Special Education - Sligo St. Angela's

This programme is designed specifically to assist teachers in meeting the learning needs of students with special educational needs. The programme blends extensive theory and practice in relation to special and inclusive education. Participants accepted onto the Masters stage of the programme will have achieved an increased level of competence and confidence within the Professional Studies in Special Education pathway. They will also be looking forward to choosing the area of study for their MA dissertation and beginning to reflect on possible research methodologies for their dissertation.



Who should apply?

This programme is designed for teachers who are eligible to apply under the terms of the Department of Education. The programme is for registered teachers who are currently working as Special Education Teachers in recognised primary schools including special schools and recognised post-primary schools. Applications are also invited from qualified teachers employed by ETBs as literacy/numeracy tutors in Youthreach, Community Projects or in the Prison Service.

Postgraduate Diploma:

Inclusion: Perspectives and Implications for Practice Assessment

Planning and Applications

Curricular Issues for Special Educational Needs

Implications of Educational Disability

Specialist Study

To be eligible, applicants must be graduates and qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland. Potential applicants must therefore have a designated teaching role in relation to students with special educational needs. The full eligibility requirements are outlined in the relevant Department of Education Circular. In order to be considered for the MA, applicants require an award of H2.2 or higher in the Postgraduate Diploma.



Recognition of Prior Learning: Yes.

Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.



For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.

1 year full-time blended delivery.



Study Hours

During the 8-week block release live lectures normally take place between 9am and 4pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 3.00pm Friday. Each 15 credit module holds a total student effort of 300 hours. Total student effort comprises contact hours, tutor directed study and independent study.



On-Campus Attendance

This programme includes a block release from school/centre for a total of eight weeks for face-to-face lectures at the ATU St Angelas campus. The programme also includes online learning and attendance on a maximum of four Saturdays (virtual) during the year. It includes supervised work in the teachers’ own schools/centres and supported ongoing study throughout the year using a variety of modes of delivery. The Advanced Research module is delivered exclusively online, with the exception of one half-day on-campus workshop. This is held in late January, usually on a Saturday.

Progression Pathways

Many of our Masters programmes are structured in a way that includes recognised entry and exit awards. This means that you can apply for part of Masters first and learn at your own pace or if you are unable to complete the full programme, you can still gain a recognised qualification. Our entry and exit awards typically include Postgraduate Certificate award and a Postgraduate Diploma award.