Masters in
Inclusive and Special Education
This Online Masters in Inclusive and Special Education (SEN) was developed jointly by Hibernia College and The Institute of Child Education and Psychology (ICEP) Europe. Â
We are offering those who already have a recognised 60 credit level 9 postgraduate qualification in SEN the option to “top-up” their existing qualification to a Masters.
Current Student Experiences
Why Choose This Online Masters In Special Education?
This QQI accredited postgraduate course aims to give teachers, SNAs & education professionals a thorough knowledge and understanding of special educational needs and learning difficulties and is underpinned with the latest national and international research in relation to inclusive & Special Needs Education (SEN)
Both ICEP Europe and Hibernia College are nationally and internationally recognised institutions and have extensive experience in providing flexible, accessible, innovative accredited online courses.Â
The modular structure and distance learning delivery makes this masters course particularly suitable to those teachers seeking a more flexible postgraduate option due to personal circumstances, work, or other commitments.​Â
Who is this Online Course Suitable for?
We are offering those who already have a recognised 60 credit level 9 postgraduate qualification in SEN the option to "top-up" their existing qualification to a Masters.
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 SEN.Â
Future Careers In Inclusive & Special Education (SEN)
This accredited online masters course enables educators to acquire a deep understanding of core issues within the field of inclusive and special education. Educators will develop their skillset and acquire knowledge and expertise in carrying out educational research relevant to inclusion and learners with diverse, special, or additional needs.
The graduates may use the knowledge and skills in SEN to expand their educational career opportunities - to become more specialised lead teachers in their schools, to take on educational leadership/ management roles or to work in the field of education policy and practice.  Others may continue their studies to Doctorate level.Â
It also enables teachers, SNAs 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.
How do I apply?
To apply, please email [email protected] with the subject "Masters Top-up" and we will send you the relevant module form to fill out.
We will grant recognition of prior learning (RPL) to those with recognised 60 credit Level 9 postgraduate qualifications in SEN. Please have the transcript of your previous qualification ready to complete the RPL process.
How Is This Course Delivered?
This part-time, online masters course in Inclusive & Special Education provides a flexible route to specialist training for educators and will be offered on a modular, part-time basis offering maximum flexibility.
The "top-up" option comprises a research and thesis component (30 ECTS) and can be completed in one year.
Award:
- Level 9 Master of Arts in Inclusive & Special Education
Tuition and Support
An individual thesis supervisor will be assigned to each student undertaking this module. The thesis supervisor will play a crucial role in guiding and supporting you through the process of researching and writing your thesis. The supervisor's main purpose will be to provide the necessary guidance and feedback to ensure that the thesis meets academic standards and requirements.
Both institutions are committed to providing positive and supporting learning environments for all students. Technical support is provided by a dedicated team of qualified learning technologists, who can be contacted by telephone or email. Students will also find that their fellow classmates will be a great source of support through the discussion forums and online tutorials.
Am I Eligible For This Masters Course?
The option to "top-up" to a Masters is only available to those with a recognised 60 credit level 9 postgraduate diploma in SEN.
An applicant whose first language/primary mode of expression is not English will be required to produce evidence of English competence.Â
How Do I Apply For This Masters (MA) Course In Inclusive & Special Education?
To apply, please email [email protected] with the subject "Masters Top-up" and we will send you the relevant module form to fill out.
We will grant recognition of prior learning (RPL) to those with recognised 60 credit Level 9 postgraduate qualifications in SEN. Please have the transcript of your previous qualification ready to complete the RPL process.
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How Much Is This Online Masters Top-up Course In Inclusive & Special Education?
The online format of this course offers the flexibility to pay for modules on an individual basis. This online course offers busy professionals the opportunity to work around their existing schedule and gain a recognised university qualification in SEN regardless of location.
The tuition fees for this online masters course for the academic year 2023/24 are as follows:Â
Masters Top-up Fee: €4,000Â
This fee must be paid in full prior to the commencement of the research methods and thesis module
Loan Facility
INTO Credit Union and TUI Credit Union have both formulated a loan facility that may interest you. For more information about the INTO Credit Union loan, visit this website. For more information about the TUI Credit Union loan, visit this website.
Tax Relief
Hibernia College is an approved college for the purposes of s.474 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. For further information, go to the Revenue website.
Teacher Refund Scheme
If you are registered with The Teaching Council, you may also be eligible for the Teacher Refund Scheme. To find out more, read about it on the Department of Education website.
If you have any additional questions please call us on +35316510618 OR Contact Us HERE.
Specifically, the course aims to ensure that graduates of the programme will:
- Develop a deep understanding and knowledge of theories and practices at the forefront of special education and inclusion
- Become acquainted with new and emerging research and evidence-informed approaches relevant to the teaching, learning and assessment of students with diverse special educational needs
- Acquire the skills necessary to work in a variety of professional settings and to become leaders in the field of inclusion and special education
- Have the knowledge, skills, and competencies to promote inclusion in a range of settings such as within the classroom, community, and broader society.
- The programme is mainly online.
- Face-to-face sessions are included at specific points during the programme, for induction, and again during the Research Methods and Thesis module.
- Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive & Special Education is four modules (60 ECTS credits)
- Level 9 Masters in Inclusive & Special education is four modules + dissertation (90 ECTS credits)
A minimum grade of a Pass, or equivalent, in an honours bachelor degree at NFQ Level 8 in a relevant area.
No, you don’t currently have to be employed as a teacher to qualify for a place, but you do need to meet the criteria above. This programme particularly suitable to those teachers seeking a more flexible postgraduate option due to personal circumstances, work, or other commitments including those on maternity leave or a career break.
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.
- MA: A minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 6 years.
- Pg Diploma: A minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 4 years.
There are three teaching terms per year, September, January, and May.
Each module is assessed through a single portfolio/assignment of 5,000 words. There are no exams in this programme.
The dissertation portion of the MA programme is 12,000 words.Â
No, students do not need to have any more than a basic knowledge of IT technology.
Yes. Students will have access to the Hibernia online library while enrolled.
Each class is assigned a tutor who will offer continuous support and advice throughout the duration of the module. There is also an IT Coordinator who provides support with the online environment.
Academic, technical, and pastoral support is available to all learners through the online learning platform, via email and telephone contact.Â
You can apply for this course here: Application Information – Hibernia College
Vera Shanahan, Educate Together
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NEXT INTAKE
September 2025​
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DURATION
1 year part-time
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ATTENDANCE
Mainly Online​
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FEES
Masters uplift – €4,000