Application Guide January 2025

PG Dip (Arts) in Inclusive and Special Education


Please ensure that you meet the entry requirements before starting your application.

If you have further questions, please call our Enrolment Helpline at +353 (0)1 661 0168 (press 2) between 9 AM and 5 PM Monday to Friday.

You are also welcome to schedule a call at a time that is convenient for you.

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.

Do you meet the entry requirements?

NFQ Level 8 degree

You must hold a minimum of a Pass, or equivalent, in an honours bachelor’s degree in a relevant area at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

English Language proficiency

If your first language/primary mode of expression is not English, you 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).

Do you have your supporting documents?

NFQ Level 8 transcripts

You are required to upload your official undergraduate transcripts when making your application. Transcripts are a breakdown of the results you received in each module for each year of your degree. They are NOT the certificate/parchment you received on your graduation day. If you do not have your transcripts in your possession, you can re-order them from your awarding institute. Please note this may take some time, so you should request for them as soon as possible.

If your undergraduate transcripts do not state that your degree is Level 8 (on the NFQ) or above, please refer to your awarding institute to obtain written confirmation of the level awarded.

Have you completed your personal statement?

You must submit a personal statement with your application, outlining your suitability for the programme. This may include a teaching-specific qualification at third level; however, experience working in special and inclusive education will also be considered, as well as any other experience determined suitable by the Academic Lead.

Are your documents in the correct format?

You must scan and upload all documents in a clear, legible PDF format (one PDF file per document). We cannot accept Word documents, pictures or other formats.

  • If your file size is over 4 MB, you must use a file compressor. To find this tool, do an online search for ‘PDF file compressor’.
  • If you need to merge multiple pages into one document, you must use a file merger. To find this tool, do an online search for ‘PDF file merger’. 

Note: Only documents submitted in the correct PDF format will be reviewed.

Do you need to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

Hibernia College is committed to its mission of making higher professional education accessible to all and the Hibernia College Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides some of the framework for doing so. If you wish to apply for RPL, you should read both the policy and the Recognition of Prior Learning Procedure to ensure you are familiar with the process and the RPL options available.

> If you intend to apply for RPL, please contact rpl@hiberniacollege.net for further information regarding the RPL application procedure before submitting your application. 

Applications for RPL will be decided on a case-by-case basis and will incur an additional fee. This fee is non-refundable.

Ready to start your application?