Master in Inclusive and Special Education

The Master in Inclusive and Special Education has been developed jointly by Hibernia College and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology (ICEP) Europe and is currently pending validation.

The program aims to give teachers a thorough professional knowledge and understanding of special educational needs and learning difficulties and is underpinned by the latest national and international research.

The modular structure and online model of delivery make this program particularly suitable for teachers seeking a more flexible postgraduate option due to personal circumstances, work, or other commitments.

Structure

This blended program 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 Master of Arts in Inclusive and Special Education comprises four taught modules (15 ECTS each) and research methods and thesis modules (30 ECTS) and can be completed in two years or more.

The program is set up to be flexible, agile, and individualized, allowing participants to tailor modules to their own professional specialization, research areas, and personal interests.

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.

Modules

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 three 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 the MA level will also complete a Research Methods and Thesis module (30 ECTS).

The Master 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 program 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.

The program enables educators to acquire a deep understanding of core issues within the field of inclusive and special education. Educators will develop their skill set 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 program to expand their career opportunities — to become more specialized 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 the Doctorate level.

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.