Uppsala University granted permission to offer the Special Education Programme
It is now confirmed that a new special education programme will be launched at Uppsala University. The programme is an advanced-level qualification aimed at teachers in all types of schools, from preschool to adult education, as well as those working in child and youth habilitation. It will be an important contribution to educational practice, both locally and nationally, says Gunilla Lindqvist, Professor at the Department of Education.
In 2024, an application was submitted to the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) to establish a special education programme at Uppsala University. The response has now arrived — the university is deemed to have strong prerequisites to offer the programme and has been granted degree-awarding powers. The new programme will begin in the autumn semester of 2027.
- We are very pleased about this opportunity. There is a high demand for special educators, and we know from experience that students from all over the country apply to our programmes. This will also be valuable for us as researchers, since many of our research questions can naturally be linked to the issues and dilemmas that special education students encounter in their daily work,” says Gunilla Lindqvist, Professor and Subject Coordinator in Special Education at the Department of Education.
The Special Education Programme is an advanced-level qualification intended for certified teachers in all school forms within the education system, with at least three years of professional experience. It will be offered as a part‑time programme, allowing students to work while studying. The programme will be located at the Blåsenhus campus, where teacher and education students share facilities with future behavioural scientists, psychotherapists, and psychologists.
- We are often asked whether we offer this programme when we meet practicing preschool and school teachers during professional development activities. Uppsala University already offers the Special Needs Teacher Programme with a focus on language, writing, and reading development, as well as a master’s programme in special education, so the level of expertise among our teachers and researchers is high,” says Petra Gäreskog, Director of Studies for the Special Needs Teacher Programme.