Overview
PGDE in Inclusive and Special Needs Education at KUSOED
The PGDE in Inclusive and Special Needs Education is a one-year postgraduate diploma at Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED). The program is specialized in Autism Spectrum Disorder and is associated with the Department of Inclusive Education, Early Childhood Development and Professional Studies.
The program carries 30 credits across two semesters and combines education foundations, developmental psychology, autism-focused study, inclusive curriculum and pedagogy, an elective course, a research project, and an internship. It is offered through blended and face-to-face learning arrangements. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Course at a Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Course: | PGDE in Inclusive and Special Needs Education |
| Specialization: | Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| Institution: | Kathmandu University School of Education |
| University: | Kathmandu University |
| Department: | Inclusive Education, Early Childhood Development and Professional Studies |
| Level: | Postgraduate Diploma |
| Duration: | 1 Year |
| Academic structure: | 2 Semesters |
| Total credits: | 30 Credits |
| Eligibility: | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
| Learning arrangement: | Blended/face-to-face |
| Practical components: | Research Project and Internship |
About the Program
The PGDE in Inclusive and Special Needs Education is part of KUSOED’s academic work in inclusive education and professional preparation. Within the current program structure, the diploma carries a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Its curriculum approaches inclusive and special needs education through several connected areas. Students study general educational theory and research methodology before moving into developmental psychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder, early intervention, assessment, inclusive curriculum, and pedagogy.
The program also includes an elective area and two practical courses. This gives the diploma both an academic and applied structure rather than limiting study to classroom-based theory.
The Department of Inclusive Education, Early Childhood Development and Professional Studies includes Inclusive Education as one of its principal academic areas. The department also runs programs in Early Childhood Development and Professional Studies.
Duration and Credit Structure
Duration: 1 year
Semesters: 2
Total credits: 30 credits
The 30-credit structure is divided into four components:
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6 credits of core education courses
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15 credits of specialization courses
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3 credits from one elective course
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6 credits of practical study
The specialization forms half of the total credit requirement, while the research project and internship together account for six credits.
Curriculum
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDCE 471 | Theory and Practice in Education | 3 |
| EDCE 472 | Research Methodology | 3 |
| EDCE 473 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| EDCE 474 | Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3 |
| EDCE 475 | Early Intervention and Assessment Strategies in Autism | 3 |
| EDCE 476 | Curricula in Inclusive and Special Needs Education | 3 |
| EDCE 423 | Pedagogy and Assessment Practices in Inclusive and Special Needs Education | 3 |
| EDCE 477 | Assistive Technology in Education | 3 |
| EDCE 448 | Home-Based Therapies for Special Needs | 3 |
| EDCE 459 | Parenting Education | 3 |
| EDCE 478 | Research Project | 3 |
| EDCE 479 | Internship | 3 |
Students select one course from the three-credit elective group: Assistive Technology in Education, Home-Based Therapies for Special Needs, or Parenting Education. The remaining listed core, specialization, research, and internship components form the prescribed structure of the diploma.
What Students Study
The program begins with Theory and Practice in Education and Research Methodology. These courses provide an education and research foundation for the specialized part of the diploma.
Developmental Psychology introduces the developmental dimension relevant to working with diverse learners. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder focuses the program more specifically on autism, while Early Intervention and Assessment Strategies in Autism addresses intervention and assessment within that specialization.
Curricula in Inclusive and Special Needs Education examines curriculum within inclusive educational settings. Pedagogy and Assessment Practices in Inclusive and Special Needs Education adds teaching and assessment as another central component.
The elective group allows students to study one additional area involving assistive technology, home-based therapies, or parenting education.
Research Project and Internship
Practical study carries six credits.
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EDCE 478 Research Project — 3 credits
-
EDCE 479 Internship — 3 credits
The research project places academic inquiry within the program, while the internship provides a separate practical component.
Together, these courses connect the taught areas of developmental psychology, autism, curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and inclusive education with structured research and field-based learning.
Eligibility
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
The program is therefore open at postgraduate diploma level to graduates from different academic disciplines. A previous bachelor’s degree specifically in education is not stated as a requirement.
Applicants should distinguish this program from the Diploma in Inclusive and Special Needs Education and the one-year Master in Inclusive and Special Needs Education. These are separate qualifications with different academic levels and entry requirements.
Admission and Entrance
Admission and entrance procedures follow the rules and regulations of Kathmandu University.
The stated academic eligibility for the PGDE is a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Application, entrance, selection, and enrollment operate through the requirements applicable to the relevant KUSOED admission cycle.
The program’s curriculum, examinations, results, academic completion, and postgraduate diploma award also operate within Kathmandu University regulations.
Learning Arrangement
The PGDE is offered through blended and face-to-face learning.
This arrangement fits KUSOED’s wider use of multimodal pedagogy for postgraduate diploma and master’s programs. The course also includes direct practical requirements through its research project and internship.
Who May Consider This Program?
The program may suit bachelor’s graduates interested in postgraduate study related to inclusive education, special educational needs, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Its curriculum is particularly aligned with academic or professional interests in:
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Inclusive education
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Special needs education
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Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Developmental psychology
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Early intervention
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Educational assessment
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Inclusive curriculum
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Teaching and learning for diverse learners
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Assistive technology
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Parenting education
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Educational research
Professional roles after the diploma depend on a graduate’s previous education, experience, competencies, and the requirements of individual schools, organizations, or support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of PGDE in Inclusive and Special Needs Education?
The program has a duration of one year and is organized across two semesters.
How many credits does the program carry?
The PGDE carries 30 credits.
What is the specialization of the program?
The current program is specialized in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
What is the eligibility requirement?
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Does the program include an internship?
Yes. EDCE 479 Internship is a three-credit practical course.
Does the PGDE include research work?
Yes. EDCE 478 Research Project carries three credits.
Are there elective courses?
Yes. Students select one three-credit elective from Assistive Technology in Education, Home-Based Therapies for Special Needs, or Parenting Education.
What learning arrangement does the program use?
The program is offered through blended and face-to-face learning.
