Become highly skilled for a career teaching students with special needs
Teaching students with disabilities and special needs is complex. Despite the rapid emergence of assistive technology tools, professionals who can develop teaching techniques to engage and improve the social and academic development of their students will be highly sought-after in the special education sector.
UNE offers a range of courses in special education designed to provide you with the knowledge required to create a sustainable, rewarding career as a teacher. Our Special Education courses focus on teaching you the skills to collaborate with students, families, educators and other professionals, to develop and implement individualised education plans (IEPs) and other supports that help students to achieve their academic, social and emotional goals. You'll develop a skillset to help you excel in the dynamic field of education, benefiting from our extensive experience training adults for rapid workplace change.
Our Teaching Solution Finder can help you find the best pathway to becoming a special and inclusive education teacher — just answer a few quick questions to find your pathway.
The majority of our students choose online learning, where they become part of a community of adult learners who use their life and work experiences to create networks for the future. On-campus learners can access housing, sports facilities and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.
Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide. With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the opportunities that lie ahead as a teacher of special education, whether you choose to pursue a career in a school environment or you prefer to work with adults.
Explore the Special Education courses on offer at UNE.
Courses by study level
Whether you are looking to re-train to become a Primary or Secondary school teacher, teach different subjects or upgrade your teaching accreditation, the UNE Bachelor of Education (In-Service Conversion) provides a flexible pathway to pivot and grow …
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Expand and hone your teaching knowledge while building a highly valuable breadth of skills with the UNE Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching). This is a dual sector degree giving you the flexibility to teach in both primary and secondary schools. It …
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- On Campus
- Online
If you are a Pacific Islander looking to build on your teaching skills with a high-level qualification, UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Pacific Focus) is the degree for you. Gain the knowledge and skills to teach early childhood, inclusive education,…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 8 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Online
UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) offers a comprehensive program of study that provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a highly sought-after secondary school teacher. Develop your teaching skills in a supportive,…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- On Campus
- Online
Special and inclusive education is rapidly evolving, and with it the demand for specialists in the field is larger than ever. UNE’s Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
Broaden your career horizons with the UNE Graduate Certificate in Digital Learning, a flexible course providing advanced knowledge and skills for professional educators in web-based teaching and learning. Choose from a variety of subjects to match…
- 0.5 years full-time
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Pivot your career and develop new skills in the field of education with our Graduate Certificate in Education Studies. This postgraduate course has been crafted to help build expertise in one or more subject areas while developing the critical…
- 0.5 years full-time
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
Neuroscience is one of the fastest-growing areas of human physiology today, and it plays an increasingly vital role in guiding educational practices. With UNE's Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience and Education, you will deepen your…
- 1 trimester full-time
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Online
Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
There is a close connection between how the brain works and how we learn. As a result, neuroscience and education are becoming increasingly intertwined, and employers are looking for graduates with skills and knowledge in both areas. UNE’s…
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Online
Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
With the advent of globalisation, issues relating to language and intercultural communication have never been more relevant. UNE's fully online Master of Applied Linguistics will give you the ability to understand the design of language, nuances …
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Upgrade your skills in educational practice with the post-graduate UNE Master of Education (Coursework). In addition to a flexible program pathway with a wide range of curriculum options, you can build your expertise with one of four…
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
The field of neuroscience is one of the fastest growing in human physiology, and there is increasing interest in applying neuroscience to learning processes within the educational field. As a Master of Neuroscience and Education student at UNE, you…
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Online
A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
Expand your knowledge of contemporary education while making a substantial and original contribution to an academic field of knowledge. With a focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the education profession today, UNE’s Master of Education …
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
- Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own 4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
- ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
- ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
- ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
- ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.
Why study with us?
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Greg KemmettFind the right major or specialisation for your studies in Special Education
With strong and increasing demand for caring, pro-active teachers with professional qualifications, UNE’s special education offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes within the special education industry. Strengthen your position as an educator. Explore your options now.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in web-based teaching and learning will help you safeguard your place…
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in web-based teaching and learning will help you safeguard your place in a dynamic education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Education | Specialisation | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Certificate in Digital Learning | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Extend your professional knowledge using evidence-based practice and learn to work effectively with Indigenous Australians. Develop your skills amid advancing education tech to help students succeed and future-proof your own career.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Education | Specialisation | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's leadership experts will help you develop practical skills to manage staff, communicate with students and parents and respond to stakeholders to improve student learning outcomes using data-informed decision-making strategies. Future-fit…
UNE's leadership experts will help you develop practical skills to manage staff, communicate with students and parents and respond to stakeholders to improve student learning outcomes using data-informed decision-making strategies. Future-fit your career in the education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Education | Major | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop practical teaching skills for working effectively with people who have disabilities and learning challenges. UNE’s expertise in teaching special education will develop your technical and communication skills to secure your place in the…
Develop practical teaching skills for working effectively with people who have disabilities and learning challenges. UNE’s expertise in teaching special education will develop your technical and communication skills to secure your place in the dynamic education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Master of Education | Specialisation | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Future-fit yourself with essential skills in the field of special education, anticipating a growing emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Learn from UNE's experts in special education and prepare for a career in a dynamic, fulfilling sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) | Teaching Area | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Future-fit your career and learn to use the latest interactive multimedia tech to communicate with school students from various cultures whilst engaging them in language learning activities. UNE’s experts will develop your teaching skills and secure …
Future-fit your career and learn to use the latest interactive multimedia tech to communicate with school students from various cultures whilst engaging them in language learning activities. UNE’s experts will develop your teaching skills and secure your place in the education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) | Teaching Area | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop your teaching skills using current and emerging multimedia tech with UNE’s highly regarded educators. Future-fit yourself and learn how to effectively communicate with students in a primary or secondary school setting whilst engaging them in …
Develop your teaching skills using current and emerging multimedia tech with UNE’s highly regarded educators. Future-fit yourself and learn how to effectively communicate with students in a primary or secondary school setting whilst engaging them in meaningful language learning activities.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Develop your technical and interpersonal skills to secure your future in teaching…
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Develop your technical and interpersonal skills to secure your future in teaching English as a second or other language.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Applied Linguistics | Major | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Certificate in Education Studies | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Develop your technical and interpersonal skills to secure your future in teaching…
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Develop your technical and interpersonal skills to secure your future in teaching English as a second or other language.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Education | Specialisation | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Certificate in Education Studies | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
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Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in Special Education
By studying Special Education with UNE, you will develop the future-proof skillset to secure professional educational roles in a wide range of schools, educational settings and programs. The need for expert special needs instruction is set to rise so professionals with skillsets in special education can find work in a variety of settings.
- Special education teacher
Support and teach students with learning disabilities, developmental delays or physical disabilities. - School psychologist
Work with children in schools to assist with mental health needs by offering counselling and support. - Speech-language pathologist
Provide training to help students with speech and language disorders. - Occupational therapist
Provide support and facilitate interventions for students to engage in school activities. - Assistive technology specialist
Research and facilitate the implementation of equipment for students with access needs. - Behaviour analyst
Help students with positive skill acquisition and solve behavioural issues in the school environment (and others). - Transition specialist
Work with other educators to identify career paths for students with special needs. - Special education administrator
Oversee the special education programs in a school region/district, providing support to teachers, principals, students and families.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Browse other disciplines within Education and Teaching
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
