Our students

'One of the biggest things which drew me to Edinburgh's Inclusive Education programme was the opportunity to explore different education systems and attitudes towards teaching and learning, which has undoubtedly shaped my future practice and developed my interest in transformative learning. The flexibility of the dissertation module and ability to study external courses, such as the comparative education and international development module, has shaped me as both an academic and a teacher. I chose to study Finnish education in greater depth and arranged to spend three weeks in Seniajoki, Finland in three elementary schools. My international research revealed a really interesting insight into the values underpinning Finnish teachers' teaching and learning choices and in turn, contributed to a growing body of international evidence surrounding the Finnish education system.'

'As a mid-career teacher, I found the Teachers as Agents of Change course really helpful as a way of developing my practice. There was a great balance of a theoretical focus on teacher agency combined with an emphasis on how this might be enacted in concrete situations, which really refreshed how I think about my practice. Stepping back from the day-to-day whirl of the classroom and being given a chance to engage with, and reflect on, the academic research into teacher agency for social justice gave me a much clearer sense of how social and institutional barriers might be overcome and outcomes for the least advantaged improved. In other words, it helped guide and renew my sense of moral purpose - the trying to make a difference- that lies at the heart of every teacher's professional identity.’

‘Being a student on the Inclusive Education programme has changed the paradigm that has ruled my practice for a long time. Now I really want to focus on working with colleagues in the educational field, to develop stronger links and maximise what each of us knows how to do best for the benefit of all students. The programme encouraged me to explore skills that I will use on a daily basis to be a confident practitioner and to empower my work colleagues to believe in what they know and what they do. The experience of studying and living in Edinburgh has helped me to understand inclusion better and what an inclusive society is. I met incredible people who contributed to my own understanding of diversity who became true friends throughout the year.’

'I doubt if I could have got this job without the MSc. I had no experience or knowledge before of inclusive education. In Malawi people tend to see inclusive education as special education, while in reality it is not. I particularly liked learning about deaf learners in mainstream settings. However, the course also helped me to consider the educational needs of all children with disabilities in inclusive mainstream schools. I recently presented a survey report on the situation of children with disabilities in villages to an audience of parents, teachers, school children, community leaders and a representative from the Special Education Directorate of the Ministry of Education. Now we are implementing recommendations of this research.'

'The MSc Inclusive and Special Education has changed my view on education entirely. It has given me insight into different educational systems and where there is a need for improvement. I have grown to be more considerate to the various difficulties some children and young adults have to face during their academic career and their life. In my own career, this degree has led to job possibilities in the field of special education. I am currently working in a special school for pupils with a cognitive disability - this would have not been possible without my masters degree. In general, the MSc Inclusive and Special Education has influenced me greatly and I will carry the experience with me for the rest of my life.'