Aims of the programme:

This programme aims to enable participants to become informed about the complex processes involved in including children who have special educational needs within mainstream classrooms and schools. While addressing the philosophical and policy issues relating to inclusion the course will also examine the practical implications of inclusion for the teachers, parents, schools and the children and young people involved.

Who is the programme for?

This programme is designed to support teachers and management at primary and post-primary levels in developing an inclusive learning environment within schools.

Structure

The taught component contains four modules, with each module containing approximately 25 hours of contact time. The blended learning approach involves a mix of distance education and face-to-face interaction. Each module requires students to attend classes on two weekends (Friday night and all day Saturday), with on-line resources available to read in advance of each weekend of attendance. Those students who have attained a satisfactory level in their module assignments progress to the dissertation year.

Students are required to submit their dissertation within twelve months normally. This is a research year and the student will be involved in the writing of a dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor.