The Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs is a full-time programme running for 9 months from the date of first registration for the programme designed for primary and post-primary teachers. Teachers will be released from their schools for 8 weeks during the academic year to attend lectures and seminars in the University. In addition, teachers will be supervised in their schools during the portion of the academic year when they return to their teaching duties. Teachers will also be required to undertake action research and case study work in their schools, all of which will form an integral part of the programme.

Students take 60 credits as follows:

ED6201 Special Educational Needs - School Organisation and Practice (10 credits)
ED6202 Assessment for and of Individual Pupil Learning and Attainment (10 credits)
ED6203 Curriculum Provision and Teaching Methodologies for Pupils with SEN (10 credits)
ED6204 Supporting Pupils with Additional Learning Needs (10 credits)
ED6205 Contemporary Issues in Special Educational Needs (10 credits)
ED6206 Developing Inclusive Practice and Provision (10 credits)

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2022/2023 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2022/2023.

Entry to the MEd
For candidates who satisfactorily meet the entry requirements of the MEd, and have achieved an honours grade in the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs, an exemption of 60 credits of the taught element of the MEd programme will be granted. The remaining 60 credits of the MEd programme must include the compulsory dissertation of 30 credits.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Return to school or centre, teach and coordinate special educational needs provision;
• Apply course materials in contexts;
• Function as a resource person for other teachers in advising on issues relating to special educational needs provision;
• Monitor and appraise developments in the provision of test materials;
• Act as a liaison between school and other specialist outside agencies in relation to special educational needs provision.