Course Summary
The aim of this programme is to enable students to explore and understand the core issues relating to the Inclusive Education of a range of groups of learners who are at risk of exclusion from, or reduced participation within, the education system, whether on basis of (dis)ability, or social, cultural or linguistic background, It also aims to familiarise students with the latest national and international research in relation to Inclusive Education.
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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
An honours Primary Degree is required
Prior qualification and experience in the area of Additional Educational Needs/Inclusive Education desirable.
Graduates who achieve a 2.1 degree or higher on the full-time UCD Graduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education have the option of applying to transfer directly into Year 2 of the MEd Inclusive Education and obtaining this qualification by completing one module in Research Methods and a thesis.
We are also offering direct entry to MEd Inclusive Education programme for applicants who hold a UCD Graduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education W424 (previously known as the UCD Graduate Diploma in SEN). The course is a one-year part-time course consisting of 30 ECT credits in total with 20 credits allocated to a thesis and 10 credits allocated to core research methods.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Application Details
The following entry routes are available:
MEd Inclusive Education PT (W425)
Deadline: Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.
Commencing September 2025
Fees
MEd Inclusive Education (W425) Part Time
EU Year 1 - € 5790 de
EU Year 2 - € 5790 de
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.
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
This Masters qualification in Inclusive Education will further the careers of Special Education Teachers, enabling them to perform a co-ordinating and managerial role in relation to provision for pupils with Additional Educational Needs in schools.
It will enhance the knowledge and expertise of aspiring school leaders at all levels within the school.
It will enable SET teachers to apply for national and regional roles within the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), including, but not confined to, the roles of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) and Visiting Teachers providing consultative services to schools.