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POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN INCLUSIVE AND SPECIAL EDUCATION
- Qualification
- Postgraduate Diploma In Inclusive And Special Education
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH51L
- Award Type and NFQ level
- Postgraduate Diploma (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 30 June 2025
Overview
This Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs is a recognised postgraduate qualification for teachers working in the area of special educational needs and learning support in mainstream primary and post primary schools and for teachers in special classes/units, special schools and other relevant educational settings. The aim of the programme is to provide substantial theoretical and practical training for teachers working with pupils with special educational needs and pupils who require learning support.
Commencement date - September
Course structure
Duration: 1 year part-time
The programme runs from September until May and is delivered by the Programme Leader supported by a cohort of external lecturers with a wide range of expertise . Issues pertaining to inclusive education and special needs will be explored and teachers are supported in implementing skills to support the learning and teaching of students with special educational needs. The programme also includes supervised work in the teachers’ own school and supported ongoing study throughout the year using a variety of modes of content delivery. Teachers will be required to attend online lectures and workshops every Tuesday and Thursday. There will also be face to face module delivery in Maynooth University for three days in August and two Saturdays in November
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Careers
Graduates of the course will be better equipped to address the ever changing challenges of the modern educational environment in mainstream or special schools. Graduates will be qualified to work as educators in the area of special education.
Entry Requirements
Applicants, who should be qualified teachers, need to meet the following requirements:
Primary: Applicants should have satisfactorily completed their probationary period. They must be qualified teachers who hold
A) a position in a sanctioned post in an area of special education or learning support, or who will be taking up such posts in September.
B) a position as a mainstream class teacher and has contact with children with special educational needs
Post Primary: Applicants must be qualified teachers who hold
A) a position in a sanctioned post in an area of special education or learning support, or who will be taking up such posts in September.
B) a position as a mainstream class teacher and has at least four class periods should be allocated to teaching individuals or groups of not more than four students.
Special Schools: Applicants are also invited from Special School teachers. They must be qualified teachers who hold a position in a sanctioned post in a Special School or who will be taking up such posts in September.
Other Educational Services: Qualified teachers employed by ETBs as literacy and/or numeracy tutors in Youthreach and who are assigned to Learning Support work (with individuals, groups or classes of not more than 15 pupils) for a minimum of 10 hours per week. At least four class periods should be allocated to teaching individuals or groups of not more than four students.
Applicants should be teaching the same group of pupils with special educational needs in their setting over the entire duration of the diploma.
Settings can include: primary mainstream, post primary mainstream, special class, special school and SET.
It is particularly important that, in their schools, teachers participating in the programme are given the type/level of duties and teaching responsibilities (as required by the programme providers) which will permit them to benefit fully from the training being offered.
How to apply
Online application only. To make an application click here.
Applications will close on 30th June 2025— early submission is advised as places are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
As part of the application process you will be required to upload the following:
Transcripts
Evidence of Garda Clearance
Evidence of Teaching Council registration
Two references
Letter from your Principal confirming that you meet the minimum required contact hours with students with SEN (10 hours) and that you are on a fixed contract or in a permanent position.