Course Summary
This programme is designed specifically to assist teachers in meeting the learning needs of students with special educational needs. The programme blends extensive theory and practice in relation to special and inclusive education.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must be graduates and qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland. Potential applicants must therefore have a designated teaching role in relation to students with special educational needs. The full eligibility requirements are outlined in the relevant Department of Education Circular. 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.
Application Details
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.
Start Date: September 2025.
Fees
Total Fees: €4,300
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
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.
Duration
Study Hours
During the 8-week block release live lectures normally take place between 9am and 4pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 3.00pm Friday. 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
This programme includes a block release from school/centre for a total of eight weeks for face-to-face lectures at the ATU St Angelas campus. The programme also includes online learning and attendance on a maximum of four Saturdays (virtual) during the year. It includes supervised work in the teachers’ own schools/centres and supported ongoing study throughout the year using a variety of modes of delivery. 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.