Certificate in Special Educational Needs for Special Needs Assistants
Course Overview
This course is offered at pre-undergraduate level nationally for those currently working as Special Needs Assistants in primary, post-primary and specialist settings and those who are interested in a position as a Special Needs Assistant but not currently working in the area. This part-time Certificate is Department of Education and Skills (DES) recognised, at Level 7 under the National Frame-work of Qualifications (NFQ) - Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and is accredited by NUI Galway.
This course will be offered online commencing in September 2022.
Important Dates and Instructions for Payment of Programme Fees
The course aims:
- to develop skills, knowledge, attitudes and understanding of the role of the SNA in order to respond adequately to the SEN of pupils;
- to promote good practice amongst SNAs working with pupils experiencing SEN in mainstream primary and post-primary schools, special schools and classes;
- to provide a specialist qualification for SNAs and provide a basis for further study and career development.
Applications and Selections
Applications for 2022 are now closed.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Assessment is continuous, with each of the 3 modules being assessed independently on the basis of an assignment or equivalent.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have an interest in special education. Priority will be given to those working in schools as Special Needs Assistants.
The course is also of benefit to those who are interested in working in/already working in the early childhood sector, other educational settings or working as a personal assistant/carer.
Additional Requirements
Duration
80 hours over the course of the academic year
Next start date
September 2022
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
n/a
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
1st March 2022
NFQ level
Level 7
Mode of study
Online Learning
ECTS weighting
15
Award
Certificate in Special Educational Needs for Special Needs Assistants
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
This is a part-time, 80 hour modular course.
Modules are:
- The Role of the SNA
- Students with Special Educational Needs
- Social and Curricular Inclusion for students with SEN - A Whole School Approach
Assessment is continuous, with each of the 3 modules being assessed independently through an assignment or equivalent.
Course Content and Delivery of Content
The course content will be delivered through a series of pre-recorded lectures and online tutorials.
Course Content
- 1 hour pre-recorded lectures with accompanying handouts and resources.
- The lectures will be made available on Mondays to be viewed by the following Monday
- The lectures will be accessed through Moodle, St. Angela’s College e-learning platform
Online Tutorials
- 3 Online Tutorials
- Delivered by St Angela’s College Facilitators
- The tutorials will be delivered using Microsoft Teams via College email accounts
Further Education
On successful completion of the Certificate in Special Educational Needs for Special Needs Assistants, other areas of study are available to graduates of the programme. The Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity is currently developing a Bachelor of Arts in Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity (NFQ, Level 8). This degree aims to provide a unique and innovative qualification in special educational needs, inclusion and diversity for personnel involved in diverse fields such as, education and health. The challenge of creating truly inclusive environments demands that individuals be equipped with a range of substantive and transferrable skills which can be applied to a variety of contexts. The programme will meet the interdisciplinary challenges of inclusion by developing flexible and adaptable personnel skilled in responding to the 21st Century demands of employers and agencies.
Starting Date: To be confirmed
Duration: 4 Years (part-time)
Mode of Study: Online
Further Information:
Updates will be posted here on the College website as well as on our social media platforms.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
The course is of benefit to those currently working as or those interested in working as a Special Needs Assistant. It is also of benefit to those who are interested in working in/already working in the early childhood sector, other educational settings, or working as a personal assistant/carer.
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
Application fee of €25.00 applies (non-refundable)
Important Dates and Instructions for Payment of Programme Fees
Fees can be paid securely through our Online Payment Facility
Find out More
Ms Bridget Dolan (Mon/Tues/Wed)
Ms Laura Whitcroft (Thurs/Fri)
Special Educational Needs Officer
School of Education
T: +353(0)71 9195552
E: csenidadmin@stangelas.nuigalway.ie
