Graduate Diploma/M Ed in Special Education
Programme Overview
The aim of this one-year postgraduate programme in Special Education is to provide substantial theoretical and practical continuing professional development to teachers working with students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). From the broad perspective of inclusive practice, and general special education policy and practice in Ireland, the programme provides specific inputs in assessment, language, literacy, mathematics, social, emotional and behavioural content areas as well as incorporating ICT at all levels to support instruction and learning.
Key Features
This PGDSE programme is open to all serving teachers who are employed in a position funded by the Department of Education and Skills and who provide Special Education Teaching in recognised Primary schools, Post-Primary schools, and other recognised Educational Services. Teachers serving in special schools and special classes are also eligible to apply. The programme is designed specifically to assist teachers in meeting the learning and teaching needs of students with special educational needs. Potential applicants must therefore have a teaching role in relation to students with special educational needs. Please refer to the circulars listed in Appendix 1 for information on the qualifications necessary for Special Education Teaching posts at Primary and Post-Primary levels and qualifications necessary to teach in Special Schools.
It provides a broad overview of special education and provision in the Irish context. In addition to offering an in-depth exploration of an SEN area of choice (Autism, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Mild General Learning Disabilities, Emotional & Behavioural Disorders, Down syndrome, etc.) for each participant, this course provides particular expertise in both ICT and the analysis of behaviour. The course runs from September to May of the following year and involves block release from school for designated periods (a total of eight weeks) and four Saturdays.
Assessment & Career Opportunities
Six modules focus on both theory and application with a view to change the planning and practice of teachers working with children with additional needs in primary, post-primary and special schools. Assessment modes used include inclusive and special education provision mapping, case study, reflective essay, documentation of planning and teaching, and practise in schools. Supervised placement in the teacher's own educational setting is an integral part of the programme. Continuous assessment applies throughout the academic year.
The PGDSE programme provides opportunities for teachers to progress to management roles in their schools as well as applying for national level posts with agencies and organisations charged with providing CPD for teachers in special education. Successful completion of this graduate diploma provides an access route to the Master’s Degree in Special Education.
For queries relating to the PGDSE course please contact Elaine.Gleeson@mic.ul.ie
M Ed in Special Education
The M Ed programme comprises all the taught modules of the Graduate Diploma programme, a module on research methods and the writing of a dissertation on an approved topic.
For further information on the M Ed in Special Education, please contact Caroline.Coyne@mic.ul.ie or TJ.OCeallaigh@mic.ul.ie
Contacts
For queries on the Postgraduate Diploma in Education please contact:
For queries on the M Ed in Special Education please contact:
