Hello,

I am planning to pursue a PhD and would need advice if 'special education' as the concentration is a good choice in today's world. I do not know the career opportunities it might bring.

Define special education?

Hi, special education is for children with special needs

Anyone in social sciences with any thoughts on this?

You are not very specific. Therefore, it is hard to answer your question. I did my PhD on EALs (children learning English as an additional language). In other words, children with special educational needs. When I wrote my research proposal I was truly interested in the subject and I didn't think much about my career options. Now I am 4 months after my viva and I haven't found the job related to EALs (despite the fact that there are 1,000 000 children in the UK). Fortunately, my study was purely quantitative (randomised controlled trial) and I hope that my skills can be used in other sectors. Besides, I applied through my university for a grant related to EALs. My advice: Go for it if you are really interested in the topic. Be flexible. Focus ion developing transferable skills. Create job opportunities. Be positive and don't think too much about 'the career opportunities it might bring'.

Hi. If you are interested in a career with special needs learners, I would have though a PGCE with SEN specialism would be better than a PhD. There are quite a few around. I know some people who do it as a job and they love it, but it's very tough, hard work.