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Courses
Courses
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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University Life
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About NUI Galway
About NUI Galway
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Guiding Breakthrough Research at NUI Galway
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Alumni, Friends & Supporters
There are over 90,000 NUI Galway graduates Worldwide, connect with us and tap into the online community.
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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)
It is expected that the process of application for the 2021–22 Postgraduate Diploma in SEN will begin in January/early-February 2021. Please see further information at Applications and Selection below.
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
- It is expected that the process of application for the 2021–22 Postgraduate Diploma in SEN will begin in January/early-February 2021, with the publication of a DES circular inviting applications.
- You should check this link to the DES website regularly. The DES circular titled “Post-Graduate Diploma Programme of Continuing Professional Development for Special Education Teachers, 2021/2022” will publish the eligibility criteria and closing date on which applications must be submitted. The circular will also contain the application forms.
- When the circular is published, you need to download the application form for your school sector: primary and special schools or post-primary schools and complete it. You must attach confirmation of your registration which can be downloaded from the Teaching Council website. A renewal of payment slip will not suffice.
- Completed application forms must be emailed to eimear.griffin@nuigalway.ie on or before the closing date.
- Postal applications to NUI Galway will not be accepted due to public health concerns.
- Please note that you must be a qualified teacher, registered with the Teaching Council, and working as a Special Education Teacher (SET) to be eligible to participate in the programme. This is not an initial teacher education programme.
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 for 2021–22 will be included in the DES circular that is expected to issue on the DES website in Jan/Feb 2021.
Additional Requirements
Duration
1 year, part-time
Next start date
September 2021
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.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Graduates are recognised by the DES for positions as learning support and special education teachers in mainstream 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
Ms Andrea Higgins
T: +353 91 495 136
E: andrea.higgins@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/education