Education - Autism

The Masters of Education in Autism is designed to meet the professional and personal needs of educators seeking to acquire deep expertise in the area of evidence informed education for autistic pupils. There is a particular focus on the translation of research evidence and theory into best practices in schools.



Graduates will develop the skills and knowledge to effectively collaborate with others and lead the development of a culture of inclusion for autistic pupils in primary, post-primary or special schools, and other recognised educational centres.



During this two-year, part-time programme, you’ll learn more about the neurodiversity paradigm. You’ll also gain a better understanding of neurology and the autistic experience. Furthermore, you’ll study evidence-based approaches to inclusive education, and explore the strengths and characteristics of autistic pupils.



Benefit from practical and theoretical study

This flexible course is delivered in-person and online to facilitate working teachers. As well as core modules, you’ll complete two teaching practice visits to help you see what you’ve learned put into practice. You’ll also master relevant research methods and submit a dissertation on a topic of your choice.



Once you graduate, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to pursue special education teacher roles or lead inclusive education programmes for autistic pupils.



For more information, you can read this Department of Health report on ‘Estimating Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in the Irish Population: A review of data sources and epidemiological studies (2018)



The role of evidence-informed practice in the classroom, innovative approaches to collaboration, and whole-school approaches to supporting inclusion will be emphasised in this programme. Learners will also master a range of relevant research methods and complete a level 9 dissertation.



You will take five core modules in first year, with classes delivered on campus and online. There will be two teaching practice visits to scaffold translation of programme content to professional practice. Second year will comprise three modules focusing on collaborative practice, whole-school inclusion and educational inquiry and thesis.

he Master of Education in Autism (MEdA) programme is being offered as a two-year level 9 blended Master level programme open to teachers working in primary and post-primary schools, or in special schools or classes. Participants will be eligible to apply who hold a Level 8 qualification in education, at minimum H2.2 and be registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland (or its equivalent in other jurisdictions). Additionally, participants must also be working with pupils on the autism spectrum for the duration of their enrolment on the MEdA. Standard entry procedures for international applicants and for applicants with disabilities apply.



Applicants should meet the minimum entry criteria outlined above and will be interviewed to assess their application. Each interview will be scored according to a predetermined criterion, with places being offered to those with the highest scores.



Direct Entry into Year 2

Graduates of two DCU accredited postgraduate qualifications may be considered to enter the 2nd year of the MEdA. These are;

- The Graduate Certificate in the Education of Pupils on the Autism Spectrum (GCEAS), and

- The Graduate Diploma in Inclusive Education, Learning Support and Special Education (GDILS). Selection criteria may apply to all candidates.

2 years part-time

Commences September 2025

This programme will be of interest to educators seeking to hold special education teacher roles or to lead inclusive education provision for autistic pupils across whole school systems.



The number of students on the autism spectrum within the Irish education system increased 83% in the years between 2011 and 2018 (Cambell at al. 2017) and inclusive education provision to diverse groups of young people is the reality in an increasing number of mainstream schools.



This programme supports graduates to learn the skills to work effectively and lead within collaborative whole school settings, student-support teams, and work effectively with colleagues in fostering inclusive practice.



The programme will be of particular interest to:



-Teachers with a post-of-responsibility for special educational needs provision in schools at primary level, post primary level and in adult education settings

-Teachers working in special class settings for autistic pupils in mainstream schools

-Teachers working in special schools who work with autistic pupils

-Teachers who wish to further develop their expertise in the education of autistic pupils in relation to content knowledge and research-informed approaches to evidence informed teaching