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Special Educational Needs (PDip)

Postgraduate Diploma (Special Education Needs)

The application process for the 2025–26 Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs is now open. Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is Friday, June 6th, 2025.

The Department of Education circular 0035/2025 which gives the necessary information on eligibility and on the application process can be downloaded here: Department of Education circular 0035/2025.

A Word version of the application form for teachers in primary and special schools can be downloaded here: Application form for teachers in primary and special schools.

A Word version of the application form for teachers in post-primary schools can be downloaded here: Application form for teachers in post-primary schools.

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

Postal applications will not be accepted. If you have any queries please contact us at pdsen@univeristyofgalway.ie

We thank you for your interest in our programme and look forward to receiving your application.

Course Overview

The programme aims to give fully qualified serving teachers working in SEN teaching roles in their schools and other recognised educational services a thorough professional knowledge and understanding of special needs and learning difficulties, and to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to support the education of those with special needs and learning difficulties in various contexts. In doing so, the programme also aims to provide enjoyable and rewarding learning experiences and be responsive to learners’ needs.

The programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) and provides a recognised qualification for teachers working in the area of special educational needs and learning support in mainstream and special settings. Programme fees are paid by the DES. The programme is delivered by a core team supported by a cohort of associate lecturers with a range of experience and expertise.

Applications and Selections

**Please see the information on the application process at the top of the page.**

The DES circular which gives the necessary information on eligibility and on the application process can be downloaded here.

Thank you for your interest in our programme. If you have any questions regarding your application, please email them to pdsen@universityofgalway.ie.

Who Teaches this Course

Cohort of lecturers with specific expertise and experience in areas of SEN

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment is through coursework assignments undertaken during the year and is linked to teachers’ developing practice.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must be graduates and qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland and have a designated teaching role in relation to students with special educational needs. Further eligibility criteria are included in the DES circular available at: www.education.ie

Additional Requirements

Garda Vetting/police clearance is required for this programme.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

1 year, part-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

See DES circular.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

PDE

Course Outline

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.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Qualified teachers who graduate from this programme are recognised by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) for positions as special education teachers (SETs) in mainstream and special settings.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€2,470 p.a. (including levy) 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€2,330 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€15,000 p.a. (€15,140 including levy) 2025/26

Fees are covered by the DES for eligible participants.

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.