Masters in Inclusive and Special Education

The Masters/Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education has been developed jointly by Hibernia College and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology (ICEP) Europe and is currently pending validation.

The programme aims to give teachers a thorough professional knowledge and understanding of special educational needs and learning difficulties and is underpinned by the latest national and international research.

The modular structure and online model of delivery make this programme particularly suitable to teachers seeking a more flexible postgraduate option due to personal circumstances, work or other commitments.

Programme Outcomes

The Masters/ Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education is designed to meet the professional and personal needs of teachers working with pupils with special and additional learning needs in diverse educational settings.

This part-time, online programme will empower early years, primary, post-primary and special education teachers with the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies to provide an inclusive and quality education for all. It will be of particular interest to special education teachers and those who may wish to take on coordinating or leadership roles in a range of educational contexts relevant to inclusion and special education.

It may also be relevant to other professionals involved in the education and support of learners with additional needs.

The programme enables educators to acquire a deep understanding of core issues within the field of inclusive and special education. Educators will develop their skillset and acquire knowledge and expertise in carrying out educational research relevant to inclusion and learners with diverse, special, or additional needs.

Graduates may use the knowledge and skills developed during the programme to expand their career opportunities — to become more specialised lead teachers in their schools, to take on educational leadership or management roles or to work in the field of education policy and practice. Others may continue their studies to Doctorate level.

It also enables teachers and others to become change agents within schools, other educational settings, and the wider education community by promoting and leading inclusive pedagogy through innovative, evidence-informed practice underpinned by a research culture in inclusive and special education.

Programme Structure

This blended programme will be delivered mainly online, providing a flexible route to specialist training for educators, and will be offered on a modular, part-time basis offering maximum flexibility.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Inclusive and Special Education comprises four taught modules (15 ECTS each) and can be completed in one year. Students can take longer if they wish.

The Master of Arts in Inclusive and Special Education comprises four taught modules (15 ECTS each) and a research and dissertation component (30 ECTS) and can be completed in two years or more.

The programme is set up to be flexible, agile and individualised, allowing participants to tailor modules to their own professional specialisation, research areas and personal interests.

Modules are delivered over a 12-week period, as a distance learning module with live classes delivered every second week. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with peers in online class discussions. Modules are based on continuous assessment and there are no exams.

MODULES

Inclusive Education and Special Education Needs is a core module (15 ECTS) and must be completed in the first teaching term, either as a single module or alongside an elective module.

Participants can choose three of the following elective modules:

General Learning Disabilities : Understanding and Best Practice (15 ECTS)
Dyslexia and Literacy (15 ECTS)
Understanding Autism : Effective Management and Teaching Strategies (15 ECTS)
Understanding Behaviour as Communication (15 ECTS)

Those progressing to MA level will also complete a Research Methods module and a 12,000-word thesis (30 ECTS).

Fees

Application Fee
€95 – paid as part of the online application process

Tuition Fees

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Inclusive and Special Education: €5,000 for four taught modules (15 ECTS each).

Continuation to Master of Arts in Inclusive and Special Education: Additional €4,000.

Master of Arts in Inclusive and Special Education : €9,000 for four taught modules (15 ECTS each) and a research and dissertation component (30 ECTS).

Individual module pricing also available contact: maise@hiberniacollege.net

Tax Relief
Hibernia College is an approved college for the purposes of s.474 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. For further information, please click here .

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a minimum of a Pass, or equivalent, in an honours bachelor degree at NFQ Level 8 in a relevant area.

and

An applicant whose first language/primary mode of expression is not English will be required to produce evidence of English competence.

How can I learn more about the programme?