Course Summary
This one-year, part-time postgraduate diploma programme, formerly know as the Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Special Education (PGDISE), aims to provide substantial theoretical and practical continuing professional development to teachers working with students deemed to have special educational needs and/or who require learning support in primary, post-primary and special schools and other recognised educational settings.
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
Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Special Education (PGDISE)
The programme is open to primary and post-primary teachers who are employed in a position (or shared position) that is funded by the Department of Education and who provide Special Education Teaching in recognised primary schools, post-primary schools, and in other recognised educational services. Teachers serving in special schools and special classes are also eligible to apply. Teachers must teach a minimum of 11 hours in special education each week.
For general queries please contact [email protected].
M Ed in Inclusive Special Education
The M Ed in Inclusive Special Education is only open to eligible graduates of the MIC PGDISE. Participants who successfully complete the programme, and who meet the relevant entry requirements, will be eligible to seek admission to Year 2 of Master's in Inclusive Special Education programme offered in the Faculty of Education in collaboration with the Department of Educational Psychology, Inclusive and Special Education. Credit for completion of the postgraduate diploma will be given to those who progress to the M Ed in Inclusive Special Education programme.
Circular will be available to download here as soon as it is available.
For queries relating to eligibility or M Ed in Inclusive Special Education programme structure, please contact [email protected].
Application Details
Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Special Education (PGDISE)
The MIC online application form for the Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Special Education (PGDISE) will reopen in Spring 2026.
M Ed in Inclusive Special Education – (Eligible PGDISE graduates only)
Apply online.
Eligibility Requirements: The M Ed in Inclusive Special Education is only open to eligible graduates of the MIC Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Special Education (PGDISE). Eligible graduates of the PGDISE must have a minimum 2H1 Award on the PGDISE, and a minimum grade award of B1 on the assignment for module Critical Influences on Child Cognitive Social and Emotional Behavioural Development.
Please Note: This programme is not open to applications from non-EU countries.
Closing date for applications is 4pm, Friday 24 July 2026.
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
Participants who successfully complete the course, and who meet the relevant entry requirements, will be eligible to seek admission to Year 2 of Master's in Inclusive Special Education (M Ed ISE) programme offered in the Faculty of Education in collaboration with the Department of Educational psychology, Inclusive and Special Education. Credit for completion of the postgraduate diploma will be given to those who progress to the M Ed ISE programme.
For queries relating to eligibility or MEd ISE programme structure, please contact [email protected].
Duration
Delivery Mode:
Blended approach, with a mix of online and on campus days in MIC Limerick campus, totalling eight weeks of block release from school and four Saturdays. Full substitution is provided by the DE.