The postgraduate special education program is professionally designed to extend the competence of teachers to educate and support students with special educational needs in a range of educational settings. It is open to members of professions other than teaching who wish to expand their professional expertise into the area of special education.

Special education is the joint responsibility of special and regular teachers working closely together with parents, and in transdisciplinary teams with other professionals such as school psychologists and speech/language pathologists. Education appropriate to each student’s level of development and in the least restrictive environment is a fundamental principle underlying special education. These courses do not lead to teacher registration in South Australia.

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification in education, disability studies, psychology, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or a closely related discipline from an approved tertiary institution.