Program Overview

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Professional Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education

Course Details

Course Code:

DC979

Course Type:

Postgraduate

NFQ Level:

• Please see for further information

Delivery Modes:

Part-Time

Duration:

2 Years

Overview

Every child and young person should feel safe and that they belong in the classroom. This part-time, online course is designed to help teachers meet the needs of all learners to create an inclusive learning environment.

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.

Entry Requirements

General 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 for any further advice.

Programme Structure

Overview

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.

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

Fees and Funding

Fees

• Part time
  • EU Status Fee Part-time: Yr. 1 €2,600 - Yr. 2 €1,300
  • Non EU Fee Part time: Yr. 1 €5,550 - Yr. 2 €2,750

How To Apply

Make an Application

• 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

Application Queries

• For EU applicant queries, please visit postgraduate-taught-admissions or email
• For non EU applicant queries, please visit postgraduate or email

Applications Closing Dates:

• Applications will be accepted until the programme is full.
• EU Applicants: 30th June 2025
• Non EU Applicants: 1st July 2025

Life On Campus

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.

Campus Life

• 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.

FAQs

Programme 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 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.

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. 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.