The Master in
Special Needs Education

trains special needs teachers to carry out full teaching responsibilities for students aged 4 to 20, taking into consideration academic targets and the particularities of special education contexts (assistance with integration into ordinary classes, specialised classes, specialised institutions). At once academic and vocational, this Master's programme trains professionals by giving them scientific knowledge of the facts of special needs education. A particular stream is reserved for students with ordinary teaching diplomas who are working professionally as special needs teachers.

Programme length

2 years (4 semesters)

Languages of instruction

French

Candidates must have Level A2 language skills in German and English in accordance with the Common European Framework of References for languages.

Conditions of registration

www.unige.ch/conditions/MA

Admission Conditions

Candidates must hold a recognised ordinary teaching diploma for pre-school, primary or secondary school teaching
or, must take 30 to 60 credits of supplementary study courses, BA  in a related field (for example: Educational Sciences, Social Education, Special Education, Speech Therapy, Psychology or Occupational Therapy) awarded by a recognised Swiss or foreign third-level institution.

Admission is application-based.

Applications

Deadline: 28 February 2025www.unige.ch/enrolment

The Master in Special Needs Education

4 semesters (max. 8 semesters) | 120 ECTS credits
Section 1 (9 credits):

Political, social and historical context of special education.

Section 2 (12 credits):

Professional role and identity of the special needs teacher.

Section 3 (42 credits):

Training in research in special needs education:

  • Training in methodology
  • Thesis
(57 credits):

Teaching and learning in special needs education contexts:

  • Contributions to cooperation, teaching and learning in various professional contexts
  • Internships and analysis of professional activity

Master's Sheet :
Special Needs Education

Mobility

The exchange programme runs for one semester and carries up to 30 credits.
Alternatively, students may complete an internship with the same amount of credits.

www.unige.ch/exchange

Professional Prospects

This Master's degree qualifies the holder to work as a special needs teacher in various public, subsidised and private organisations.

Contact information

Ms Aline Meyer
T. +41 (0)22 379 90 37
[javascript protected email address]