MEd in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)
Dyslexia affects one in 10 students in Ireland. In this course, the only one of its kind in Ireland, you’ll learn best-practice teaching strategies for students with literacy difficulties. You’ll also come to understand how to assess people for dyslexia.
The part-time course is centred around three core areas: understanding the development of language and literacy learning; identifying and assessing specific learning difficulties and dyslexia; and managing curriculum-based interventions and evidence-based practice and support.
Gain skills to work at home or abroad
Throughout your study, you’ll explore the current conceptualisation of dyslexia and basic psychometrics concepts. You’ll also learn how to complete literacy assessments in reading, writing and spelling, and how to create a personalised support and intervention programme.
The programme is accredited by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), and you’ll be eligible for internationally-recognised associate membership of the BDA (AMBDA) on completion of the course. You’ll also be awarded an Assessment Practising Certificate.
As a graduate, you’ll be sought after for roles in dyslexia assessment and specialist teaching at home and abroad, as well as disability support positions at third-level institutions.
The programme aims to build capacity in schools in the area of SpLD/Dyslexia and to develop teachers who would be expected to:
- Select, administer and interpret detailed diagnostic assessments and use appropriate psychometric tools
- Effectively identify and use appropriate strategies, interventions and approaches to support learners with Dyslexic-type difficulties
- Provide expert advice to parents and professionals in different settings and at all levels
- Support mainstream teachers, contribute to the effective working of multi-disciplinary teams and lead a multi- disciplinary team
In the first year of M Ed SpLD/Dyslexia students focus on theories and models of language and literacy development; and the identification of learning differences underpinning specific learning difficulties. They reflect on their own practice and build experience in evaluating programmes and methods to support the development of literacy across the curriculum. Students also undertake literacy assessments in reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, and create an individualised support and intervention programme.
In the second year students gain a critical understanding of diagnostic assessment using standardised assessment tests and develop professional expertise in assessing students and in writing professional reports containing recommendations for intervention. They complete a Professional Practice Portfolio (PPP) based on in-depth assessments, analysis and learner support. An action research element is an integral part of Year 2 as students develop professional expertise and leadership in the area of SpLD/Dyslexia in their school or work contexts.
Course Life
There are 1 or 2 online sessions every week of term. These last for approximately 2 hours (e.g. Tuesday, 6-8PM). There are up to 3 weekend sessions every term as well. Two of these are face to face in St Patrick's Campus (Drumcondra) and take place on a Friday evening (6PM-8:30PM) and on Saturday (9AM-4PM). The third weekend is a Saturday which is held online. Students do independent work around this (and their own) teaching schedule.
On successful completion of the professional requirements of the MEd SpLD/Dyslexia programme (90 ECTS), candidates are eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) certification. With AMBDA status, the dyslexia specialist teacher is internationally recognised to undertake dyslexia assessment and specialist teaching.
Requirements
This programme is run on a cyclical basis, with the next intake in September 2025.
Applications will be welcomed from primary teachers, post-primary teachers and other professionals in the education community who have completed registration with the Teaching Council. Applicants are required to have a Honours degree with a minimum of H2.2 with at least 3 years work experience in education/teaching.
Candidates are expected to have good grounding and understanding of literacy and dyslexia. Standard entry procedures with disabilities apply.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above.
International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.
Primary and post primary applicants must be registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland.