Special Educational Needs - Autism - Sligo St. Angela's

This programme is offered in partnership with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Special Education Section of the Department of Education (DE) for registered teachers of students with Autism. The programme will develop teachers’ knowledge, understanding and skills in working with autistic students. Research methods are critical to successful study at MA level and will incorporate problem-solving activities, action research in professional contexts and the opportunity to link theory and practice in general and in terms of the execution of coursework. 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 Educational Needs - Autism 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?

The programme is for registered teachers who are currently working with students with Autism or will be working with students with Autism for the duration of the programme in recognised Primary schools including Special schools and recognised Post-Primary schools.

What will I study?

Postgraduate Certificate:

Understanding Autism: Theoretical Perspectives and Implications for Practice

Engaging Autistic Students: Assessment and Planning for Teaching and Learning (E)

Autistic Students: Teaching Approaches (E)



(E) = Elective Module



Postgraduate Diploma:

Students complete all three modules listed above, and: Supporting Autistic Students with reference to Emotional Regulation and Promotion of Positive Behaviour.



Master of Arts:

Advanced Research

Dissertation



* All elements within each module are funded by the Special Education Section of the Department of Education and Skills through the National Council for Special Education. Applicants will be responsible for payment of a fee of €300 per module and will be invoiced by ATU St Angelas.

This programme is for registered teachers who are currently working with students with Autism or will be working with students with Autism for the duration of the programme in recognised Primary schools including Special schools and recognised Post-Primary schools. 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.

3 years part-time blended delivery.



Study Hours

Each 15 credit module holds a total participant effort of 300 hours. This usually encompasses contact hours, directed study, and independent study.



On-Campus Attendance

The Postgraduate Certificate requires a minimum of eighteen days release from school. The Postgraduate Diploma requires a minimum of thirty-seven days release from school. 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.