The Supporting Diverse Learners field of study takes a developmental perspective situating young people with special needs and learning difficulties in context in order to better understand their learning and behaviour. It develops the skills, knowledge and values to teach students with a range of diverse abilities and needs, from students with developmental disabilities to those who may have difficulties in learning, as well as those at risk of school failure or disengagement. The field focuses on understanding individual, contextual, and systematic factors that affect learning and behaviour for individuals with learning or special needs including issues associated with assessment, curriculum, pedagogy and whole-life learning.

The Supporting Diverse Learners Field of Study enhances the skills and knowledge of teachers in mainstream and specialist settings and across student cohorts.