MA/PG Dip (Arts) in Inclusive and Special Education

Our online inclusive and special education programme

This flexible programme in the field of special education has been developed jointly by Hibernia College and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology (ICEP) Europe. Gain the knowledge, skills, values and competencies to provide inclusive education.

* This programme provides an excellent avenue for professional development, and is not a route to becoming a teacher.

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September 2026: CLOSing 15 September

Programme Type: Postgraduate Diploma/ Master of Arts

Next Intakes: September 2026, January 2027

NFQ: Level 9
ECTS: PG Dip (60), MA (90),

each module (15)

Academic Validation: QQI

Duration: Self-paced

About the
MA/PG Dip (Arts) in Inclusive and Special Education

The MA/PG Dip (Arts) in Inclusive and Special Education has been designed in collaboration with ICEP Europe to meet the professional and personal needs of educators working with learners with special and additional learning needs in diverse educational settings.

Our part-time, online programme 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 programme aims to give educators 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 programme particularly suitable for educators seeking a more flexible postgraduate option due to personal circumstances, work or other commitments.

The programme enables educators to acquire a deep understanding of core issues within the field of inclusive and special education. Educators will develop their skillsets 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 programme to expand their career opportunities — to become more specialised 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 doctorate level.

It also enables educators 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.

The College operates a Recognition of Prior Learning Policy for entry into the programme, and applicants with previous learning in a relevant area may be able to have it formally recognised by the College as part of this programme. Those who may wish to be considered under this policy should email rpl@hiberniacollege.net.

Please note that this programme is not a route to a Teaching Council number. If you wish to complete an initial teacher qualification, please refer to our PME programmes.

Please note that if you are currently under a route 3 teaching council number this programme will not satisfy the requirements of this.

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Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a minimum of a Pass, or equivalent, in an honours bachelor’s degree at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), which has an ECTS weighting of at least 180 credits.

To apply, applicants must provide their official Level 8 transcript (or above), showing their overall result and total ECTS credits awarded. Applicants with a pre-modular qualification should obtain confirmation from their University of the ECTS weighting of their qualification

English Language Proficiency

An applicant whose first language/primary mode of expression is not English will be required to produce evidence of English competence. The required proficiency level is B2+ or higher in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This blended programme will be delivered mainly online, providing a flexible route to specialist training for educators. It will be offered on a modular, part-time basis for maximum flexibility.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Inclusive and Special Education comprises four taught modules (15 ECTS each) and can be completed in one year. Students can take longer if they wish.

The Master of Arts in Inclusive and Special Education comprises four taught modules (15 ECTS each) and a Research Methods and Thesis module (30 ECTS). It can be completed in two years or more.

The programme is set up to be flexible, agile and individualised, allowing participants to tailor modules to their own professional specialisation, research areas and personal interests.

Modules are delivered over a 12-week period as distance learning modules, 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 MA level will also complete a Research Methods and Thesis module (30 ECTS).

Application fee
A non-refundable application fee of €65 is payable as part of the online application process. Applications cannot be processed until this fee has been received.

Tuition fees

Fees are charged on a modular basis and are payable in full before the commencement of each module.

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Inclusive and Special Education

The Postgraduate Diploma comprises four taught modules of 15 ECTS each.

Module fee until August 2026 €1,250 per module

Module fee from September 2026 onwards€1,350 per module

If a person commences a module before 1 September 2026, the current module fee of €1,250 applies. Any module commenced on or after 1 September 2026 will be charged at the new module fee of €1,350.

Research Methods and Thesis module €4,000 remains unchanged in 2026

Master of Arts in Inclusive and Special Education

The Master of Arts comprises four taught modules of 15 ECTS each and a Research Methods and Thesis module of 30 ECTS.

Taught modules
€1,250 per module up to August 31st, 2026.
€1,350 per module September 01^st, 2026 onwards.

Research Methods and Thesis module €4,000 remains unchanged in 2026

QQI certification fee

A QQI certification fee of €200 applies at award stage for all QQI programmes.

How fees are paid

The application fee is paid online at the point of application.

Tuition fees are paid per module in advance of each teaching term. Payments may be made by bank transfer. Per module payments may also be made by credit card.

This modular payment structure allows students to spread the cost of the programme over time.

Funding and financial supports

Tax relief
Hibernia College is an approved college for the purposes of section 474 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Eligible students may claim tax relief on tuition fees. Further information is available from Revenue.

Teacher Refund Scheme
Teachers registered with the Teaching Council may be eligible for the Teacher Refund Scheme. Further information is available from the Department of Education.

Loan facilities
Education loan facilities are available through INTO Credit Union and TUI Credit Union. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant credit union directly for further information.

If you have any questions, please contact our Enrolment team at +353 (0)1 661 0168 (press 2) between 9 AM and 5 PM Monday to Friday. You are also welcome to email advisor@hiberniacollege.net.

Support for Students

Administrative and technical support teams, faculty and tutors are committed to helping students meet academic and career goals while having a positive experience. Students can draw from a range of available support to navigate big and small questions.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Learn More About ICEP Europe

This programme has been developed jointly with the Institute of Child Education and Psychology (ICEP) Europe. Learn more about the partnership and programme in our interview with Dr Deirdre MacIntyre, Founding Director of ICEP Europe.

read interview

Student Experiences

Are you curious about studying at Hibernia College? Alumni Overall Student Prize 23, Aislinn Dillon shares her reasons for choosing Hibernia College, her prior experience, research and careers. ‘The first compulsory module on inclusion, focusing on legislation and practice, was my favourite. It engagingly traced the path from segregation to meaningful inclusion, highlighting the importance of equity, diversity, and social justice in the Irish context.’ –Aislinn Dillon

HEAR FROM ALUMNi