Special Educational Needs

The Masters in Special Educational Needs (MSEN) is a blended programme open to qualified experienced teachers working in primary and post-primary schools, in special schools or classes or in other recognised educational centres. The aim of the programme is to develop teachers' knowledge and skills in analysing, critiquing and applying research literature in the area of special and inclusive education and in carrying out research relevant to children and young people with learning difficulties, additional support, or special educational needs.

Applicants must have successfully completed a recognised 60 credit postgraduate diploma programme of continuing professional development for teachers involved in learning support, inclusive or special education. Selection criteria may apply to all candidates.

A qualification of Masters in Special Educational Needs will be awarded to successful course participants by Dublin City University.

Year Two Entry

Successful applicants who have completed a recognised postgraduate diploma programme of continuing professional development for teachers involved in learning support, inclusive or special education will be required to complete an additional 60 credits for the award of MSEN. The 60 credits are normally completed within one academic year and comprise two 15 credit modules and a 30 credit thesis. Module SI801 focuses on research methodologies and Module SI802 addresses curriculum and pedagogy and current issues in inclusive and special education. Students will also complete a 30 credit thesis on an approved topic relating to inclusive and special education. The year usually comprises a week’s summer course, online lectures, and a small number of face-to-face lectures on campus.

Applicants should note that they will be required to submit two formative assessment requirements at the end of August and so will need to be in a position to factor in some time during the Summer vacation for the completion of these requirements.

Summer School
Year two will commence with a Summer School in July, dates TBC.

Saturdays
Face-to-Face lecture dates TBC.

Online lectures
These normally take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between September and November. A small number of online sessions will be scheduled in semester 2.

Academic Structures
Programme Academic Structure for 2023 - 2024, Masters in Special Educational Needs
This information is provisional & subject to change.

Part-time Programme Structure
Year 2 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
SI801 Research Methods 15 Semester 1 0 100 1
SI802 Curriculum, Pedagogy & Current Issues 15 Year long 0 100 1
SI803 Thesis 30 Autumn Semester 0 100 2

Open to qualified experienced teachers working in primary and post-primary schools, in special schools or classes or in other recognised educational centres.
• Eligible applicants will have at least three years' teaching experience

There is no Year 1 entry for this programme

Applicants for entry to MSEN Year Two must have completed a recognised 60 credit postgraduate diploma programme of continuing professional development for teachers involved in learning support, inclusive or special education

Note: There will only be a Year 2 application.

Year 2 Entry
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available at the Application Weblink. Please note the course is only open for Year 2 applications.

Applications close on 10th May 2024.

2 years part-time, blended programme.

Government Agencies
Government Departments
Post Primary Education
Post Primary Schools
Pre School
Primary Schools

The Masters in Special Educational Needs is designed to meet the professional and personal needs of teachers seeking to acquire deep expertise in the area of inclusive and special education. The programme offers participants the opportunity to develop deep understanding of and critique theories and practices relating to inclusive and special education in light of current research and professional experience. Graduates will develop the skills and knowledge to contribute to and lead the development of a culture of critical analysis, research, and innovative practice in inclusive and special education and so have a formative impact on development within schools, workplaces and the broader education community.

The programme will be of interest to teachers who wish to take on a leadership role in relation to inclusive pedagogy within their schools and school areas. Many graduates of the MSEN have also moved into leadership and professional development roles within other relevant educational contexts.