Special Educational Needs - Professional Studies - Sligo St. Angela's

The aim of this programme is to provide substantial theoretical and practical continuing professional development for those interested in or already working with learners with special educational needs.



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 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 suitable for a wide variety of participants including teachers, graduates, qualified teachers seeking employment, HSE employees, principals, managers, inspectors, and others in the education sector, including psychologists, tutors, occupational therapists, and caregivers and family members of learners with special educational needs.

Postgraduate Gertificate:

Students select two modules from the following suite: Autism, Behaviours that Challenge, Educational Research Methods, General Learning Disabilities, Inclusion for Learning, Literacy, Numeracy.



Specific Learning Difficulties 1 - Communication, Speech and Language Difficulties and Dyslexia.



Specific Learning Difficulties 2 - Dyscalculia, Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder and Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder.



Postgraduate Diploma:

Students complete four of the modules listed above.



Master of Arts:

Advanced Research Dissertation.

Applicants require a Level 8 undergraduate degree (H2.2) or equivalent.



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 student effort of 300 hours. Total student effort comprises contact hours, tutor directed study and independent study.



On-Campus Attendance

Stage 1 modules will include a one-day workshop which may be delivered online or face to face. The Advanced Research module is delivered exclusively online in Semester 1, 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.