Join us for our Postgraduate Open Day on Wednesday 27th March from 4pm to 7pm
Register here for details

Institute of Education

Masters in Education in Special Educational Needs

Course Code:
DC994
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
9
Delivery Modes
Part-Time
Duration
Two Years
call programme contact
+353 (0) 1
700 9062

The Masters in Education in Special Educational Needs (MEdSEN) is a blended programme open to qualified experienced teachers working in primary and post-primary schools, in special schools or classes or in other recognised educational centres. The aim of the programme is to develop teachers' knowledge and skills in analysing, critiquing and applying research literature in the area of special and inclusive education and in carrying out research relevant to children and young people with learning difficulties, additional support, or special educational needs.

Applicants must have successfully completed the Department of Education funded 60 credit postgraduate diploma programme of continuing professional development for teachers involved in learning support, inclusive or special education at DCU.  Selection criteria may apply to all candidates.

A qualification of  Masters in Education in Special Educational Needs will be awarded to successful course participants by Dublin City University.

Year Two Entry

Successful applicants who have completed the Department of Education funded postgraduate diploma programme of continuing professional development for teachers involved in learning support, inclusive or  special education at DCU will be required to complete an additional 30 credits  for the award of MEdSEN. The 30 credits are normally completed within one academic year and comprise one 10 credit module and a 20 credit thesis. The 10 credit module focuses on research methodologies and is assessed on a pass/fail basis. Students will also complete a 20 credit thesis on an approved topic relating to inclusive and special education.  The year comprises two Saturdays on campus, online lectures and self-guided materials online.

Saturdays
Face-to-Face lecture dates TBC.

Online lectures

These normally take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between September to December. A small number of online sessions will be scheduled in semester 2.

Dublin City University is widely recognised as a dynamic and innovative institution that is distinguished both by the quality and impact of its graduates and by its focus on the translation of knowledge into societal and economic benefit. Excellence in education and research activities has led to DCU’s ranking in the top 1.5% of universities globally. In a  foreword to the Strategic Plan, 2017-2022  Talent, Discovery and Transformation, Chancellor Dr. Martin McAleese  notes that DCU’s “responsibility to the coming generations is realised in the massive investment we have made in creating Ireland’s first Faculty of Education. Our graduate teachers will be world-class and their pupils will receive the gift of a wonderful life-enhancing education, the single most important basic investment any society can make”

The DCU Institute of Education is the newest faculty of Dublin City University. Established through the incorporation of St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Mater Dei Institute of Education, Church of Ireland College of Education and the DCU School of Education Studies, With a staff of more than 125 full-time academics and a student body in excess of 4,000, DCU Institute of Education is a recognised centre of excellence in teacher education nationally and internationally, and has  a distinguished record in providing continuing professional development offering a range of taught and research programmes to masters and doctoral  level. 

DCU facilities at St Patrick's Campus are first class. Online learning facilities draw from the most up-to-date technologies whilst employing innovative teaching and learning methods. Students have access to two extensive libraries that include a vast array of educational resources and diverse study spaces for both collaborative and independent work. Remote access to journals and Ebooks enable and enhance study at a distance.

Education
Government Agencies
Government Departments
Post Primary Education
Post Primary Schools
Pre School
Primary Schools

The  Masters in Education in Special Educational Needs is designed to meet the professional and personal needs of teachers seeking to acquire deep expertise in the area of inclusive and special education. The programme offers participants the opportunity to develop deep understanding of and critique theories and practices relating to inclusive and special education in light of current research and professional experience. Graduates will develop the skills and knowledge to contribute to and lead  the development of a culture of critical analysis, research, and innovative practice in inclusive and special education and so have  a formative impact on development within schools, workplaces and the broader education community.

The programme will be of interest to teachers who wish to take on a leadership role in relation to inclusive pedagogy within their schools and school areas. Many graduates of the MSEN have also moved into leadership and professional development roles  within other relevant educational contexts.

Requirements

Open to qualified experienced teachers working in primary and post-primary schools, in special schools or classes or in other recognised educational centres. • Eligible applicants will have at least three years' teaching experience

 There is no Year 1 entry for this programme

 Applicants for entry to MSEN Year Two must have completed a recognised 60 credit postgraduate diploma programme of continuing professional development for teachers involved in learning support, inclusive or special education

Fees

Part time

EU Status Fee Part-time
€4,200 per annum
Non EU Fee Part time
€8,000 per annum

Next Steps

Note: There will only be a Year 2 application.

 

Year 2 Entry

All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application. Please note the course is only open for Year 2 applications.

Applications close on 10th May 2024.