ATU - Sligo St. Angela's
Special Educational Needs - Autism
Programme Description
This programme is for registered teachers who are eligible to apply under the criteria as outlined by the Special Education Section of the Department of Education (DE) in the relevant Circular which can be accessed from the website www.stangelas.ie and www.education.ie
The programme is designed for registered teachers who are currently working with autistic students or will be working with autistic students for the duration of the Programme in recognised Primary schools, including Special schools, and recognised Post-Primary schools.
The programme is designed specifically to assist teachers in meeting the learning and teaching needs of autistic students. Potential applicants must therefore have a teaching role in relation to autistic students.
The programme is offered in partnership between CSENID, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Special Education Section of the DE for registered teachers. The programme will develop teachers' knowledge, understanding and skills in working with autistic students.
All elements within each module are funded by the Special Education Section of the DE through the NCSE. Applicants will be responsible for payment of a fee of €300 per module and will be invoiced by St. Angela's College.
Subjects taught
Programme Content and Structure
Students may exit after year one (two modules) and graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate (Special Educational Needs - Autism Spectrum Disorder) NFQ Level 9.
Postgraduate Certificate Modules are:
• Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (Core module)
• Assessment, Planning and Curricular Access or
• Teaching Approaches
Students graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma (Special Educational Needs - Autism) NFQ Level 9, following successful completion of four modules. Students have two years to complete the Postgraduate Diploma.
Postgraduate Diploma Modules are:
• Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Assessment, Planning and Curricular Access
• Teaching Approaches
• Self-Management and Behaviour
The practicum element is a compulsory component of both the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma.
Entry requirements
The programme is designed for registered teachers who are currently working with autistic students and will be working with autistic students for the duration of the programme in recognised Primary schools, including Special schools, and recognised Post-Primary schools.
Duration
One year for Postgraduate Certificate; One/Two years for Postgraduate Diploma; Two/Three years for MA
Post Course Info
Programme Outcomes and Progression
This specialist qualification enhances graduates to progress in their educational setting. It enables them to effectively meet the needs of autistic students. It provides graduates with the skills necessary to affect whole school collaboration and implement inclusive practice. Graduates of this programme have the option to pursue a Master of Arts (Special Educational Needs - Autism) also offered at St. Angela's College, Sligo.