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Special education

Enrol at HEP Vaud

This information is aimed specifically at UNIL students to help them prepare for teaching. They are given for information only. The admission requirements apply only to the Haute Ecole Pédagogique in the canton of Vaud. You are advised to consult the HEP-Vaud website () for the most up-to-date information. For information on the other HEPs, visit the website of the Swiss Conference of Rectors of the Swiss Universities  Swiss Conference of Rectors of the Swiss Universities.

Specialised teaching

Special education is aimed at children and young people between the ages of 4 and 20 who are experiencing difficulties in their development and their ability to learn. Special education involves working with pupils with special educational needs, whether or not they have a disability. Specialised early education covers support and prevention activities for children aged 0 to 6.

The HEP Vaud offers a Master's degree in specialised teaching, as well as a Master's degree in specialised early childhood education (in collaboration with the University of Geneva). These two courses are aimed primarily at holders of a teaching diploma. However, they are open to certain diplomas awarded by UNIL, in return for additional ECTS credits, most of which must be completed before enrolling in these two programmes. The aim of this additional training is to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of teaching in ordinary schools.

The Master's degree in specialised teaching is open to holders of a Bachelor's degree in psychology, a Master's degree in movement and sport sciences with a focus on adapted physical activities and health, or a Master's degree in educational sciences and practices. This three-year course can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

The Master's degree in early special education is open to holders of a university bachelor's degree in psychology. This theoretical and practical training combines elements of psychology, medicine, sociology and law specific to the field of early special education.