Course Summary
This programme is offered in partnership with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Special Education Section of the Department of Education (DE) for registered teachers of students with Autism. The programme will develop teachers’ knowledge, understanding and skills in working with autistic students.
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
This programme is for registered teachers who are currently working with students with Autism or will be working with students with Autism for the duration of the programme in recognised Primary schools including Special schools and recognised Post-Primary schools. 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: €600
*All elements within each module are funded by the Special Education Section of the Department of Education and Skills through the National Council for Special Education. Applicants will be responsible for payment of a fee of €300 per module and will be invoiced by ATU St Angelas.
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.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
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
Each 15 credit module holds a total participant effort of 300 hours. This usually encompasses contact hours, directed study, and independent study.
On-Campus Attendance
The Postgraduate Certificate requires a minimum of eighteen days release from school. The Postgraduate Diploma requires a minimum of thirty-seven days release from school. 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.