HEPVS - Haute école pédagogique du Valais

Programme overview

This Master en enseignement spécialisé is a 120 ECTS programme delivered over six semesters on a part‑time basis (approximately 50–60% workload) so candidates can typically remain employed in a school while they study. The course is decentralised across three sites (Lausanne, St‑Maurice and Brigue) and leads to a diplome in pédagogie spécialisée recognised by the CDIP and to a Master of Arts en enseignement spécialisé (Bologna‑compatible).

What you'll study

The curriculum is organised around three training domains: theoretical, practical and scientific. Theoretical modules provide conceptual tools to understand learning, developmental and social dimensions relevant to special education. Practical training is embedded across the programme and includes supervision at the workplace each semester, a field‑consultation component (40 hours of interviews and visits) to analyse practice with specialised teachers, and four two‑day observation placements to sample varied special education contexts. Scientific elements comprise research‑focused modules and seminars that prepare students to write the professional Master’s thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants holding an initial teaching qualification in order to enter the MAES. Candidates without an initial teaching diploma but holding a Bachelor in a neighbouring field (logopédie, psychomotricité, sciences de l’éducation, éducation sociale, pédagogie spécialisée, psychologie, ergothérapie) may be admitted after completing the required complementary courses in ordinary teaching (prestations complémentaires en enseignement ordinaire, PCEO MAES). The next cohort starts in August 2027; applications open 15 October 2026 and close 31 March 2027. For admission enquiries use admission‑maes@hepvs.ch.

Career prospects

Graduates receive a HEP‑VS teaching diploma recognised by the CDIP, permitting teaching in Switzerland’s special education system. They also obtain a Master of Arts en enseignement spécialisé whose alignment with the Bologna framework supports recognition across Europe.

Scholarships & funding angle

Administrative costs and small semester charges apply: registration fee CHF 100 (payable to HEP Vaud), tuition fee CHF 300 per semester and a study cost contribution of CHF 100 per semester. The programme page lists external scholarship sources such as Educa Swiss, Fondation suisse d’études and the Canton of Valais; candidates should consult those bodies and institution guidance for eligibility and application procedures.