The master specialisation Learning Problems and Impairments offers you a combination of theories about learning problems and impairments and intervention and prevention strategies from a developmental perspective.

Learning Problems and Impairments is one of the nine specialisations of the master’s programme in Education and Child Studies that you can choose at Leiden University.

More than 15% of all school age children have learning problems. They experience severe difficulties in learning one or more basic skills or fail to meet general requirements. Preschools and schools for primary and secondary education need professionals who can define the problems and find evidence based solutions.

During this specialisation you’ll learn to recognize and treat common learning problems such as dyslexia, hyperlexia and dyscalculia, as well as learning problems caused by ADHD, ADD, or speech and language disorders. The training focuses on the knowledge and skills required for research or teaching.

Why choose this specialisation?

The Learning Problems and Impairments programme is intended for you, if you wish to:

• Acquire in depth knowledge about a socially crucial topic. School dropout and low literacy have serious economic consequences, and on a personal level learning problems cause suffering;
• Familiarize yourself with learning processes in children aged 3 to 18, and the factors that may cause learning disabilities;
• Learn about the promises of technology in home and educational contexts delivered via computers, tablets, smartphones or the Internet;
• Design and test action plans;
• Design and test interventions in order to close the gap between high and low achievers at an early stage.

Career prospects

With the knowledge and skills you have acquired in the programme Learning Problems and Impairments, you can apply for a variety of jobs, for instance in

Career

• Education: in school supervision departments, schools for special education, and teacher training colleges;
• Policy development , for instance national pedagogical centers, expertise centers or local administration;

Career Services

At the Career Services counsellors will give you advice and information on planning your career, whether you have just started your master’s study or have already graduated. Each of Leiden’s seven faculties has its own career services department, with specific expertise and resources related to the faculty’s programmes.

In addition, as a master’s student you have access to our web-based resources, which include career step plans, job seeking strategies and self-assessment tools. The Career Services desk also offers a range of relevant workshops. If you prefer a personalised approach, you can make an appointment for an individual counselling session with your departmental career counsellor.

Specifically, you are welcome at the Career Services for advice and information on:

• What are the possibilities with my Master’s degree?
• Which jobs suit my profile?
• Workshops and events: Which job possibilities are there and how to apply?
• Career tests
• Internships and job vacancies
• CV and LinkedIn check