Special Educational Needs - Autism Spectrum Disorder

The programme is offered in partnership with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Special Education Section of the Department of Education and Skills (DES) for registered teachers of students with ASD. The programme will develop teachers knowledge, understanding and skills in working with students with ASD.

Students may exit after year one (two modules) and graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate (Special Educational Needs - Autism Spectrum Disorders) NFQ Level 9.

Students completing the full programme (four modules) will graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma (Special Educational Needs - Autism Spectrum Disorders) NFQ Level 9.

Subjects taught

Postgraduate Certificate Modules are:

• Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (Core module)
• Assessment, Planning and Curricular Access
or
Teaching Approaches

Postgraduate Diploma Modules are:

• Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Assessment, Planning and Curricular Access
• Teaching Approaches
• Self-Management and Behaviour

Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate level may progress to the Postgraduate Diploma level. Successful completion of two additional modules together with the necessary course work will lead to an award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs (ASD). The practicum is a compulsory component of both the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements
The programme is for registered teachers who are currently working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or will be working with students with ASD 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 students with ASD. Potential applicants must therefore have a teaching role in relation to students with ASD.

Application dates

The Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma (Special Educational Needs - Autism Spectrum Disorder) Circular (0011/2021) is now available for download from the Department of Education and Skills website with the .pdf version available here: PG SEN-ASD Circular 0011/2021??

Please complete the Online Application Form for the Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma (Special Educational Needs - Autism Spectrum Disorder) as a declaration of interest in pursuing Postgraduate study at St. Angela's College, Sligo.

Please read instructions fully BEFORE commencing the online application process.

For any queries, please contact the School of Education: Maxine Gilmartin mgilmartin@stangelas.nuigalway.ie

Duration

Two Years for Postgraduate Diploma
One Year for Postgraduate Certificate

Post Course Info

Further Education
Graduates of this programme also have the option to pursue a Master of Arts (Special Educational Needs - Autism Spectrum Didorders) also offered at St. Angela's College, Sligo.

Career Opportunities
This specialist qualification enhances graduates to progress in their educational setting. It enables them to effectively meet the needs of students with autism. It provides graduates with the skills necessary to affect whole school collaboration and implement inclusive practice.