Programme Overview

The programme is offered in partnership with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Special Education Section of the Department of Education (DE) for registered teachers of students with Autism. The programme will develop teachers knowledge, understanding and skills in working with students with Autism.

Students may exit after year one (two modules) and graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs - Autism NFQ Level 9.

Students completing the full programme (four modules) will graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Special Educational Needs - Autism NFQ Level 9.

Applications and Selections

Circular

The 0024/2024 Circular for the Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma Programme of Teacher Professional Learning for Teachers working with Students with Special Educational Needs (Autism) 2024/2025 is available to read on the Department of Education website HERE.

To apply please complete the online application form at the link below.

Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in Special Educational Needs (Autism) 2024/2025 Application Form

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. 

Applicaton Fee

Applications must be accompanied by a non-returnable administration fee of €25.  Payment must be made via our online payments system at www.stangelaspayments.com

See instructions below:

  • Under Course Info section of the payment page please do the following: 
  • Enter “00000” in Student Number Field
  • Under Payment Type choose “Other”
  • Under Choose Course which the payment relates to select “Postgrad Education – Application Fees” from the dropdown menu 
  • Type in €25 into the amount which you wish to pay box.

Required Documentation

On completion of the form please email copies/images of the required documentation (see list below) to csenid.stangelas@atu.ie  

Please include your name and PPS number in the email. 
(i) Teaching Council Registration Certificate
(ii) Evidence of Garda Vetting 
(iii) Consent Form signed by School Principal an Chair of Board of Management. On completion of the form please download the PGSEN Autism Consent Form 2024-2025 below for School Principal and Chair of Board of Management (depending on the Educational Sector) from our website page. The School Principal and Chair of Board of Management are required to sign the Consent Form.

Closing Date

The completed application form and required documents must be received by 5pm Friday 5th April 2024.
For any queries, please contact the Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity at csenid.stangelas@atu.ie

 

Who Teaches this Programme

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

The programme is for registered teachers who are currently working with students with Autism or will be working with students with Autism for the duration of the Programme in recognised Primary schools including Special schools and recognised Post-Primary schools. The programme is designed specifically to assist teachers in meeting the learning and teaching needs of students with Autism. Potential applicants must therefore have a teaching role in relation to students with Autism.


Additional Requirements

Duration

Two Years for Postgraduate Diploma
One Year for Postgraduate Certificate

Next start date

Autumn 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Friday 5th April 2024 (5pm)

NFQ level

9

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Special Educational Needs - Autism
Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs - Autism

CAO

Programme code

Programme Outline

Postgraduate Certificate Modules are:

  • Understanding Autism: Theoretical Perspectives and Implications for Practice
    (Core module)

    And
  • Engaging Autistic Students: Assessment and Planning for Teaching and Learning

Or

  • Autistic Students: Teaching Approaches

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Modules are:

  • Understanding Autism: Theoretical Perspectives and Implications for Practice
  • Engaging Autistic Students: Assessment and Planning for Teaching and Learning
  • Autistic Students: Teaching Approaches
  • Supporting Autistic Students with reference to Emotional Regulation and Promotion of Positive Behaviour

Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate level may progress to the Postgraduate Diploma level. Successful completion of two additional modules together with the necessary course work will lead to an award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs (Autism). The practicum is a compulsory component of both the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma.

Further Education

Graduates of this programme also have the option to pursue a Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs - Autism also offered at ATU St Angelas.

Why Choose This Programme?

Career Opportunities

This specialist qualification enhances graduates to progress in their educational setting. It enables them to effectively meet the needs of students with autism. It provides graduates with the skills necessary to affect whole school collaboration and implement inclusive practice.

Who’s Suited to This Programme

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Participants of the programme are provided with an opportunity to visit a school setting different from their own for one day to observe the planning and teaching of students with autism.

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Programme Fees

Fees: EU

€3,600

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

 

All elements within each module are funded by the Special Education Section of the Department of Education and Skills through the National Council for Special Education.

Applicants will be responsible for payment of a fee of €300 per module and will be invoiced by ATU St Angelas.

Fees can be paid securely through our Online Payment Facility
Please follow instructions in our Applications section of this programme page

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
Special Educational Needs Officer
School of Education
ATU St Angelas
T: +353 (0)71 9179615
E: csenid.stangelas@atu.ie

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