Introduction to UDL - Learning & Teaching with Variability in Mind - Micro-credential

This programme is aimed at but not exclusive to early childhood, primary and post-primary teachers/educators and teacher educators. The micro-credential will explore the move away from thinking about learning, teaching and assessment in terms of ability and disability to thinking in terms of designing learning, teaching and assessment experiences from the mindset of variability. The course begins with developing an understanding of the concept of variability before exploring the key concepts of UDL. Through discussions, professional reflections on practice and the critical examination of a chosen learning, teaching and assessment experience, the participant will develop a knowledge and understanding of the three principles of the UDL Guidelines and begin applying these principles to their practice.



At the end of the micro-credential students will be able to:



Explain the concept of variability.



Discuss the key concepts of UDL.



Critically reflect on the goals of their learning, teaching and assessment design and delivery through a UDL lens.



Discuss the three principles of UDL in the context of their educational setting and practice.



Apply appropriate aspects of the UDL guidelines to their learning, teaching and assessment planning, design and deliver.



Redesign a learning, teaching and assessment experience to make one change based on their understanding of variability and the UDL guidelines.

Applicants should have a minimum 2.2 grade, honours (NFQ level 8) Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline or an equivalent international qualification.



Practitioners who do not hold a primary degree but who have significant relevant experience (in education, social care, health care, youth work, justice system) can apply through Maynooth University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Further information on RPL can be found on the RPL website.



Applicants who wish to apply via RPL must submit a completed RPL form with their application. Click the following link to access a copy of the RPL application form.



Minimum English language requirements: For more information on the minimum English language requirements, please see link to Maynooth University's Micro-credentials Entry Requirements.

Closing Date : 07 September 2024



Online application only



PAC Code MMC37 / MMC38



The following documents should be uploaded to your online application form:



Valid passport/passport card OR birth certificate.



Marriage certificate (for students who wish to register in their married name).



Official university degree parchment or transcript (if applying with a qualification). In such cases, the transcript/parchment must include full name, name of the qualification, conferring date and name of awarding body.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application form (if applying as a professional with relevant experience)



Note: failure to provide all necessary documents will result in a delay to your application being processed.



Are you interested in this course but find the current start date doesn't suit you? Register your interest by completing this short form to be among the first to know when the next course delivery dates are confirmed.

6 weeks, part-time



The programme will be blended. Participants will attend two full in-person Saturday (21 September and 2 November 2024) workshops in Maynooth University, and five 2.5-hour online sessions on the following Thursday evenings:



26 September

3 October

10 October

17 October

24 October

31 October-TBC

Starting 21 September 2024.

Internationally, education and other systems are showing growing interest in UDL with increasing evidence around its effectiveness in creating more inclusive classrooms across education sectors. As a result many human service sectors, including education, health care, and social work are interested in embedding a UDL approach to support inclusion into their organisations.



This micro-credential will provide applicants with a deep understanding of UDL and its impacts, and empower them to enact UDL and inclusive practices in the context of their particular sector and context.



Professionals with these skills, values and knowledge-bases are increasingly in demand.



While this micro-credential is aimed at early childhood, primary and post-primary teachers/educators and teacher educators it is also suitable for policy makers, curriculum designers, teacher support services, further and higher education educators, and health and social care sectors. It will cater for new career entrants, mid-career professionals, and senior managers and leaders.