St. Angela's College Sligo

Specific Learning Difficulties

Programme Description
The programme provides a postgraduate qualification for all professionals interested in the area of Specific Learning Difficulties.

Programme Outcomes and Progression
The modules provide a progression pathway to a Master of Arts in SLD. 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 MA stage of the programme will have achieved an increased level of competence and confidence within their chosen 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.

The Advanced Research and Dissertation Modules will provide students with the opportunity to make and implement informed choices regarding professionally relevant areas of research for their dissertation and to do this with the guidance and support of tutors and peers.

The final dissertation will be a maximum of 20,000 words and the topic chosen by the participant must be related to the specific pathway chosen by the participant.

Entry requirements

Level 8 Undergraduate Degree or equivalent.

For students without the relevant academic qualification but with relevant previous experience, recognition for prior learning can be awarded.

Duration

2 - 3 years depending on choice of exit award.

Programme Content and Structure
A modular blended learning programme (which includes e-tivities, discussion boards and some face-toface workshops).

Careers or further progression

The modules provide a progression pathway to a Master of Arts in SLD.

Further enquiries

Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity St. Angela's College
Lough Gill, Sligo.
T: 071 9195552/071 9143580
E: education@stangelas.nuigalway.ie

Subjects taught

Postgraduate Certificate students must complete two modules from the following three modules:
• 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
• Literacy

Postgraduate Diploma students must complete four modules from those listed below.
• 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
• Literacy
• Educational Research Methods*

* For those participants wishing to progress to Masters stage, the completion of the Educational Research Methods module is compulsory together with two modules from the list above.