Professional Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education

Program Overview

The Professional Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education from DCU Institute of Education empowers primary and post-primary teachers to develop inclusive practices and support learners with special educational needs. Delivered online with a flexible structure, the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates for careers in inclusive and special education. The program emphasizes collaboration, communication, and the development of assessment skills to meet the diverse needs of learners.

Program Outline

Extracted Information:

Degree Overview:

• Professional Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education (ISE)
• primary and post-primary mainstream subject/class teachers, and special education teachers
• The overarching goal is to develop inclusive practice by enabling teachers to:
• Develop knowledge, skills and competencies in key areas of inclusive and special educational provision and planning.

• Create a community of learners who will communicate and collaborate with each other in support of the teaching and learning of all learners, including those with special educational needs.

• two-year structure:
• Year 1:
Three Certificate modules (Si420, Si421, Si422) totaling 20 credits.
• Year 2: Diploma module (Si902A) with 10 credits, focusing on Individually Relevant Learning.
• Students can exit with the Certificate award after Year 1 or continue to the Diploma module in Year 2.
• The program is delivered
• online
and can be completed in a
• flexible manner
regardless of location.
• Level 9 programme

Outline:

• Year 1:
• Si420 Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (10 credits):
This module explores the principles and practices of inclusive education, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and the legal and ethical frameworks that underpin inclusive practice.
• Si421 Understanding Dyslexia (5 credits): This module provides an in-depth understanding of dyslexia, including its characteristics, identification, and assessment strategies.
It also covers effective teaching and learning strategies for supporting students with dyslexia.
• Si422 Understanding Autism (5 credits): This module explores the spectrum of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including its characteristics, identification, and assessment strategies.
It also covers effective teaching and learning strategies for supporting students with ASD.
• Year 2:
• Si902A Individually Relevant Learning (10 credits):
This module focuses on the development of assessment skills to accurately identify an individual learner's current level of performance, strengths, and areas for development. It also covers planning strategies to meet those areas for development in varying contexts and school settings. This module is only available to students who are working in a teaching role.
• Each module combines background reading, online learning activities, interactive activities, and live class sessions to create a comprehensive learning experience.

Assessment:

• Each module features a variety of assessment methods including:
• Individual Written Assignments
• Reflective Journals
• Collaborative Projects
• Online Discussion Forums
• Live Class Participation
• The specific assessment criteria for each module are outlined in the module handbook.

Teaching:

• The program is delivered by a team of experienced and qualified educators from the DCU Institute of Education.
• The online format utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Interactive lectures
• Group discussions
• Case studies
• Individual consultations
• Online learning activities
• flipped classroom
This allows class time to be focused on deeper discussions, problem-solving, and active learning.

Careers:

• The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the field of inclusive and special education, including:
• Classroom teacher
• Special education teacher
• Special needs assistant
• Early childhood educator
• Educational psychologist
• Support worker
• Researcher
• Graduates may also pursue further studies in the field of education, such as a Master's degree in Education.

Other:

• practical application
• collaboration and communication
• The program is offered in conjunction with the
• Marino Institute of Education
and students may be eligible for support for course fee payment through the
• Teacher Refund Scheme
.

Part time EU Status Fee Part-time Yr. 1 €2,600 - Yr. 2 €1,300 Non EU Fee Part time Yr. 1 €5,450 - Yr. 2 €2,650