Programme Overview

In recent years phenomenal changes have occurred with respect to provision for students with special educational needs (SEN) within the education system in Ireland.  To respond to developments in special educational needs and inclusive education and to enhance best practice in schools, the Department of Education (DE) supports and funds a one-year full time Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Special Education which is intended to provide a recognised Postgraduate qualification for Special Education Teachers (SET), teachers in special schools, special classes, and other relevant educational settings. Therefore, eligible teachers have no fees or registration charges, and full substitution cover is provided.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Special Education at ATU St Angelas is delivered by the team in the Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity (CSENID) within the School of Education and is designed for teachers who are eligible to apply under the terms of the DE.  This teacher professional learning programme blends extensive theory and practice in relation to special and inclusive education. There are no written examinations and teachers will be assessed based on full attendance at the programme venue, engagement with course content and activities, written assignments and assessed Practicum in their schools/centres. The programme leads to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Special Education and is accredited by Atlantic Technological University. 

Substitution:
Substitution will be allowed while teachers are attending the block release element of the Programme - please review the circular for further information.

Applications and Selections

Circular

The 0019/2024 Circular for the Post-Graduate Diploma Programme of Teacher Professional Learning for Special Education Teachers, 2024/2025 is available to read on the Department of Education website HERE

Application Form

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

Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education 24/25 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. 

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 appropriate Consent Form below for School Principal and Chair of Board of Management (depending on the Educational Sector) from our website page. If the application is from an alternative educational setting e.g. Youthreach please complete the Post-Primary Consent Form. The School Principal and Chair of Board of Management are required to sign the Consent Form.

Consent Forms

Consent Form Post Primary School PGSE 2024-2025

Consent Form Primary School PGSE 2024-2025

Consent Form Special Schools PGSE 2024-2025


Closing Date

The completed application form and required documents must be received by 5pm on 15th 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

Assessment is through coursework assignments undertaken during the year and is linked to teachers’ developing practice. 

 

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must be graduates and qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland.


Additional Requirements

Garda Vetting/police clearance is required for this programme.
Duration

One year, part-time

Next start date

Autumn 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

50

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

5pm on 15th April 2024

NFQ level

Level 9

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Special Education

CAO

Programme code

Programme Outline

The programme will run from September 2024 until May 2025 and involves 3 block releases from school/centre for a total of 8 weeks over the academic year, 4 Saturdays of face-to-face tuition and distance learning together with supervised work in the teachers own schools/centres. The programme also includes supported on-going study throughout the year using a variety of modes of delivery.  

Fifty teachers are accepted onto the programme annually. The award is based on full attendance at course venue, continuous assessment of course-work and assessment of participant's teaching and record keeping in their own school/centre. 

Delivery and Progression:

In 2023-2024, the programme will be offered through a blended approach, with a mix of online and on campus days at ATU St Angelas, totalling eight weeks of block release from school and four Saturdays. Successful applicants will be informed of programme dates and times in due course.

Teachers who successfully complete the programme, and who meet the relevant entry requirements, will be eligible to undertake Year 2 of the MA in Special Educational Needs programme in CSENID.

The programme structure comprises of five modules including a specialist study module:

  • Inclusion: Perspectives and Implications for Practice
  • Assessment, Planning and Applications
  • Curricular Issues for Special Educational Needs
  • Implications of Educational Disability
  • Specialist Study

 

Further Education

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Special Education is a progression pathway to a Master of Arts in Special Education 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 Special Educational Needs. 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

Three day placement each week of block 2

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Programme Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU


Fees are covered by the Department of Education and Skills for eligible participants.

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

Simone

Simone McLaughlin |   PDip / MA in Special Education

Having heard for years about the great reputation of St. Angela's for Special Education, I jumped at the opportunity to study the Postgraduate course in Special Educational Needs and was not disappointed. The wealth of expertise offered by every single lecturer, who were all at the forefront of Irish and international educational research helped ensure I was fully brought up to date with current educational thinking. The course offered a good grounding in theory, which I came to really appreciate and value during my studies, but also ensured I returned to my school with loads of practical insight. There was plenty of support to complete assignments and the online journal access through the library facilitated home study with ease. Following the course, I returned to my school with confidence and a wide range of strategies and approaches to try with my students and it has totally transformed the special education provision in my school. I recommend it without hesitation.

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