Master of Arts (Special Educational Needs - Autism)
Course Overview
This MA (Special Educational Needs - Autism) offers a level 9 qualification for all professionals interested in Autism.
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 Educational Needs (Autism) 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.
The final dissertation will be a maximum of 20,000 words and the topic chosen by the participant must be related to the Special Educational Needs (Autism ) pathway.
Applications and Selections
Please complete and return relevant Application Form by Tuesday 21st June 2022 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. “Post Grad 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.
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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 Arts (Special Educational Needs - Autism) 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 Educational Needs - Autism)
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 Educational Needs - Autism) qualification enables graduates to acquire an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the autism community. Graduates of the MA (SEN-Autism) become advocates for change 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 autism. Many graduates of the MA (SEN-Autism) 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
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

Maebh Egan | PDip,MA Special Educational Needs (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
I really enjoy my two years studying with St. Angela's. I was nervous when I was first accepted onto the Postgraduate Diploma in SEN (ASD) course as it involved a lot of time out of class but I can honestly say it was the most beneficial year for me professionally. I learned so much that helps me support the students in my class. The St. Angela's lecturers were very supportive and always had a few nuggets of wisdom to share with us, they really are experts in their field. I've also been able to share my learning with my colleagues in school. When I progressed onto the MA in SEN (ASD), I knew it would be a busy year. The research module really set us up for success and the range of information we received from the various lectures really stood to me when writing my dissertation.