Who is this course for?  

Fully qualified teachers who are registered with the Teaching Council and teaching in SEN positions in their schools are eligible to apply. 

The programme consists of five modules: 

• Inclusion: Perspectives and Implications for Practice
• Assessment, Planning and Applications
• Curricular Issues for Special Educational Needs
• Implications of Educational Disability
• Specialist Study.

The programme involves release from schools/centres for designated block periods of a total of eight weeks over the academic year, with substitute cover provided. In addition, some lectures and workshops take place on Saturdays. The programme also includes supervised work in teachers’ own schools/centres and a four-day placement in a special setting other than their own. 
 
Key to the programme are inclusive approaches to teaching and learning, which are discussed and demonstrated. Teachers are supported in implementing such approaches in their schools. Participants are encouraged to engage with the programme, and emphasis is placed on developing the skills required to become effective, reflective practitioners in the field of special educational needs. 

The Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs equips qualified, registered teachers with the knowledge and skills to work as Special Education Teachers (SETs) in their schools. 

Teaching Team:

The course is delivered by a core team supported by a cohort of associate lecturers and practitioners with a wide range of expertise. 

Dr Andrea Higgins; Mr. Paul Munroe; Ms. Noelle Hunt; Ms. Riona Johnson; Mr. Pat Keane; Professor Gerry Mac Ruairc; Dr Paul Flynn; Ms. Sharon Faye; Dr Michele Dunleavy-Lavin; Ms. Martina Farren, Mr. Fran Doolan; Ms. Maria Gibbons SLT; Ms. Sarah McGinley; Dr Niamh Flynn; Ms. Alma Devane; Mr. Michael Walsh; Ms. Brighid Cannon; Ms. Mary Costello; Mr. James Frawley; Ms. Aoife Flynn OT, Ms. Aine Murray OT; Dr. Fidelma Brady; Ms. Bereta Heavey; Ms Andrea Keane. 

The Postgraduate Diploma in SEN is delivered via a mix of highly interactive lectures and workshops. Supported group tasks provide opportunities for teachers to develop professional collaborative and teamworking skills.   Teaching and learning on the programme is focused on equipping teachers with the practical professional knowledge and skills to provide an inclusive education for students with special educational needs. 

Inclusive and collaborative approaches to teaching and learning are demonstrated and discussed, and teachers are supported in implementing them in their schools. Participants are encouraged to engage actively with the programme. The course aims to provide enjoyable and rewarding learning experiences that are responsive to teachers’ needs.  

Assessment is through practically based assignments undertaken throughout the year. 

Course queries: 
pdsen@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director:  

Dr Andrea Higgins  
School of Education 
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies 
E: andrea.higgins@universityofgalway.ie 

Fully qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council and working in SEN teaching roles in their schools are eligible to apply. 

The governing DES circular, available on the DES website when the application process opens gives full details of the eligibility criteria.  

When published the application form is available to download from the DES website and at the University of Galway PDSEN webpage link below: 

http://www.nuigalway.ie/courses/taught-postgraduate-courses/education-special-educational-needs.html 

Completed applications forms must be emailed to pdsen@universityofgalway.ie 

Closing Date will be available when DES Circular and application form are published. 

Course fees for successful applicants are paid by the Department of Education