Programme structure

Course of study from 2024 and later

4th semester	RSNE4900 – Master's thesis in Research in Special Needs Education (30 ECTS)
3rd semester	RSNE4900 – Master's thesis in Research in Special Needs Education (15 ECTS)						RSNE4340 – Applied qualitative or quantitative research (5 ECTS)		Course related to methodical specialization (10 ECTS) Choose one of the following courses: RSNE4310, RSNE4320 or RSNE4330
2nd semester	Elective course* (e.g. RSNE4100 – Cultural-historical and decolonial approaches to learning, development, and inclusion) (10 ECTS)				Elective Course in Special Needs Education (e.g. SPED4x03) (10 ECTS)				Elective Course in Special Needs Education (e.g. SPED4x03) (10 ECTS)
1st semester	RSNE4001 – Inclusive Education and the Nordic Model (5 ECTS)		RSNE4002 – Learners with diverse needs and backgrounds (10 ECTS)				RSNE4013 – Basic concepts in Statistics (5 ECTS)		RSNE4011 – Quantitative research methods and design (5 ECTS)	RSNE4012 – Qualitative research methods and design (5 ECTS)

The programme is composed of the following topics, which together amount to 120 ECTS:

• Compulsory courses in special needs education (15 ECTS)
• Method courses (30 ECTS)
• Elective courses (30 ECTS)
• Master's thesis (45 ECTS)

Up to 60 ECTS of the total 120 ECTS required for the programme are in common with the Norwegian Master’s programme in Spesialpedagogikk. Credits (ECTS) can also be acquired by attending courses form other institutions in Norway and abroad, according to the current regulations at the Faculty of Educational Sciences.

Elective courses 

The Department of Special Needs Education offers the following elective courses for RSNE-students: 

• SPED4103 – Evidence-Based Practice in Educational Audiology
• SPED4203 – Evidence-based practice in speech and language pathology
• SPED4303 – Psychological, social and emotional difficulties from a global perspective – Prevalence, causes, and prevention
• SPED4403 – Special topics in specific learning difficulties
• SPED4603 – Neurodevelopmental disorders in a lifespan perspective
• RSNE4100 – Cultural-historical and decolonial approaches to learning, development, and inclusion

*You may also choose master's courses from other departments and faculties at UiO. You are responsible for making sure that teaching and exams fit into your time schedule. 

Course of study from 2023 and earlier

4th semester	SNE4390 – Master’s Thesis
3rd semester	SNE4231 – Research Methodology		SNE4390 – Master’s Thesis
2nd semester	SNE4200 – Education for Learners with Special Needs (discontinued)		SNE4310 – Counselling and Innovation (discontinued)
1st semester	SNE4110 – Education for All (discontinued)	SNE4130 – Historical and Sociocultural Perspectives on Learning and Development (discontinued)	SNE4120 – Towards Inclusive Education (discontinued)
ECTS	10 ECTS	10 ECTS	10 ECTS

The programme consists of: 

• a series of compulsory courses (80 ECTS)
• a master's thesis (40 ECTS)

The programme covers a broad range of topics within the field of special needs education. The series of courses and the thesis are described in more detail in the individual course presentations.

Diploma and degree

This programme leads to the following degree: Master in Research in Special Needs Education

The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.