Education - Inclusive Special Education

Programme Delivery

This programme is delivered in a blended format. The opportunity to experience different ways of engaging aligns the programme with the principles of Universal Design for Learning, allowing choice and flexibility across the programme. Engagement involves attending lectures, seminars and workshops during eight weeks of block-release that is spread out over the course of one academic year. It also includes on-line learning, self-study and reflection and supervised work in teachers’ own schools/centres. Learning also occurs during visits by course supervisors to schools, in dedicated on-line sessions and through engagement with resources through MICs virtual learning platform, Moodle. In order to participate in the programme, teachers will need access to a computer and broadband internet access.



For queries relating to the PGDISE please contact Elaine.Gleeson@mic.ul.ie



Key Features

Eligibility

The programme is open to primary and post-primary teachers who are employed in a position (or shared position) that is funded by the Department of Education and who provide Special Education Teaching in recognised primary schools, post-primary schools, and in other recognised educational services. Teachers serving in special schools and special classes are also eligible to apply. Teachers must teach a minimum of 11 hours in special education each week.



The programme provides a Level 9 qualification that is recognised by the Department of Education for teachers working in the areas of inclusive education, special education and learning support who work in the following roles: Special Education Teacher, Teacher in a Special School, Teacher in a Special Class.



For queries relating to eligibility or PGDISE programme structure, please contact PGDISE@mic.ul.ie



Programme Structure

Participating teachers will engage with four modules across the academic year. Two modules will be covered in autumn, and two in spring.



1. The Theory and Practice of Collaborative Leadership (autumn semester)



2. Assessment, Teaching and Learning in Language, Literacy and Mathematics (autumn semester)



3. Critical Influences on Child Cognitive, Social, Emotional and Behavioural Development (spring semester)



4. Collaborative Practice for Assessment, Teaching and Learning (spring semester)



The course commences with a full day on campus in MIC Limerick in September 2024 Date to be decided.



Thereafter participants are required to attend blocks of lectures across both semesters amounting to eight weeks in total. The dates for block release will be communicated to participating teachers in June 2023. DE-funded substitution is available to the schools/centres of all those who are offered a place on the programme to allow this to occur.



Lectures are normally held continuously from 9.30am - 3.30pm for face-to-face learning in the MIC Limerick Campus. On campus days usually occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays of block release weeks. Mondays and Fridays are usually scheduled for synchronous and synchronous online lectures and activities. There will also be some on-line sessions scheduled in the evening time (usually on Wednesday evenings) during the year. Access to reliable broadband is an essential prerequisite for satisfactory engagement with the PGDISE programme.

Programme Content

The aim of the PGDISE to provide substantial theoretical and practical continuing professional development to teachers working with students deemed to have special educational needs and/or who require learning support in primary, post-primary and special schools and other recognised educational settings.



Indicative modules:

1. The Theory and Practice of Collaborative Leadership (15 ECTs)



2. Assessment, Teaching and Learning in Language, Literacy and Mathematics (15 ECTs)



3. Critical Influences on Child Cognitive, Social, Emotional and Behavioural Development (15 ECTs)



4. Collaborative Practice for Assessment, Teaching and Learning (15 ECTs)

Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Special Education (PGDISE)



The programme is open to primary and post-primary teachers who are employed in a position (or shared position) that is funded by the Department of Education and who provide Special Education Teaching in recognised primary schools, post-primary schools, and in other recognised educational services. Teachers serving in special schools and special classes are also eligible to apply. Teachers must teach a minimum of 11 hours in special education each week.



The DE Circular for 2024-2025 is available in the 'How to Apply' section.



Applications to the Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Special Education are now closed.



For general queries please contact PGDISE@mic.ul.ie



M Ed in Inclusive Special Education



The M Ed ISE is only open to eligible graduates of the MIC PGDISE. Participants who successfully complete the programme, and who meet the relevant entry requirements, will be eligible to seek admission to Year 2 of Master's in Inclusive Special Education (M Ed ISE) programme offered in the Faculty of Education in collaboration with the Department of Educational psychology, Inclusive and Special Education. Credit for completion of the postgraduate diploma will be given to those who progress to the M Ed ISE programme.



Circular will be available to download here as soon as it is available.



For queries relating to eligibility or M Ed ISE programme structure, please contact PGEducation@mic.ul.ie.

Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Special Education

Applications for the Post Graduate Diploma in Inclusive Special Education 2025-26 academic year will open in early Spring 2025.



Fees: The PGDISE is funded by Teacher Education Section of the Department of Education.



Please direct any queries to PGDISE@mic.ul.ie.



M Ed in Inclusive Special Education

The M Ed in Inclusive Special Education is only open to eligible graduates of the MIC Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Special Education (PGDISE). Eligible graduates of the PGDISE must have a minimum 2H1 Award on the PGDISE, and a minimum grade award of B1 on the assignment for module Critical Influences on Child Cognitive Social and Emotional Behavioural Development.



Applications for the M Ed Inclusive Special Education are now open.



To apply, please complete all the steps below:



Download and complete the application form here (application fee Payment Ref Number required).

You will be required to send your university transcripts.

In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.

Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee here using Stripe, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to TaughtProgrammes@mic.ul.ie.

Closing date for applications is 27 June 2025.



For queries relating to eligibility or M Ed in Inclusive Special Education programme structure, please contact PGEducation@mic.ul.ie.

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.

1 year full-time. Blended.



Delivery Mode:

Blended approach, with a mix of online and on campus days in MIC Limerick campus, totalling eight weeks of block release from school and four Saturdays. Full substitution is provided by the DE.

Fees: Programme funded by Teacher Education Section of Department of Education & Skills.

Applications for the Post Graduate Diploma in Inclusive Special Education 2025-26 academic year will open in early Spring 2025.

Progression Opportunities

Participants who successfully complete the course, and who meet the relevant entry requirements, will be eligible to seek admission to Year 2 of Master's in Inclusive Special Education (M Ed ISE) programme offered in the Faculty of Education in collaboration with the Department of Educational psychology, Inclusive and Special Education. Credit for completion of the postgraduate diploma will be given to those who progress to the M Ed ISE programme.



For queries relating to eligibility or MEd ISE programme structure, please contact PGEducation@mic.ul.ie.