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Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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About NUI Galway
About NUI Galway
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at NUI Galway
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Alumni, Friends & Supporters
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At NUI Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Special Educational Needs (PDip)
Course Overview
The programme aims to give teachers a thorough professional knowledge and understanding of special needs and learning difficulties, and to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to support the education of those with special needs and learning difficulties in various contexts. In doing so, the programme also aims to provide enjoyable and rewarding learning experiences and be responsive to learners’ needs.
The programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) and provides a recognised qualification for teachers working in the area of special educational needs and learning support in mainstream and special settings. Programme fees are paid by the DES. The programme is delivered by a core team supported by a cohort of associate lecturers with a range of experience and expertise.
Applications and Selections
Applications for the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education Needs 2019–2020 are now available to download from the Department of Education and Skills website via Circular 0004/2019 at
www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/
Who Teaches this Course
- Andrea Higgins, Course Director
- Michael Lally
- Cohort of associate lecturers
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. Further eligibility criteria are included in the DES circular.
Additional Requirements
Garda Vetting/police clearance is required for this programme.
Duration
1 year, part-time
Next start date
September 2019
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
30
Closing Date
The closing date for completed applications to the programme is given on the DES circular.
NFQ level
Mode of study
Taught
ECTS weighting
60
Award
CAO
Course code
PDE
Course Outline
The programme consists of five modules:
- Inclusion: Perspectives and Implications for Practice
- Assessment, Planning and Applications
- Curricular Issues for Special Educational Needs
- Implications of Educational Disability
- Specialist Study.
The programme involves release from schools/centres for designated block periods of a total of eight weeks over the academic year, with substitute cover provided. In addition, some lectures and workshops take place on Saturdays. The programme also includes supervised work in teachers’ own schools/centres and a four-day placement in a special setting other than their own.
Key to the programme are inclusive approaches to teaching and learning, which are discussed and demonstrated. Teachers are supported in implementing such approaches in their schools. Participants are encouraged to engage with the programme, and emphasis is placed on developing the skills required to become effective, reflective practitioners in the field of special educational needs.
Modules for 2014-15
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Graduates are recognised by the DES for positions as learning support and special education teachers in mains-tream and special settings.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€
Fees: Tuition
€
Fees: Student levy
€
Fees: Non EU
€
Fees are covered by the DES for eligible participants.
Find out More
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About NUI Galway
Founded in 1845, we've been inspiring students for 170 years. NUI Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching.
CONTACT
National University of Ireland
Galway,
University Road,
Galway, Ireland
H91 TK33
T. +353 91 524411
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