This programme, which is organised by the Department of Special Education, is for Learning Support teachers, Resource Teachers, LS/RTs, teachers in Special Schools, qualified teachers who are designated Learning Support or Resource Teachers, and who spend a minimum of 12 hours per week with students who need learning support or special education. Teachers employed by VECs as literacy and/or numeracy tutors in Youthreach, Community Projects or in the Prison Service who meet the criteria in the Circular. This leads to the award of a Graduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs, accredited by the University of Limerick.
This programme provides a broad overview of special educational needs and provision in the Irish context. In addition to offering an in-depth exploration of an SEN area of choice (Autism, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Mild General Learning Disabilities, Emotional & Behavioural Disorders, Down syndrome, etc.) for each participant, this course provides particular expertise in both ICT and the analysis of behaviour.
The course runs from September to May of the following year and involves block release from school for designated periods (a total of eight weeks), and four weekends (Friday evening, Saturday).
| Course Location | |
| Course Qualification | Award / Certificate |
| Awarding Body | University of Limerick |
| Awarding Body Details | Graduate Diploma / M.Ed. in Special Educational Needs |
| Course Duration | One-year programme |
| Course Time | The course runs from September to May of the following year and involves block release from school for designated periods (a total of eight weeks), and four weekends (Friday evening, Saturday). |
| Entry Requirements | Please go to the following link for full programme entry requirements: www.mic.ul.ie/postgradstudies/prospectivestudents/Pages/GDMEdinSpecialEducationalNeeds.aspx |
| Career Path | The aims of the programme are to provide substantial theoretical and practical training for teachers working with pupils with special educational needs and for teachers working with pupils requiring learning support teaching. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to acquire a wide range of practical skills, which will be of continuing benefit throughout their careers. Key aspects of the programme include: • Special Educational Needs: Theory, Research and Practice • Exploring Influences on Child Development, Learning and Behaviour • Language, Communication and Literacy • Curricular Provision: Meeting the holistic needs of pupils with SEN • Roles and Responsibilities in relation to SEN • Identifying and Managing SEN • The Enabling Role of ICT Supervised placement in the teacher's own school is an integral part of the programme. Continuous assessment applies throughout the academic year. |
The Structured PhD programme is a four year structured programme which involves coursework in research methods, core and optional discipline specific courses and generic skills and training.
The Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology (DECPsy) is a highly sought-after three-year, full-time professional training course for candidates interested in pursuing a career as an educational psychologist.
This programme consists of six taught modules and a 20,000 word dissertation.
The course is aimed primarily at Language Teachers and other language professionals.
