregivers with good English | Teachers and parents | US$325 |
| Diploma in Special Education Needs | 200 | up to 10 months | Open to teachers, shadow teachers, parents and caregivers with good English | Shadow teachers | US$399 |
| PG Diploma in Special Education Needs | 240 | up to 12 months | A university degree is usually expected (confirm with admissions) | Graduates: IEP, autism, ADHD | US$475 |
| Master Level in Special Education Needs | 550 | up to 18 months | A university degree is usually expected (confirm with admissions) | Inclusion leads, broadest | US$750 |
| Certificate in Child Psychology | 120 | up to 6 months | Open to teachers and parents with good English | Understanding behaviour | US$170 |
| Diploma in Child Psychology | 200 | up to 10 months | Open to teachers and parents with good English | Deeper child psychology | US$250 |
All special needs courses
Certificate
SEN Certificate (120 hours)
120 hours · up to 6 months · online
US$325 / £275 / ₹23,600
Entry: Open to teachers, parents and caregivers with good English
Diploma
SEN Diploma (200 hours)
200 hours · up to 10 months · online
US$399 / £340 / ₹29,500
Entry: Open to teachers, shadow teachers, parents and caregivers with good English
Postgraduate Diploma
SEN PG Diploma (240 hours)
240 hours · up to 12 months · online
US$475 / £390 / ₹35,400
Entry: A university degree is usually expected (confirm with admissions)
Master level (professional)
SEN Master Level (550 hours)
550 hours · up to 18 months · online
US$750 / £595 / ₹65,000
Entry: A university degree is usually expected (confirm with admissions)
Related course
Child Psychology Certificate
120 hours · up to 6 months · online
US$170 / £140 / ₹11,800
Entry: Open to teachers and parents with good English
Related course
Child Psychology Diploma
200 hours · up to 10 months · online
US$250 / £210 / ₹17,700
Entry: Open to teachers and parents with good English
How to choose
Pick the level that matches your goal.
- Teachers and parents new to special needs: 120-hour Certificate
- Shadow teachers: 200-hour Diploma
- Graduates moving into learning support: 240-hour PG Diploma
- Broadest qualification: 550-hour Master Level
- Understanding behaviour and development: Child Psychology
Understanding the levels
Levels are described by study hours. The Certificate gives core knowledge and teaching methods; the Diploma goes deeper into specific conditions with an assignment and research paper; the PG Diploma focuses on IEPs, autism and ADHD at postgraduate depth; and the Master Level adds learning disability, child psychology and 21st century teaching skills.
Pathways by goal
- Parent or mainstream teacher: 120-hour Certificate.
- Shadow teacher: 200-hour Diploma.
- Graduate moving into learning support: 240-hour PG Diploma.
- Inclusion lead or centre owner: 550-hour Master Level.
- Understanding behaviour: Child Psychology Certificate or Diploma.
What every course includes
- Online access with a personal login
- Module MCQs with answer keys
- Assignment and research paper at Diploma level and above, examined by a qualified professional
- Mentor support and admissions help by email, phone and WhatsApp
- A certificate from London College of Teachers Limited (UKPRN 10096558)
Frequently asked questions
Which special needs course is best?
It depends on your goal: the 120-hour SEN Certificate for teachers and parents new to special needs, the 200-hour Diploma for shadow teachers and inclusive classroom teachers, and the 240-hour PG Diploma or 550-hour Master Level for graduates aiming for senior roles.
Should I take the SEN Certificate or Diploma?
Choose the Diploma if you will work closely with children with special needs; it adds cerebral palsy, sensory needs, visual and hearing impairment and a research paper. Choose the Certificate for a foundation.
What is in the Master Level in special education?
The PG Diploma in SEN with IEP, Autism and ADHD, plus a Certificate in Learning Disability, a Diploma in Child Psychology and a Certificate in 21st Century Teaching Skills: 550 hours in total.
Which course covers autism and ADHD?
All levels introduce autism and ADHD; the PG Diploma and Master Level focus on IEPs, autism and ADHD in depth.
Is an online SEN course the same as a B.Ed in Special Education?
No. A B.Ed in Special Education is a degree that can lead to registration as a special educator; an online SEN course is professional development.







