Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs: Autism
A specialised master’s programme for registered teachers to advance expertise in supporting autistic students.
Best for:Best for registered teachers seeking to specialise in autism education and enhance their professional practice in inclusive and special education settings.
Overview
This Master of Arts programme is a collaborative initiative between ATU St. Angela’s, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and the Department of Education in Ireland. Designed exclusively for registered teachers, it focuses on developing advanced knowledge and practical skills to effectively work with autistic students in primary, post-primary, and special schools. The curriculum integrates theoretical insights with hands-on experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address the unique educational needs of autistic learners. Applicants must currently teach or commit to teaching autistic students during the programme. The programme also offers recognition of prior learning for eligible candidates.
What you'll do
- Develop advanced pedagogical strategies tailored to the educational needs of autistic students.
- Engage in evidence-based practice to enhance teaching methods for neurodiverse learners.
- Collaborate with school teams to implement inclusive educational plans for autistic students.
- Conduct research or applied projects focused on autism education and special needs support.
- Attend on-campus workshops and online modules to deepen expertise in autism-specific teaching.
- Apply theoretical knowledge in real-world classroom settings through supervised practice.
Requirements
Degree required: A recognised teaching qualification (e.g., Bachelor of Education or equivalent) and an award of H2.2 or higher in the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs.
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA) in Special Educational Needs
Language: English; proficiency at a level suitable for academic study and professional practice in education.
Instruction: English
- Current or imminent employment as a registered teacher in a primary, post-primary, or special school setting.
- Experience or commitment to working with autistic students during the programme.
- Proficiency in designing and implementing inclusive educational strategies.
- Ability to engage in reflective practice and evidence-based teaching.
- Must be a registered teacher in Ireland or equivalent overseas.
- Must be employed or committed to employment in a recognised school setting during the programme.
- Prior completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs with an award of H2.2 or higher.
- No age restrictions, but professional experience in teaching is mandatory.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Application instructions
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- Tuition
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- Funding
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How to apply
Deadline: 2026-09-01 (closed for September 2026 intake; check individual course webpages for January intake) (Europe/Dublin)
Applicants must apply through the official ATU application portal. The process involves submitting a completed application form, proof of teaching registration, transcripts of prior qualifications, and a statement of intent outlining their commitment to working with autistic students. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered for eligible candidates. Detailed instructions are available on the ATU website.
- Completed application form
- Proof of teaching registration (e.g., teaching council certification)
- Transcripts of Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs (H2.2 or higher)
- Statement of intent detailing commitment to working with autistic students
- Proof of employment or commitment to employment in a recognised school setting
Contact
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