Postgraduate Programmes

Graduate Certificate in Autism Education
GCAE »

A Level 9, one-year, part-time blended certificate (30 ECTS), funded through the Department of Education and Youth. Consisting of five modules, it provides theoretical and practical education to enhance good autism practice for teachers in primary, post-primary, and special school settings. The programme is designed specifically to assist teachers in teaching and meeting the learning needs of autistic pupils.

This programme is open only to teachers who have Teaching Council of Ireland registration and who are working with Autistic Pupils in Special Schools, Special Classes or as Special Education Teachers in Mainstream Primary and Post-Primary Schools.

Potential applicants must have a significant teaching role with autistic pupils. As such applicants must be timetabled for a minimum of 11 autism direct teaching hours, per week, with regular groups of autistic learners, which may include co-teaching/in-class support for autistic students.

Graduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education
GDISE »

A Level 9, one-year, part-time blended diploma (60 ECTS), funded through the Department of Education and Youth. It offers theoretical and practical continuing professional development for teachers working with learners who have special educational needs.

As this is a Level 9 Post-Graduate Qualification, prospective applicants should note that in addition to the eight weeks block release and the ten online evening sessions, there is a requirement to engage in independent study across the entire course duration (Sept 2026 - May 2027).

This programme is open only to teachers who have Teaching Council of Ireland registration and who are working in a special education role in mainstream schools, special classes or in special schools. Teachers working in further education may also be eligible. 

In order to be eligible for the programme, teachers in post-primary settings must be timetabled for a minimum of 11 special education teaching hours per week, which may include co-teaching / in-class support for students with special educational needs.

Masters in Education in Special Educational Needs
MEdEN »

A Level 9 blended programme for experienced teachers who have successfully completed the DCU GDISE programme. It aims to develop skills in analysing research literature and conducting research in the areas of special educational needs, neurodiversity, and inclusion.

This programme is only open to candidates who have successfully completed the DCU GDISE programme, which comprises 60 ECTS. The MEdEN Year Two comprises an additional 30 ECTS.

Professional Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education
DISE »

A fully online Level 9 professional diploma (30 ECTS) programme providing flexible, continuous professional development to support professionals in practically applying skills to meet the needs of all learners in an inclusive classroom. 

This programme is designed for teachers, school leaders, early years educators, Special Needs Assistants, and other professionals who work with learners with special education needs. It provides a highly flexible and manageable programme structure for students.

Master of Education in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)
MEdSpLD »

A two-year, part-time programme (60 ECTS) focusing on language/literacy development, diagnostic assessments, and evidence-based interventions. A blended approach is adopted, where students are on campus (St Patrick’s Campus). All other lectures are online. It features dual accreditation from DCU and the UK’s SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC). These qualifications offer students a Masters in Education as well as additional qualifications (Assessment Practicing Certificate, Specialist Teacher) that recognise the holder’s ability to undertake the assessment of dyslexia and to call themselves a specialist teacher.

To become an internationally recognised dyslexia specialist capable of conducting diagnostic psychometric assessments, providing specialist teaching, and advising parents and professionals.

This programme is open only to teachers who have Teaching Council of Ireland registration and who have at least three years’ teaching experience. Applicants need to be able to work one-to-one with three learners under the age of 16 for the duration of the course.

Graduate Diploma in Gifted Education
GDGE »

*NEW*

A two-year, fully online, part-time Level 9 diploma (60 ECTS) that provides a deep understanding of giftedness and inclusion. It covers identification, social-emotional needs, twice-exceptionality, and pedagogies to support gifted/highly able learners.

This programme aims to equip a diverse cohort of educators and advocates with the specialised knowledge and leadership skills required to design individualised support, develop inclusive whole-school approaches, and advocate for gifted students. It may be of interest to teachers, school leaders, special needs assistants (SNAs), allied professionals, parents and guardians of gifted children.

Graduate Diploma in Leadership in Autism and Neuro-Inclusive Education
GDLANE »

*NEW*

A fully online, two-year part-time Level 9 diploma (60 ECTS) that explores contemporary perspectives on autism and neurodiversity and enhancing leadership for inclusive education. It focuses on person-centred approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and inclusive education for autistic learners.

This programme aims to develop the leadership capacity, knowledge, and collaboration skills necessary to promote neurodiversity-affirming practices, shape inclusive policies, and lead systemic change within schools, communities, or healthcare settings. It is designed for teachers, school leaders, early years educators, SNAs, and professionals working with autistic individuals across education, community, and healthcare settings.