Introduction
The Cross-Cultural Issues in SEND module will help you to develop your knowledge and understanding of cultural and community influence on pupils, families and their ensuing relationship with your educational setting. You will have the opportunity to focus on the issues of most relevance to your setting, while also increasing your knowledge of theoretical perspectives on multiculturalism, identity, and community.
With the support of your tutor, you will research how intersectionality can impact a sense of belonging for children with special educational needs in your local context, drawing up an action plan to drive meaningful improvements in inclusive practice and community cohesion.
The range of relevant cultures and communities will vary according to your setting, but could include groups related to ethnicity, religion, sexuality, socio-economic, political or even online communities.
This module is one of the recommended modules on our Masters in Pastoral Care, but when combined with other modules can also be completed as part of one of our other Masters programmes: Autism, Educational Assessment, SEND and Inclusion Programme or Inclusive Educational Leadership Programme.
This programme is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion.
Why study Cross-Cultural Issues in SEND?
Choose this module and:
- Identify and understand the historical context, beliefs, attitudes and values held by the cultures and/or communities linked to your setting, and how these underpin their relationship to education.
- Formulate a working knowledge of local provision and community resources in order to promote inclusive practice in your setting.
- Build an awareness of the importance of self- and group identity, the ways in which this can be promoted, and the consequences of self- and group isolation.
- Identify areas of improvement and learn how to lead effective change at a whole-school level. This could be anything from coaching staff about unconscious bias and trauma-informed practice to improving communication with EAL parents or identifying local community partners or reviewing the PSHE curriculum.
- Achieve 30 level 7 credits that you could put towards further study on any of our Masters programmes.
Select your study style and dates
Online – self paced
Study at your own pace and time
Info & dates
Cohorts begin in January, May and September.
The next cohort begins on 15 September 2025. Book and register before 15 September 2025 to join our next cohort.
Course content
- An introduction to multiculturalism: history, legislation, controversies
- The importance of identity, belonging, group theory, and the consequences of isolation
- The history, attitudes, beliefs and values of an identified set of communities or cultures relevant to the student’s setting
- Characteristics and goals of multicultural education
- Initiative and interventions to support cultural and community cohesion
- The role of external agencies in supporting education in the context of multiculturalism and diverse communities
Course details
How will you benefit?
This module will benefit you and your setting in a wide variety of ways. Over the duration of the course, you will:
- Develop your knowledge of theoretical perspectives on multiculturalism, identify and community
- Have the opportunity to focus on a specific cultural and community group(s) which you experience in your setting, and identify how local provision can be used to enhance the learning experience
- Build confidence when working with external agencies
- Become a leader for change by establishing a plan for guiding your setting towards a cohesive approach to multiculturalism and community settings
How is the module delivered?
- Our courses are delivered through Campus Online, our unique provision for online learning.
- Campus Online allows you to study at your own pace, without the need to travel, or commit to particular dates or times. Log in to access your study materials, contact your personal tutor for support, connect and network with other delegates and make use of the extensive resource library.
- You can easily track your progress throughout the course and submit your work and evidence of assignments for feedback.
How will you be assessed?
This module is made up of three formative assignments:
- Masters Assignment 1 – This is a critical analysis which encourages a review of an identified cultural or community group important to your setting. In this assignment you will explore the beliefs, attitudes, values and perspectives which are linked to this group and how to overcome challenges such as group isolation.
- Masters Assignment 2 – This is a practice analysis which facilitates a review of the experiences of different cultural and community groups within your setting. You will identify excellent inclusive practice and review how systems can be improved.
- Masters Assignment 3 – This is a reflective practical analysis of the module; your experiences around the knowledge gained and your plans to strategically develop inclusive practice further.
Are you eligible?
- You will need to hold an undergraduate degree.
- You will need to be working in an educational setting for this module. If you aren’t currently working in an educational setting you will need written permission from a senior member of staff to regularly access a setting.
Are you based in an international setting?
This module is available online and can therefore be completed anywhere in the world. The programme content is designed and written with both UK and international settings in mind.
Please click here for advice on payment options and other information relevant to those studying outside of the UK.
Choose a start date that suits you
Cohorts begin in January, May and September.
The next cohort begins on 15 September 2025. Book and register before 15 September 2025 to join our next cohort.
How much does the course cost?
We offer a flexible range of fees to suit your finances:
- A one-off payment of £1,525 + VAT
- Three instalments of £533 + VAT
- Ten instalments of £165 + VAT
For further information please visit the payment FAQ page found here.
Speak to us (01273 358080) or make a booking.
How long does it take to complete the course?
You will have up to a year to complete this course.
We do understand, however, that circumstances can arise that could prevent the course from being completed during this time. If this is the case, an extension can be arranged in conjunction with the admin team and your tutor.
Module leader

Module Lead
Mariya is an Assistant Principal and SENDCO in a large inner-city mainstream secondary school in West Yorkshire. She has worked in a range of settings from Early Years, Primary and currently Secondary to Post-16, with over ten years of teaching experience as a class teacher, SENDCO and Inclusion Leader.
She works within a large multi academy trust and has an important role in developing and implementing strategic SEND systems.