Duration:
1 year (part-time)
This course is Online-Only.
Number of Credits:
60
Start date(s):
September 2026
Discover how music can support learning, communication and expression for children and young people with diverse abilities and needs, through a programme designed for educators, musicians, therapists, clinicians, parents, carers and anyone committed to inclusive practice.
Grounded in the Sounds of Intent framework, this Postgraduate Certificate explores inclusive musical development across educational, therapeutic and community settings. You will build both theoretical understanding and practical expertise, developing confidence in observing, assessing and promoting musical progress for learners across the spectrum of neurodiversity.
The programme is led by Professor Adam Ockelford and delivered online over three terms. You will explore how Sounds of Intent can be used in practice with learners with autism, sensory impairments, severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties and other developmental differences. You will also explore ethical practice, sustainable approaches to music making and the use of assistive technologies that support access and participation.
A professional placement in the second term gives you the chance to apply your learning directly in context, lead inclusive sessions and reflect on outcomes. You will also develop a music policy and inclusive curriculum plan tailored to your setting, supporting you to lead change and strengthen provision.
Did you know?
This programme is delivered online, with live sessions running on a Thursday from 10.30 to 3.30 with an hour break, and the option to learn asynchronously if you cannot attend in real time.
A placement is included as part of the programme, and you will need an enhanced DBS check in England or Wales, or an equivalent check in another country.
Modules
This 60-credit module is the sole module for the Postgraduate Certificate in Music and Children with Special Abilities and Needs: Sounds of Intent. The module will be delivered over three terms. It will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of inclusive music education and the diverse ways in which musical engagement supports children and young people with different abilities and needs.
The module will be structured around the Sounds of Intent (SoI) framework, which models musical development across the full spectrum of abilities. Students will critically examine the theoretical foundations of SoI and its application in practice with learners with autism, sensory impairments, profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and other developmental differences.
The module will combine academic study with practical experience through a professional placement in a relevant specialist or inclusive music education or community setting. Students will engage with ethical practice, sustainable approaches to music-making, and the use of assistive technologies to enhance participation and accessibility.
These are the current planned modules on this course and may be subject to change.
How you will be assessed
Assessment is designed to be inclusive, authentic and closely connected to professional practice. You will be assessed through a combination of written, video and presentation-based work, reflecting the real tasks involved in inclusive music education.
Formative tasks run across each term and help you track progress, practise key skills and build confidence before summative assessment. These include short presentations, video-based observation tasks and draft planning activities linked to your placement and curriculum development work.
- A placement reflection portfolio, including a written reflection and short videos that evidence your practice
- A music policy document and an inclusive curriculum plan, including a short, recorded presentation
- Structured formative tasks across the year with feedback and clear next steps
- Peer discussion and review opportunities during live sessions
- Rutorials and guidance to support placement planning and assessment preparation
- Clear assessment guidance shared in advance through the virtual learning environment
- Timely feedback on summative work in line with university assessment standards
- Applying Sounds of Intent to observe, assess and interpret musical engagement and progress
- Critical evaluation of research and professional practice in inclusive music education
- Designing and leading inclusive sessions in a placement setting
- Developing a music policy and inclusive curriculum plan tailored to your context
- Using digital tools and assistive technologies to support inclusive practice
Career
This programme supports professional development for those working in education, music and therapy, as well as those who want to move into inclusive and special needs music education.
You will develop the knowledge and confidence to plan, deliver and evaluate inclusive music making using an established framework and research informed approaches.
The programme includes opportunities to hear from practitioners and organisations working in the sector, supporting your career development and helping you understand different professional pathways.
Graduates often progress into roles such as:
- Inclusive music practitioner in education, therapy or community settings
- SEND focused music educator or specialist support practitioner
- Community musician working with neurodiverse learners
- Inclusive curriculum, resource or programme lead
- Roles in charities and organisations focused on access, inclusion and participation
- Advisory, advocacy or development roles linked to inclusive arts and education
You will develop transferable skills including:
- Observing and assessing musical engagement, attainment and progress
- Planning and leading inclusive sessions for neurodiverse learners
- Adapting practice using assistive technologies and accessible approaches
- Reflective practice and ethical professional decision making
- Communicating complex ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences
How will you learn
You will learn through an online blended model that combines live teaching with flexible learning. Teaching is designed to be inclusive and accessible, with a strong focus on collaboration, reflection and professional application.
Across three terms you will explore the Sounds of Intent frameworks, examine research on SEND and inclusive music practice and learn how to interpret musical engagement and progress using video-based observation and assessment. Live online seminars introduce key ideas through presentations, case studies and demonstrations, while workshops help you apply learning through discussion, peer feedback and hands on exploration of inclusive approaches.
You will also take part in a placement in the second term, where you will work in a specialist or inclusive music education or community setting. This gives you the chance to apply Sounds of Intent in context and develop confidence through real world practice.
Teaching methods include:
- Live online seminars and interactive workshops
- Flexible asynchronous learning each week to support preparation and practice
- Video based observation and assessment activities using Sounds of Intent resources
- Case studies and applied activities linked to real world contexts
- Collaborative learning and peer feedback
- Placement based learning in an inclusive music education setting
- Exploration of assistive technologies and digital tools that support access and participation
This programme is taught online only.
Applying
UK postgraduate students apply through our direct application system.
General entry requirements
International postgraduate students apply through our direct application system.
General entry requirements
Fees and funding
UK students
Tuition fees
| Entry date | PGCert (part-time) |
|---|---|
| September 2026 | £1,543 |
Prices shown are for the first year of your degree.
Funding your studies
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London.
International students
Tuition fees
| Entry date | PGCert (part-time) |
|---|---|
| September 2026 | £3,164 |
Prices shown are for the first year of your degree.
Funding your studies
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London.
