Programme Overview

Master of Arts in Special Education offers a level 9 qualification for all professionals interested in Special Education (SE).   

Research methods are critical to successful study at MA level and will incorporate problem-solving activities, action research in professional contexts and the opportunity to link theory and practice in general and in terms of the execution of coursework.  Participants accepted onto the Masters stage of the programme will have achieved an increased level of competence and confidence within the Special Education pathway.  They will also be looking forward to choosing the area of study for their MA dissertation and beginning to reflect on possible research methodologies for their dissertation.  The Advanced Research Module (15 ECTs) will provide students with the opportunity to make and implement informed choices regarding professionally relevant areas of research for their dissertation and to do this with the guidance and support of tutors and peers.  Lectures will take place online with some face-to-face sessions during September and October.  Students use the remainder of the year to carry out research and draft material for their MA Dissertation.

Applications and Selections

The MA Programme comprises of four pathways in the area of Special Educational Needs

  • Professional Studies in Special Educational Needs 
  • Specific Learning Difficulties
  • Special Education
  • Special Educational Needs - Autism

Participants on the MA programme choose their pathway for the MA based on the Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Blended Learning Modules completed. 

Please take note of the following to make completion of the application as easy as possible. 

  • Applications must be completed in one sitting.
  • For the most efficient completion of the application form, please use Google Chrome and Laptop or Computer.
  • Please answer ALL mandatory questions. Please state N/A if not applicable. 

MA SEN Pathways - Progression Form

MA SEN Pathways Application Form - New Students

Required Documentation

On completion of this form please send the below documents to mary.kearns@atu.ie 

  • Certified copy birth, marriage certificate and a certified copy of examination transcripts (actual results and award level) or Teaching Council Registration number, if applicable.  Please note these will not be returned.
  • Please provide IELTS or TOEFL certificate for applicants whose first language is not English.

* Certified copy is a photocopy endorsed and stamped by a member of the Garda Siochana or a Commissioner for Oaths.  In the case of examination transcripts, these must be stamped by awarding college.

Application Fee

Upon completion of this form please pay the €25 non-refundable Application Fee via www.stangelaspayments.com

  • Please enter 00000 in the ‘student no’ field.
  • Choose “Other” as Payment type. 
  • Choose Course Title.  For the MA Pathways choose “Post Grad Education – Application Fees”
  • Then type in the amount you wish to pay i.e. €25 and proceed to enter your card details for payment.

Closing Date: 12th June 2024

Who Teaches this Programme

Requirements and Assessment

Successful completion of stage one, Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education. For more, see HERE 

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Applicants require an award of H2.2 or higher in the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Special Education programme in order to be considered for this MA.


Additional Requirements

Duration

One Year, part-time.

Next start date

Autumn 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

20

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

12th June 2024

NFQ level

Level 9

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

Master of Arts in Special Education

CAO

Programme code

Programme Outline

This MA is considered stage two with a Postgraduate Diploma being completed in stage one, leading to preparation for and completion of a Masters level dissertation. 

Stage Two Modules:

  • Advanced Research (Core)
  • Dissertation (Core)

Participants are required to attend  a mix of face-to-face sessions and online lectures between September and November with a further workshop scheduled to take place in January.  At the end of the series of lectures students will be required to submit a Dissertation Proposal in November.  A tutor will be assigned to you and once your proposal has been deemed successful you can progress on to the dissertation stage. 

Why Choose This Programme?

Career Opportunities

The Masters of Arts in Special Education qualification enables graduates to become change agents within schools, other educational settings, and the broader education community by promoting and leading inclusive pedagogy through innovative evidence-informed practice underpinned by a research culture in inclusive and special education. Many graduates of the Master of Arts (Special Education) have taken on leadership and professional development roles within various educational contexts.

Who’s Suited to This Programme

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Programme Fees

Fees: EU

€4,300

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

 

Fees can be paid securely through our Online Payment Facility

The Total Fees (EU Fees) for this programme can be found on our Fees & Funding webpage - Fees & Funding | ATU - Atlantic Technological University.

Find out More

Ms Mary Kearns
Senior Administrator
School of Education
ATU St Angelas
T: +353(0)71 9179624
E: mary.kearns@atu.ie 

 

                           What Our Students Say

Carmel

Carmel Henehan |   MA Special Educational Needs

The SEN Postgraduate course for teachers was a well organised, collaborative and engaging course. Lecturers provided an interactive and stimulating environment while providing teachers with knowledge and expertise regarding all aspects of SEN. This included opportunities for knowledge exchange with teachers in the group from all over Ireland and with whom we have maintained a support network. Continuing on into the Masters course was very demanding but well supported by college staff. Set in a spectacular setting overlooking Lough Gill, St. Angela's College is very welcoming. Supportive staff including lecturers, library, admin, technology and the friendly canteen service made this a unique and memorable learning experience.

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