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Masters in Education in Special Educational Needs

Course Details

Course Code:

DC994

Course Type:

Postgraduate

NFQ Level:

• Please see for further information

Delivery Modes:

• Part-Time

Duration:

Two Years

Overview

This programme gives you the skills and knowledge to critically investigate the system of inclusive education through an individual research project.

During this part-time, blended learning programme, you’ll learn about research methodologies such as questionnaires, interviews, single-case experimental design, observation and more. You’ll also take part in workshops on data analysis such as qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative data analysis using SPSS software.

Enrol in a one-of-a-kind course to propel your career
The programme is open to qualified, experienced teachers working in primary and post-primary schools, special schools or recognised educational centres. To apply, you must have completed a recognised 60-credit postgraduate diploma programme for teachers involved in learning support, inclusive or special education.

Once you graduate, you can pursue roles in inclusion and special education teaching or you may consider posts in government agencies and departments. You’ll also have the skills and expertise to take on leadership and professional development positions.

Why DCU

• DCU’s Institute of Education has the largest percentage of part time students
• Education at DCU ranks among the top 150 education courses globally
• DCU’s Institute of Education has the highest employability rate in DCU
• DCU’s Institute of Education has the largest percentage of Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students

Careers & Further Options

Careers

The Master’s in Education in Special Educational Needs (MEdEN) 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 MEdEN have also moved into leadership and professional development roles within other relevant educational contexts.

Career Areas

• Education
• Government agencies
• Government departments
• Post-primary education
• Post-primary schools
• Pre-school
• Primary schools

Career Prospects

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

Entry Requirements

General Entry 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 MEdEN Year Two must have 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.
• There is no Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route for this programme.

Programme Structure

• Students will have the opportunity to learn how to deal with a number of research methodologies including questionnaires, interviews, single-case experimental design, observation, and more.
• There will be workshops on data analysis including qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative data analysis using SPSS software.
• Applicants for entry to MEdEN Year Two must have 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.
• 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 MEdEN.
• 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.

Fees and Funding

Fees

• Part time
• EU Status Fee Part-time: €4,300 per annum (SIE Transfer Fee €925)
• Non EU Fee Part time: €8,000 per annum (SIE Transfer Fee €900)

How To Apply

• Note: There will only be a Year 2 application.
• Year 2 Entry
  Applications will open on 31st March 2025 and will close on 15th May 2025.
• 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.
• There is no Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route for this programme

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.

FAQs

Programme FAQs

• What is the single most important thing a prospective student should know about this course?
  Entry to the MEdEN year 2 is restricted to those who have completed a recognised 60 ECTS postgraduate diploma programme of continuing professional development for teachers involved in learning support, inclusive or special education.
• Why would a student choose to do this course instead of a different but similar one? In other words, what makes this course distinctive, exciting or novel?
  This course offers students the opportunity to carry out their own research in the area of inclusive education, guided by a supervisor from the School of Inclusive and Special Education at DCU.
• What kind of people do you expect to be drawn to a course like this, and to thrive while a student on it?
  The course is open to qualified, experienced teachers working in primary and post-primary schools, in special schools or classes or in other recognised educational centres.
• What are the key knowledge areas and skills a student will gain by doing this course?
  Students will complete one 10 credit research methodologies module (EDU 1184) and a 20 credit thesis module (ISE 1036) during which students undertake research on an approved topic relating to inclusive and special education, supported by their supervisor.
• What are the opportunities for: Work placement, Study abroad, Newer ways of learning
  Over the course of the programme, students will have the opportunity to learn how to deal with a number of research methodologies including questionnaires, interviews, single-case experimental design, observation, and more.
• Could you name three typical careers that a graduate from this course could pursue?
  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 MEdEN have also moved into leadership and professional development roles within other relevant

Faculty FAQs

• 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.
• 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.
• What are the potential teaching pathways for primary, post-primary and further education and training offered by DCU?
  Primary Teaching Pathways
  • Undergraduate
    • Bachelor of Education - DC002 | DC003 | DC004
  • Postgraduate
    • Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) - DC970
  • 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
  • Further Education and Training Teaching Pathways
  • Undergraduate
    • BSc (Hons) in Education and Training (Further, Adult and Continuing Education) - DC235

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