Inclusive & Special Education

During the first year, you will develop the knowledge and skills in key areas of inclusive and special educational provision and planning at school and class level. In particular, you will gain a deeper understanding of dyslexia and autism. If you continue to year two, you will develop your assessment skills to accurately identify an individual’s level of performance, strengths and areas for development.



Benefit from the flexibility of online learning

The course is delivered entirely online, so you can study anywhere. Once you complete all three modules in your first year, you can exit the course with a certificate. Alternatively, if you’re in a teaching role, you can continue to the second year to complete the diploma module.



As a graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skillset to pursue a career in this deeply rewarding sector, including positions in special education teaching or special schools.



This programme aims:

To offer professional development to individual teachers in the areas of inclusive and special education.

To develop teachers’ knowledge, skills and competencies in relation to inclusive and special education.

To create a community of learners, who will communicate and collaborate with each other in support of the teaching and learning of pupils with special and additional learning needs.

To enrich the special educational knowledge, skills and competencies of other Graduates (non-teachers) or those holding equivalent qualifications with significant experience of working in an educational, training or educational-related professional context.

The Diploma takes two years to complete - however, students can request to exit with the Certificate award after completion of Year 1.

Year 1 Cert

The programme includes three Certificate modules in Year 1:Inclusion and Special Educational Needs, Understanding Dyslexia, Understanding Autism.

Total: 20 credits

Minimum study time: One year



Diploma

Completion of three Certificate modules plus one year long Diploma module: Individually Relevant Learning.

Total: 30 credits

Minimum study time: 2 years



This online programme expects students to actively engage with classmates and course content through responding to learning activities by reflecting on your own experiences and practice. There will be a small number of synchronous (live) lectures in each module. These will be scheduled in the evening time.



In addition, you are expected to communicate and collaborate with your colleagues in support of the development of a community of learners.



Programme Structure

Module Code / Module Title / Credit / Semester

SI420 / Inclusion and Special Educational Needs / 10 / Semester 1, Year 1

SI421 / Understanding Autism / 5 / Semester 2, Year 1

SI422 / Understanding Dyslexia 5 / Semester 2, year 1

SI902A / Individually Relevant Learning / 10 / Year 2 – Year long module

Application is open to qualified teachers, at Primary and Post-primary level, Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) and other non-teaching professionals who hold a recognised qualification, Level 8 degree, from an awarding institution in Ireland or elsewhere with experience working in an educational, training or education-related professional context.



Candidates must submit the following:

· Certified academic transcripts for each and every year of study



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Candidates: All RPL applicants are advised to contact the programme chair to confirm their eligibility before they apply. RPL Candidates must submit a Personal Statement, Transcripts, Reference and CV. RPL applicants are encouraged to contact the RPL hub at rpl@dcu.ie for any further advice.



Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details below.

Applications Closing Dates:

Applications will be accepted until the programme is full.



EU Applicants: 31st July 2025

Non EU Applicants: 1st July 2025

2 years part-time, online.

On successful completion of the three Certificate modules, students can exit with the Certificate award or continue to the Diploma module.

On successful completion of the Diploma module, students are eligible to exit with the Diploma award.



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Careers

On successful completion of the three Certificate modules, students can exit with the Certificate award or continue to the Diploma module.



On successful completion of the Diploma module, students are eligible to exit with the Diploma award.



DCU Career Services

"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.



DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."