Who benefits from the Bachelor's programme in Special Needs Education and Inclusion?

With your degree in Special Needs Education and Inclusion, you could work in facilities for people with disabilities or as an educational professional in organizations and companies.

The distance learning programme in Special Needs Education and Inclusion (B.A.) at IU is specifically designed for professionals who have already completed a state-recognized training as a special education teacher in Germany. The target group includes professionals from the field of special education who want to academically qualify and expand their range of applications in the fields of special needs and inclusive pedagogy in a short period of time. This degree programme offers added value particularly to those who wish to take on coordinating tasks, responsibility in management positions, or specialized roles in consulting, support, and inclusion management in the future.

What are the admission requirements?

The following formal admission requirements must be met for enrolment in the Bachelor's distance learning programme in Special Needs Education and Inclusion:

• Completed training as a state-recognized special education teacher in Germany (mandatory).
• For those coming from abroad, proof of sufficient German language skills for the German-language programme (e.g. TestDaF, Telc B2, DSH, ÖSD B2, not older than five years) is required.

Attention: Trainings from abroad (e.g. Austria or Switzerland) are not recognised by IU for this degree programme. Only a successfully completed training in Germany qualifies for enrolment.

What personal qualities should you bring along?

Personally, you should bring the following qualities and skills with you for your studies:

• Solid practical experience from training and work as a special education teacher
• Interest in academic work, self-reflection, and further development of your own pedagogical and social skills
• Willingness to engage with inclusion, diversity, ethical issues, and legal frameworks
• Self-motivation and organisational skills for flexible and self-directed online studies
• Openness to digital learning methods and a willingness to use multimedia materials (scripts, videos, apps, live tutorials)
• Enjoyment of collaboration and exchange with colleagues from similar fields

Typical participants are dedicated professionals on the path to leadership, consulting, or more specialised pedagogical roles, who want to academically underpin their know-how and elevate their careers to a new level. This programme is particularly recommended if you want to achieve a Bachelor's degree more easily, quickly, and practice-oriented, improve your job prospects, or address current trends in inclusion and special needs education.

Study contents and competences in the Bachelor of Special Needs Education and Inclusion

The Bachelor's degree programme in Special Needs Education and Inclusion at IU International University focuses on the professional support, promotion, and inclusion of people with special needs, as well as reflection and further development of special needs educational practices. From the beginning, the focus is on linking special needs educational and inclusive actions. The distance learning programme is specifically designed for trained special needs educators.

Shortened duration of studies: The first three semesters are credited due to completed training. The programme starts from the fourth semester and comprises 90 ECTS credits.

Central topics:

• Inclusion, integration, and diversity: Understanding heterogeneity and dealing with diversity in educational and social institutions
• Ethics and social tensions in the context of disability and support needs
• Legal framework: Special legal references in social work, social law, and law in special needs education
• Relationship building, counseling, and professionalism in special needs educational settings
• Intercultural competences and skills in an international and intercultural context
• Research and academic work in the field of education and social sciences
• Current topics and developments in special needs education

Personal development: Reflection on one's own role, professionalisation, and promotion of personal and professional skills are the focus of several practical and self-reflection projects.

Elective modules: You choose two specialization areas based on your own interests and career goals, for example:

• Diversity management, setting up a social economy enterprise, managerial positions in social institutions
• Digital skills, child protection, basics of trauma pedagogy, parental work
• Conflict management, coaching, systemic counseling, school social work, sign language, artificial intelligence in educational contexts

At the end of the programme, you will write a Bachelor's thesis in which you independently address a question from the field of special needs education and inclusion.

Study process: How does the distance learning programme work

The distance learning programme is exclusively tailored to individuals with a completed training as special needs educators in Germany.

Start of studies: Possible at any time, no fixed enrollment deadlines.

Duration of studies and time models:

• Full-time study: 3 semesters (18 months)
• Part-time I: 4 semesters (24 months)
• Part-time II: 6 semesters (36 months)
• Flexible switch of time models during the course

Learning formats:

• 100% online distance learning: Study scripts as PDFs and IU Interactive Books with embedded videos and quiz questions in the IU Learn App
• Virtual teaching events (e.g. seminars, tutorials)

Examinations:

• Online exams: Writable 24/7, digital examination centre
• Assignments, projects, presentations depending on the module
• Final thesis as Bachelor's Thesis

Support:

• Access to tutors, professors, study coaches for individual support
• Online campus myCampus for organization and community exchange
• Innovative AI learning assistant (Syntea) supports in everyday studying

Practical relevance: Previously completed practical work as a special needs educator is recognized. The programme builds on prior knowledge from the training.

Career opportunities & Job possibilities after graduation

With a Bachelor's degree in Special Needs Education and Inclusion, you qualify for diverse activities in social work and educational fields, particularly in the areas of inclusion and disability. The degree is nationally recognized and internationally accredited.

Possible areas of employment:

• Work as an educational staff member in organizations, companies, and social welfare associations
• Work in early intervention facilities, kindergartens, and schools with inclusive concepts
• Facilities and services for disability assistance and care
• Social management and managerial positions, e.g. in outpatient or inpatient facilities
• Counseling, coaching, and support for people with disabilities and their families

Career prospects after specialization:

• Management and leadership roles in social institutions after choosing specific modules
• Parent and family work, child protection (possible in trauma pedagogy, prevention, and intervention)
• Diversity management and inclusion management in companies and the public sector

Important note: The degree does not confer the title "State-recognized special needs educator" according to the Thuringian Social Professions Recognition Act. To obtain the protected title, completing the full degree programme in B.A. Special Needs Education (with additional recognition internship) offered by IU is required.

Costs and Financing of the Programme

The distance learning programme in Special Needs Education and Inclusion at IU is fee-based. The tuition fees depend on the chosen study model and can vary:

• Full-time (18 months): 399 euros per month
• Part-time I (24 months): 344 euros per month
• Part-time II (36 months): 259 euros per month
• Graduation fee: 2,249 euros one-time

Individual discount promotions (e.g. promotional code) can lead to price reductions.

The fees include all learning materials, access to video lectures, online library, study coaching, and tutor support.

Financial options:

• Use of BAföG, student loans, or educational funds possible (depending on personal requirements)
• Tax deductibility of tuition fees for employed individuals
• Cost savings through recognition of previous credits (30 euros per recognized ECTS credit)
• Free extension if needed (academic leave, free overdraw for a limited period)

A free trial month at the start of the programme allows you to test whether the IU distance learning programme is suitable for you without risk - fees will only be incurred if you continue beyond this period.