Postgraduate Diploma in
Inclusive and Special Education
The Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education was developed jointly by Hibernia College and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology (ICEP) Europe.
The programme aims to give teachers a thorough professional knowledge and understanding of special educational needs and learning difficulties and is underpinned with the latest national and international research in relation to inclusive education.
Both ICEP Europe and Hibernia College are nationally and internationally recognised institutions and have extensive experience in providing flexible, accessible, and innovative online programmes.
The modular structure and online model of delivery makes this programme particularly suitable to those teachers seeking a more flexible postgraduate option due to personal circumstances, work, or other commitments.​
Who is the programme aimed at?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education is designed to meet the professional and personal needs of teachers working with pupils with special and additional learning needs in diverse educational settings.
This part-time, online programme will empower early years, primary, post-primary and special education teachers with the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies to provide an inclusive and quality education for all. It will be of particular interest to special education teachers and those who may wish to take on coordinating or leadership roles in a range of educational contexts relevant to inclusion and special education.
It may also be relevant to other professionals involved in the education and support of learners with additional needs.
Future Careers
The programme enables educators to acquire a deep understanding of core issues within the field of inclusive and special education. Educators will develop their skillset and acquire knowledge and expertise in carrying out educational research relevant to inclusion and learners with diverse, special, or additional needs.
Graduates may use the knowledge and skills developed during the programme to expand their career opportunities - to become more specialised lead teachers in their schools, to take on educational leadership or management roles or to work in the field of education policy and practice. They will also have the option to progress to an Masters qualification.
It also enables teachers and others to become change agents within schools, other educational settings, and the wider education community by promoting and leading inclusive pedagogy through innovative, evidence-informed practice underpinned by a research culture in inclusive and special education.
How do I Find Out More?
If you want to find out a bit more about this course, simply register your interest, join a webinar or apply online today.
This blended programme will be delivered mainly online, providing a flexible route to specialist training for educators and will be offered on a modular, part-time basis offering maximum flexibility.
The Postgraduate Diploma comprises four taught modules (15 ECTS each) and can be completed in one year or students can take longer if they wish.
Available Modules
The programme is set up to be flexible, agile, and individualised allowing participants to tailor modules to their own professional specialisation, research areas and personal interests.
Inclusive Education and Special Education Needs is a core module (15 ECTS) and must be completed in the first teaching term.
Participants can then choose 3 of the following elective modules:​
- General Learning Disabilities: Understanding and Best Practice (15 ECTS)​
- Dyslexia and Literacy (15 ECTS)​
- Understanding Autism: Effective Management and Teaching Strategies (15 ECTS)​
- Understanding Behaviour as Communication (15 ECTS)
Those progressing to MA level will also complete research methods + 12,000-word thesis​ (30 ECTS)
Awards:
- Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Inclusive & Special Education – Four modules (60 ECTS).
Tuition and Support
Modules are delivered over a 12-week period, as a distance learning module with live classes delivered every second week. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with peers in online class discussions. Modules are based on continuous assessment and there are no exams.
Both institutions are committed to providing positive and supporting learning environments for all students. The tutors are there to provide individual academic and pastoral support and guidance to all participants. Technical support is provided by a dedicated team of qualified learning technologists, who can be contacted by telephone or email. Students will also find that their fellow classmates will be a great source of support through the discussion forums and online tutorials.
The programme is open to all suitably qualified teachers and other professionals involved in the education and support of learners with additional needs.Â
A minimum grade of a Pass, or equivalent, in an honours bachelor degree at NFQ Level 8 in a relevant area.
An applicant whose first language/primary mode of expression is not English will be required to produce evidence of English competence.Â
The online format of the programme and the flexibility to pay for modules on an individual basis offers busy professionals the opportunity to work around their existing schedule and gain a recognised university qualification regardless of location.
The tuition fees for this course for the academic year 2022/23 are as follows:Â
PG Diploma: €5,000Â
4 x taught modules (€1,250 per module)Â
Each module must be paid in full prior to the commencement of each module.
Tax Relief
Hibernia College is an approved college for the purposes of s.474 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. For further information, please click here.
If you are registered with the teaching council, you may also be eligible for the Teacher Refund Scheme. Click here to find out more.
If you have any additional questions please call us on +35316510618.
There are two intakes per year, in September and January. Our January 2025 intake is now open, to
apply, click here.
Specifically, the course aims to ensure that graduates of the programme will:
- Develop a deep understanding and knowledge of theories and practices at the forefront of special education and inclusion
- Become acquainted with new and emerging research and evidence-informed approaches relevant to the teaching, learning and assessment of students with diverse special educational needs
- Acquire the skills necessary to work in a variety of professional settings and to become leaders in the field of inclusion and special education
- Have the knowledge, skills, and competencies to promote inclusion in a range of settings such as within the classroom, community, and broader society.
- The programme is mainly online.
- Face-to-face sessions are included at specific points during the programme, for induction, and again during the Research Methods and Thesis module.
- Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive & Special Education is four modules (60 ECTS credits)
- Level 9 Masters in Inclusive & Special education is four modules + dissertation (90 ECTS credits)
A minimum grade of a Pass, or equivalent, in an honours bachelor degree at NFQ Level 8 in a relevant area.
No, you don’t currently have to be employed as a teacher to qualify for a place, but you do need to meet the criteria above. This programme particularly suitable to those teachers seeking a more flexible postgraduate option due to personal circumstances, work, or other commitments including those on maternity leave or a career break.
Graduates may use the knowledge and skills developed during the programme to expand their career opportunities – to become more specialised lead teachers in their schools, to take on educational leadership or management roles or to work in the field of education policy and practice. Others may continue their studies to Doctorate level.
- MA: A minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 6 years.
- Pg Diploma: A minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 4 years.
There are three teaching terms per year, September, January, and May.
Each module is assessed through a single portfolio/assignment of 5,000 words. There are no exams in this programme.
The dissertation portion of the MA programme is 12,000 words.Â
No, students do not need to have any more than a basic knowledge of IT technology.
Yes. Students will have access to the Hibernia online library while enrolled.
Each class is assigned a tutor who will offer continuous support and advice throughout the duration of the module. There is also an IT Coordinator who provides support with the online environment.
Academic, technical, and pastoral support is available to all learners through the online learning platform, via email and telephone contact.Â
You can apply for this course here: Application Information – Hibernia College
Current Student Experiences
Vera Shanahan, Educate Together
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NEXT INTAKE
January 2025
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DURATION
1 year part-time
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ATTENDANCE
Mainly Online
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FEES
PG Diploma – €5,000Â
(4 modules * €1,250)​
Accreditation
Since its establishment in 2001, ICEP Europe has recognised the importance of creating strong accreditation and collaboration links with key bodies. We have cemented our reputation as a leading provider of online SEN courses by delivering on our mission to provide innovative training to teaching professionals working with children of all needs.Â