Bachelor's Programme in Special Needs Education

Study programme code BACSPPED

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements Higher Education Entrance Qualification

General description and profile of the programme

The first semester of The Bachelor's programme in Special Needs Education and The Bachelor's programme in Education consist of two common courses.
Students require a basic knowledge in general education before they continue to courses in special needs education.
The programme gives a broad knowledge of education and learning processes and special skills within
the area Special Needs Education.
The following disciplines will be emphasized:
- Assessment of Learning Difficulties
- Relation and Interaction
- Analysis and use of special needs education
- Adapted Education
- Counseling and Rehabilitation

A basic principle of the programme is to give students the ability to navigate between a categorial and relational understanding of learning difficulties in order to support the individual and create inclusive learning environments.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes After compeltion of the programme students will demonstrate an understanding of inclusion as ideology and as it relates to the individual. Students will be able to recognize various learning disabilities and educational needs as well as organize instruction based on students' various characteristics and needs.
Students will demonstrate and independence and the ability to work together in order to organize the life circumstances of people with special needs and create possibilities for people to take part in training and in work.
They will also learn how to implement educational and rehabilitative interventions.

Teaching methods Independent work and work in groups. Lectures, seeminars, group works and self-study.
The tuition in research based.
The tuition will be in Norwegian but some lectures and literature may be in English.
Every course may be subject to compulsory and/or compulsory assignments.

Assessment methods Written individual examination, semester assignment, individual home assignment, oral group examination, group examination and oral individual examination.
A study period abroad may be included in the fourth or fifth semester.

Student exchange Students may spend the 4th or 5th semester at a university with which Agder University has a collaborative agreement.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies The programme in Special Need's Education qualifies graduates to continue on to the Master's Degree Programme in Education.
Completion of the programme provides students with the professionl skills necessary for working in a support network both in school and preschool.
The programme does not give any teaching qualifications.
Relevant employment opportunities also include work in health and social services sectors.

Qualification awarded Completion of the programme awards a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education.

Contact person Bjørg Rustad (38141255 )