Master of Arts in Specific Learning Difficulties
Programme Overview
This Master of Arts in Specific Learning Difficulties offers a level 9 qualification for all professionals interested in Specific Learning Difficulties. Entry onto this Masters programme is based on successful completion of three modules (45 ECTs) from the suite of SEN Online Blended Learning modules offered as part of the Specific Learning Difficulties pathway.
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 Specific Learning Difficulties 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 at 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.
The final dissertation will be a maximum of 20,000 words and the topic chosen by the participant must be related to the Specific Learning Difficulties pathway.
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
This MA follows successful completion (an honours standard) of three modules (45 ECTs) from the suite of SEN Online Blended Learning modules offered as part of the Specific Learning Difficulties pathway. One of these modules must include the Educational Research Methods module. Programme commences in September 2023 with submission of 20,000 word dissertation in Summer 2024.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Level 8 Undergraduate Degree (H2.2) or equivalent. For students without the relevant academic qualification but with relevant previous experience, recognition for prior learning can be awarded.
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 Specific Learning Difficulties
CAO
Programme code
Programme Outline
This MA follows successful completion (an honours standard) of three modules (45 ECTs) from the suite of SEN Online Blended Learning modules offered as part of the Specific Learning Difficulties pathway. One of these modules must include the Educational Research Methods module.
Stage Two Modules:
- Advanced Research (Core)
- Dissertation (Core)
Why Choose This Programme?
Career Opportunities
This MA is suitable for candidates who wish to progress further in their professional sector and are already in employment. It aims to enhance professional knowledge and it is designed to provide a student-centred, accessible, flexible, coherent framework for the personal, professional and academic development of participants. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own work practices and to link their study to their working environment.
The modules attract a wide range of participants from a variety of settings, including:
- Classroom teachers
- Graduates who wish to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and area awaiting a place on the programme
- Qualified teachers who are seeking full-time employment
- Employees within the Health Service Executive who work with learners with Special Educational Needs
- Principals, managers and Department Inspectorate
- Employees and Managers within Early Childhood Education sector
- Classroom assistants (including cuntóirí teanga)
- Educational Psychologists
- Learning Support Tutors
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Parents and Family Members involved in the care of learners with special educational needs
- Any others involved in the training or educational needs of learners with special educational needs
Who’s Suited to This Programme
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Programme Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
Fees can be paid securely through our Online Payment Facility
Fees listed for 2023/24 academic year. Fees may be subject to change for 2024/25 academic year.
Find out More
Ms Mary Kearns
Senior Administrator
School of Education
ATU St Angelas
T: +353(0)71 9179624
E: mary.kearns@atu.ie