Description

The purpose of the training is to provide advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge related to special needs education and associated scientific fields to future special needs teachers. Participants of our program will possess the skills required for special needs activities in addition to specialised and practical knowledge, which will enable them to help children, young people and adults with disabilities and impairments improve their skills and functions (cognitive, social, somatic, sensory and perceptual) and to assist them in life management, rehabilitation, environmental adjustment and social integration.

This program is recommended to applicants who are interested in people with disabilities and the possibilities of providing assistance to them, have good communication, social and creative skills and are motivated to participate in a high-quality professional training. Our training program is particularly suitable for those with high levels of empathy, good cooperation and interpersonal skills, responsibility and self-awareness.

This program enables students to interpret medical and psychological diagnoses and test results, related to disabilities within their field of expertise. Our training program enables students to apply their psychological knowledge appropriately, adapting it to the needs of people with specific disabilities. Participants will be trained to implement complex special needs diagnostics, including the use of state-of-the art diagnostic tools, and design relevant, goal-oriented special needs activities and processes on the basis of medical and psychological diagnoses and test results. When designing special needs interventions, participants will be able to combine general didactic and methodological principles with specialised educational content that is appropriate for the type of disability, adapting the process to their clients’ age, ability, attitude and socio-cultural specificities. Participants will be also trained to provide complex educational, developmental, therapeutic, preventive, habilitation and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities cared for by institutional service provision systems, taking into account the needs, abilities and preferences of the persons they are working with. Using these skills, our students will be able to support opportunities for adjustment and improve quality of people with disabilities.

BA-Degree in SNE – Full-time Curriculum2025

Specialisations:

Special needs education for

People with Hearing Impairment and/or
People with Intellectual Disability and/or
People with Physical and Multiple Disabilities and/or
People with Visual Impairment

Strength of program

The Bachelor's degree (BA) program in Special Needs Education is available as an eight semester full-time training programme with 240 credits for secondary school graduates. After a general introduction to special needs education and associated disciplines (including human biology, theory of education, psychology and arts) students continue their studies in one or two specialty fields from their third semester. In the last semester of their training the students participate in a professional practice program in institutions associated with their chosen specialisations.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor's degree program can pursue their professional careers in public education institutions, health care services, the child protection system, social care services, non-governmental organisations or institutions of the judicial system. In special needs institutions, groups or classes that correspond to their specialisation, graduates will be able to independently and responsibly provide nursery, kindergarten and primary school education (generally for pupils in grades 1-6, and in the education of children with intellectual disabilities in grades 1-8) in all training and education fields and all areas of literacy. Graduates can also provide skill development in vocational training and in general education, as well as in students’ hostels, children's homes and halls of residence. Further opportunities include personal intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation for children, students and adults with special needs in ambulatory care and intervention institutions, unified special needs methodological institutions, specialised education service centres, professional services, and institutions of inclusive public education in the field of the graduate’s specialisation.

More than half of those with higher education and professional qualifications in special needs education are employed in public education institutions. In addition to educational institutions, there are also job opportunities in educational advisory services, professional services and pedagogical institutes. With the growing proportion of children, pupils and students in public education and higher education who participate in inclusive education, there is an increasing need for professionals who are involved in the field of integrated/inclusive education and training and are trained to provide organisational, advisory, learning and life skills support. Furthermore, there are a number of other career opportunities, as special needs teachers are also needed in healthcare institutions, the child protection system, social services, NGOs as well as some institutions of the judiciary organization.

Job examples

early intervention teacher and therapist for children with disabilities (at early intervention centers)
class teacher at a special school for children and youngsters with disabilities (according to the specialisation)
consulting/supporting teacher for individuals with disabilities in integrative/inclusive nurseries, kindergartens, schools,
rehabilitation instructor for adults with disabilities (at medical or social care institutions)