Master of Arts (Special Education)
Course Overview
Master of Arts (Special Education) offers a level 9 qualification for all professionals interested in Special Education (SE).
Research methods are critical to successful study at MA level and will incorporate problem-solving activities, action research in professional contexts and the opportunity to link theory and practice in general and in terms of the execution of coursework. Participants accepted onto the Masters stage of the programme will have achieved an increased level of competence and confidence within the Special Education pathway. They will also be looking forward to choosing the area of study for their MA dissertation and beginning to reflect on possible research methodologies for their dissertation. The Advanced Research Module (15 ECTs) will provide students with the opportunity to make and implement informed choices regarding professionally relevant areas of research for their dissertation and to do this with the guidance and support of tutors and peers. Lectures will take place online with some face-to-face sessions during September and October. Students use the remainder of the year to carry out research and draft material for their MA Dissertation.
Applications and Selections
Please complete and return relevant Application Form to Mary Kearns education@stangelas.nuigalway.ie
- MA (SEN) Progression Application Form 2022-2023 For Current Students
- MA (SEN) Pathways Application Form 2022-2023 For New Students
Before submitting this application, please ensure that you have satisfied the requirements listed below.
Incomplete entries or those not fulfilling these requirements will not be considered.
1. Fully competed application form
2. Application Fee €25 (non-refundable) **Payment must be made via our Online Payments Facility
Under Course Info please follow these instructions:
- Student Number – leave blank or state 00000
- Course Type – Choose “Other”. Choose Course Title. “Postgrad Education – Application Fee”
- Then type in the amount you wish to pay i.e. €25
- Then proceed to enter your card details for payment.
3. *A certified copy of examination transcripts (actual results and award level) or Teaching Council Registration details, if applicable. Please note these will not be returned.
4. *Certified copy birth and marriage certificate (non-returnable)
5. IELTS or TOEFL certificate for applicants whose first language is not English
* Certified copy is a photocopy endorsed and stamped by a member of the Garda Siochana or a Commissioner for Oaths. In the case of examination transcripts, these must be stamped by awarding college.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Successful completion of stage one,
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Applicants require an award of H2.2 or higher in the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education programme in order to be considered for this MA.
Additional Requirements
Duration
One Year, part-time.
Next start date
Autumn 2022
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
20
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
21st June 2022
NFQ level
Level 9
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Award
Master of Arts (Special Education)
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
This MA is considered stage two with a Postgraduate Diploma being completed in stage one, leading to preparation for and completion of a Masters level dissertation.
Stage Two Modules:
- Advanced Research (Core)
- Dissertation (Core)
Participants are required to attend a mix of face-to-face sessions and online lectures between September and November with a further workshop scheduled to take place in January. At the end of the series of lectures students will be required to submit a Dissertation Proposal in November. A tutor will be assigned to you and once your proposal has been deemed successful you can progress on to the dissertation stage.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
The Masters of Arts (Special Education) qualification enables graduates to become change agents within schools, other educational settings, and the broader education community by promoting and leading inclusive pedagogy through innovative evidence-informed practice underpinned by a research culture in inclusive and special education. Many graduates of the Master of Arts (Special Education) have taken on leadership and professional development roles within various educational contexts.
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 can be paid securely through our Online Payment Facility
Find out More
Ms Mary Kearns
Senior Administrator
School of Education
T: +353(0)71 9195550
E: education@stangelas.nuigalway.ie
What Our Students Say

Carmel Henehan | MA Special Educational Needs
The SEN Postgraduate course for teachers was a well organised, collaborative and engaging course. Lecturers provided an interactive and stimulating environment while providing teachers with knowledge and expertise regarding all aspects of SEN. This included opportunities for knowledge exchange with teachers in the group from all over Ireland and with whom we have maintained a support network. Continuing on into the Masters course was very demanding but well supported by college staff. Set in a spectacular setting overlooking Lough Gill, St. Angela's College is very welcoming. Supportive staff including lecturers, library, admin, technology and the friendly canteen service made this a unique and memorable learning experience.