Programme Overview

The programme provides a postgraduate qualification for all professionals interested in the area of Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD).

The Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity at ATU St Angela’s has, in recent, years developed a number of online blended-learning options at postgraduate level for all professionals interested in the areas of Special Educational Needs (SEN).  There are currently four modules to choose from in the area of Specific Learning Difficulties:

This modular blended learning course (which includes e-tivities, discussion boards and some online workshops) is offered over two years.

The aim of the modules is to provide substantial theoretical and practical continuing professional development for those interested in and/or working with learners with special educational needs.

Please note you may only choose one module per semester.

Applications and Selections

Applications for January 2024 are now closed.

 

Who Teaches this Programme

Requirements and Assessment

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 (PG Certificate)
Two years, part-time (PG Diploma)

Next start date

Semester 2 Modules: Jan 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

15

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

15th December 2023

NFQ level

Level 9

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Specific Learning Difficulties
Postgraduate Certificate in Specific Learning Difficulties

CAO

Programme code

Programme Outline

The standalone online blended learning modules involve e-tivities, discussion boards and online workshops and have a credit weighting of 15 ECTS.  Modules are offered regularly over the academic year.  All modules are completed within a nine week timeframe.

Completion of two modules from the list of three modules below (30 ECTS) = Postgraduate Certificate:
•  Specific Learning Difficulties I - Communication, Speech and Language Difficulties and Dyslexia
•  Specific Learning Difficulties II - Dyscalculia, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder
•  Literacy

Completion of four modules from the list below (60 ECTS) = Postgraduate Diploma in Arts:
•  Specific Learning Difficulties 1 - Communication, Speech and Language Difficulties and Dyslexia
•  Specific Learning Difficulties 2 - Dyscalculia, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder
•  Literacy
•  Educational Research Methods

Please note you may only choose one module per semester.

Specific Learning Difficulties I and Literacy modules are due to commence 2nd October 2023, with one Saturday online workshop on 7th October 2023.

Specific Learning Difficulties II and Educational Research Methods modules due to commence 23rd January 2024, with one Saturday online workshop on 27th January 2024.

 

Further Education

Participants may progress to Masters level on successful completion of three modules which must include the online blended learning module: Educational Research Methods.  The exit award will be a Master of Arts in Specific Learning Difficulties.

Why Choose This Programme?

Career Opportunities

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 are 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

€3,600

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

 

Postgraduate Diploma: €3,600
Postgraduate Certificate: €1,800

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 Emer Feeney
Administrator
Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity
School of Education
ATU St Angelas
T: +353(0)71 9195552
E: csenid.stangelas@atu.ie

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