Professional Studies in Special Educational Needs

Master of Arts

Course Details

Course Code	SG_EPROF_M09
Level	9
Duration	3 years
Credits	90
Method of Delivery	Blended
Campus Locations	St Angelas
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

How to Apply

Professional Studies in Special Educational Needs

How to Apply

Course Overview

Progression route to Masters in Professional Studies in Special Educational Needs
All students will first commence on the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Studies in Special Educational Needs and if successful may transfer to the Masters.

The Master of Arts in Professional Studies in Special Educational Needs offers a level 9 qualification for all professionals interested in Special Educational Needs (SEN). Entry onto this Masters programme is based on successful completion of three modules (45 ECTs) from the suite of SEN Online Blended Learning modules offered as part of the Professional Studies in Special Educational Needs pathway.

Research methods are critical to successful study at MA level and will incorporate problem-solving activities, action research in professional contexts and the opportunity to link theory and practice in general and in terms of the execution of coursework. Participants accepted onto the Masters stage of the programme will have achieved an increased level of competence and confidence within the Professional Studies in Special Educational Needs pathway. They will also be looking forward to choosing the area of study for their MA dissertation and beginning to reflect on possible research methodologies for their dissertation.

The Advanced Research Module (15 ECTs) will provide students with the opportunity to make and implement informed choices regarding professionally relevant areas of research for their dissertation and to do this with the guidance and support of tutors and peers. Lectures will take place online with some face-to-face sessions during September and October. Students use the remainder of the year to carry out research and draft material for their MA Dissertation.

The final dissertation will be a maximum of 20,000 words and the topic chosen by the participant must be related to the Professional Studies in Special Educational Needs pathway.

Programme Outline

MA Stage Two Modules:

Advanced Research (Core)
Dissertation (Core)

Participants are required to attend a mix of face-to-face sessions and online lectures between September and November with a further workshop scheduled to take place in January. At the end of the series of lectures students will be required to submit a Dissertation Proposal in November. A tutor will be assigned to you and once your proposal has been deemed successful you can progress on to the dissertation stage.

Recommended Study Hours per week

Each 15 credit module holds a total student effort of 300 hours. Total student effort comprises contact hours, tutor directed study and independent study.

Examination and Assessment

Advanced research methods is assessed with a written dissertation proposal (maximum of 5,000 words). The Dissertation module requires the completion of a research dissertation (maximum of 20,000 words).

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

The Advanced Research module is delivered exclusively online in Semester 1, with the exception of one half-day on-campus workshop. This is held in late January, usually on a Saturday.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Download a prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Level 8 Undergraduate Degree (H2.2) or equivalent. For students without the relevant academic qualification but with relevant previous experience, recognition for prior learning can be awarded.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €4,300

Further information on fees

Careers

This programme is suitable for candidates who wish to progress further in their professional sector and are already in employment. It aims to enhance professional knowledge and it is designed to provide a student-centred, accessible, flexible, coherent framework for the personal, professional and academic development of participants. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own work practices and to link their study to their working environment.

Further Information

Who Should Apply?

The modules attract a wide range of participants from a variety of settings, including:

Classroom teachers
Graduates who wish to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and area awaiting a place on the programme
Qualified teachers who are seeking full-time employment
Employees within the Health Service Executive who work with learners with Special Educational Needs
Principals, managers and Department Inspectorate
Employees and Managers within Early Childhood Education sector
Classroom assistants (including cuntóirí teanga)