Sharjah Education Academy has announced the opening of admissions and enrolment for eight new postgraduate programmes in special educational needs and early childhood education. The new offering comprises four academic specialisms, delivered through eight separate programmes in Arabic and English, providing flexible study options for educators seeking to advance their knowledge and strengthen their professional expertise.
The new programmes support the Academy’s direction to expand its portfolio of specialist academic programmes and strengthen professional and academic development pathways in priority areas of the education sector, including early childhood, special educational needs, and inclusive education.
H.E. Dr Muhadditha Yahya Al Hashimi, President of Sharjah Education Academy, said: “These programmes continue the enduring vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, a vision that places people and education at the heart of development, and reflect the Emirate of Sharjah’s approach to building an integrated education system that invests in specialist expertise and supports the quality of education from a child’s earliest years, enabling every learner to access educational opportunities suited to their needs and abilities.”
Dr Al Hashimi added: “Our new programmes have been designed in response to real needs in the education field. Investing in the early childhood stage lays the foundations for learning and development from a child’s earliest years, while specialisation in special educational needs and inclusive education strengthens educational institutions’ capacity to respond to learner diversity and provide higher-quality, more inclusive learning opportunities. Through these programmes, we seek to translate specialist knowledge into educational practice that makes a tangible impact in the learning environment.”
The new offering comprises four academic specialisms, delivered through eight separate programmes in Arabic and English: the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs, the Master of Education in Special Educational Needs, the Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, and the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, each offered in both Arabic and English. The programmes provide progressive academic pathways that help students develop knowledge and professional expertise in each specialism by combining academic study with field application and research, strengthening alignment between outcomes and the needs of the education field.
Special Educational Needs
In the field of special educational needs, the Academy offers a progressive academic pathway beginning with the Postgraduate Diploma, which runs over one academic year and comprises 24 credit hours, combining blended learning with practical application through two specialist practica supervised by faculty. The programme focuses on understanding learning and neurodiversity, assessing special educational needs, designing evidence-based interventions, and developing inclusive pedagogical practice, alongside policy and practitioner inquiry. Subject to the applicable admission requirements, diploma graduates may continue their academic pathway and complete the Master of Education in Special Educational Needs over one additional academic year, while the master’s programme runs over two years for new students and comprises 36 credit hours. The programme broadens the scope of specialisation to include assessment, intervention, leadership, policy, research and evidence-based practice, supported by two faculty-supervised practica, applied research and a dissertation.
Optional Dual-Degree Pathway with the University of Exeter
Students enrolled in the English track may have the opportunity to pursue an optional dual-degree pathway with the University of Exeter, expanding their academic experience through an internationally recognised university. Students who successfully complete the academic requirements of both institutions may earn two separate qualifications – one from Sharjah Education Academy and one from the University of Exeter.
*Participation in the pathway is subject to eligibility and separate admission to the University of Exeter.
Early Childhood Education
In the field of early childhood education, the Academy offers a progressive academic pathway beginning with the Postgraduate Diploma, which runs over one academic year and comprises 24 credit hours, combining blended learning with field application and focusing on child development and neuroscience, curriculum design, multilingual and play-based learning, assessment and pedagogical documentation, and the use of science, technology and digital learning, alongside building the professional and research identity of practitioners. Subject to the applicable admission requirements, the diploma allows graduates to progress to the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education over one additional academic year, while the master’s programme runs over two years for new students and comprises 36 credit hours. The programme centres on developing more advanced expertise in leadership, pedagogical practice and practitioner inquiry, supported by two faculty-supervised practica and a research-based capstone project.
The eight programmes open a range of career pathways for graduates, including teaching and coordination roles; specialist practice in special educational needs and early childhood education; curriculum and pedagogy development; intervention planning and learner support; educational leadership; professional development and school improvement; and consultancy and related education services.
Applications and enrolment are now open across all eight programmes in both the Arabic and English tracks, including the master’s programmes. Those wishing to join can review the programme details and admission requirements and apply through the official Sharjah Education Academy website.
