Overview
During the first year, you will develop the knowledge and skills in key areas of inclusive and special educational provision and planning at school and class level. In particular, you will gain a deeper understanding of dyslexia and autism. If you continue to year two, you will develop your assessment skills to accurately identify an individual’s level of performance, strengths and areas for development.
Benefit from the flexibility of online learning
The course is delivered entirely online, so you can study anywhere. Once you complete all three modules in your first year, you can exit the course with a certificate. Alternatively, if you’re in a teaching role, you can continue to the second year to complete the diploma module.
As a graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skillset to pursue a career in this deeply rewarding sector, including positions in special education teaching or special schools.
DCU People
Careers & Further Options
Careers
On successful completion of the three Certificate modules, students can exit with the Certificate award or continue to the Diploma module.
On successful completion of the Diploma module, students are eligible to exit with the Diploma award.
"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.
DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."
Entry Requirements
Application is open to qualified teachers, at Primary and Post-primary level, Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) and other non-teaching professionals who hold a recognised qualification, Level 8 degree, from an awarding institution in Ireland or elsewhere with experience working in an educational, training or education-related professional context.
Candidates must submit the following:
· Certified academic transcripts for each and every year of study
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Candidates: All RPL applicants are advised to contact the programme chair to confirm their eligibility before they apply. RPL Candidates must submit a Personal Statement, Transcripts, Reference and CV. RPL applicants are encouraged to contact the RPL hub at rpl@dcu.ie for any further advice.
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.
Programme Structure
This programme aims:
- To offer professional development to individual teachers in the areas of inclusive and special education.
- To develop teachers’ knowledge, skills and competencies in relation to inclusive and special education.
- To create a community of learners, who will communicate and collaborate with each other in support of the teaching and learning of pupils with special and additional learning needs.
- To enrich the special educational knowledge, skills and competencies of other Graduates (non-teachers) or those holding equivalent qualifications with significant experience of working in an educational, training or educational-related professional context.
The Diploma takes two years to complete - however, students can request to exit with the Certificate award after completion of Year 1.
The programme structure is outlined below.
|
Module Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SI420 |
Inclusion and Special Educational Needs |
10 |
Semester 1, Year 1 |
|
SI421 |
Understanding Autism |
5 |
Semester 2, Year 1 |
|
SI422 |
Understanding Dyslexia |
5 |
Semester 2, year 1 |
|
SI902A |
Individually Relevant Learning |
10 |
Year 2 – Year long module |
This online programme expects students to actively engage with classmates and course content through responding to learning activities by reflecting on your own experiences and practice. There will be a small number of synchronous (live) lectures in each module. These will be scheduled in the evening time.
In addition, you are expected to communicate and collaborate with your colleagues in support of the development of a community of learners.
The programme includes three Certificate modules in Year 1:Inclusion and Special Educational Needs, Understanding Dyslexia, Understanding Autism.
Total: 20 credits
Minimum study time: One year
Completion of three Certificate modules plus one year long Diploma module: Individually Relevant Learning.
Total: 30 credits
Minimum study time: 2 years
Fees and Funding
Fees
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
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. All Applicants must submit·
• Certified academic transcripts for each and every year of study
• Non Native English Speakers must submit evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
• Non-EU Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are ineligible to apply for this programme.
**Please note that the Professional Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education is a fee paying programme. The Graduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education (GDISE DC983) is funded by the Department of Education.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Applications Closing Dates:
Applications will be accepted until the programme is full.
EU Applicants: 30th June 2025
Non EU Applicants: 1st July 2025
For more details, please refer to the FAQs
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU St Patrick's Campus
FAQs
When does the programme commence?
This programme commences in September in line with the DCU Academic Calendar Semester 1 start date.
What level is this programme according to the Irish National Framework for Qualifications?
This is a NFQ level 9 programme (both Certificate and Diploma).
How will this online programme help me in working with learners with special educational needs?
Through a combination of background reading, online learning and interactive activities, including live class sessions, this programme strives to give practical support to teachers in meeting the diverse learning needs of learners with special educational needs.
What qualifications do I need to apply for the course?
- Application is open to qualified teachers, at primary and post-primary level, who hold a recognised qualification, Level 8 Pass Degree / Third Class degree, from an awarding institution in Ireland or elsewhere.
- Consideration will also be given to Graduates with a level 8 degree (with experience of working in an educational, training or education-related professional context).
Do I have to be in full time employment in order to qualify for a place?
No, you do not have to be currently employed as a teacher in order to qualify for a place. However, you should hold qualifications as outlined above. Students who wish to complete the Diploma module must be in a teaching role at that time.
Is the course delivered entirely online or will I have to travel to DCU St Patrick's Campus?
It is delivered fully online.
How many online classroom sessions per module are there?
There will be a small number of synchronous (live) lectures in each module. These will be scheduled in the evening time.
If I have a problem, who will help me?
Each group is assigned a tutor who will offer continuous support and advice throughout the duration of the module. There are also a number os supports for DCU students including IT support, academic support and counselling services: Student Support & Development
Will I have access to library facilities?
As a registered student of DCU you will have access to all library facilities and services, both online and on-campus.
What will I be awarded, upon completing the course?
On successful completion of the three Certificate modules, students can exit with the Certificate award or continue to the Diploma module.
On successful completion of the Diploma module, students are eligible to exit with the Diploma award or they may apply to the following masters’ programmes with certain module exemptions. These awards are accredited and classified by Dublin City University.
How can I use the credits?
On successful completion of the Diploma module, students are eligible to exit with the Diploma award or they may apply to the following MEd programme with certain module exemptions:
Master of Education in Autism (MEdA) with an exemption from two modules: Understanding Autism SI601A (5 credits) and Autism: Assessment, Profiling and Planning SI602A (10 credits).
Does this course qualify me for the role of a Special Education Teacher (formerly known as Learning Support/Resource Teacher)?
No, this programme is not a teaching qualification and there is no special/inclusive initial teacher education (ITE) qualification in Ireland. The Professional Diploma in ISE is usually undertaken by teachers or those working in educational contexts (e.g. special needs assistants, those working in early childhood education settings and elsewhere) to develop professional learning in the area. An initial teacher education qualification, i.e. Bachelor of Education or a Professional Master of Education Primary, is required to teach in primary schools and special schools. Similarly an initial teacher post-primary teaching qualification is required to teach in post-primary schools. For more on ITE programmes please visit: Undergraduate Courses
I am a qualified teacher. Does this programme carry Teaching Council recognition?
No. This programme does not carry Teaching Council recognition as a special education qualification to teach at primary/post primary level. This course was designed to provide continuous professional development for teachers in a mainstream setting in the area of inclusive and special education. Notwithstanding the above, many teachers find the qualification helpful in securing and in working in support positions. There is only one postgraduate special education qualification recognised by the Teaching Council which is offered across a number of universities in Ireland, including DCU IoE. The Graduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education (GDISE) qualification is funded by the Department of Education for teachers who work in the following roles: Special Education Teacher, Teacher in a Special School, Teacher in a Special Class. For further details please see: Postgraduate Programmes
What IT skills do I need to participate in this programme?
In order to participate in the programme, you will need access to a computer, with headset and microphone, and Internet access. Live classes take place via the DCU Zoom platform.
For Further Information:
Professional Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education
School of Inclusive and Special Education
DCU Institute of Education
DCU St Patrick’s Campus
Drumcondra
DC09 DC00
Telephone: 01 7009062
Email: ioe.ise@dcu.ie
What courses are offered by the DCU Institute of Education?
DCU Institute of Education brings together students of education and provides a rich menu of undergraduate courses across all sectors from early childhood, to primary and post-primary and further and higher education. We offer a range of taught and research postgraduate courses at doctoral, masters, diploma and certificate level and have a distinguished record in providing continuing professional development.
Is there Garda vetting for students who study DCU Institute of Education courses?
Garda vetting is required for all students who have unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults as part of their studies at DCU. Applicants must successfully pass the Garda vetting process in order to complete the registration process.
What are the potential teaching pathways for primary, post-primary and further education and training offered by DCU?
Primary Teaching Pathways
Undergraduate*
Postgraduate**
- Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) - DC970
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes
** Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes
Post-Primary Teaching Pathways
Undergraduate*
- Bachelor of Religious Education & English or History or Music - DC010 | DC011 | DC012
- Bachelor of Education in Gaeilge and French or German or Spanish - DC013
- Bachelor of Education in Technology, Engineering and Graphics - DC015
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Science Education - DC203
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physical Education with Biology - DC205
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with Mathematics - DC206
Postgraduate**
- Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) - DC905
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes
** Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes
Further Education and Training Teaching Pathways
Undergraduate*
- BSc (Hons) in Education and Training (Further, Adult and Continuing Education) - DC235
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes
