Éimear Byrne is a primary school teacher from rural Wexford. She is now also a recent graduate of the Master of Arts in Inclusive & Special Education (MAISE) with Hibernia College and ICEP Europe — a course that helped shaped her teaching, confidence, and even the direction of her career.
Why I Chose this Masters in Inclusive Education
After completing my PME with Hibernia College, I knew that distance learning suited me well. I also had a genuine interest in special education, especially in how special classes are developed within mainstream schools and how we can build inclusive cultures across education settings.
When I started looking for a master’s programme, the MAISE stood out. It was new, forward-thinking and flexible — exactly what I needed as a young teacher with a passion for inclusive education. I loved that I could build my own degree by selecting modules that aligned with my interests.
A Practical and Transformational Learning Experience
One of the things I appreciated most was how practical the course was.
The assignments weren’t just academic exercises — they required me to apply strategies directly to my own school context.
Because of this, I now have a bank of resources that I use daily in my teaching. The modules gave me strong foundations in areas like:
Autism and neurodiversity
Behaviour as communication
Dyslexia and literacy support
Irish policy on special and inclusive education
I also developed skills in critiquing, planning and implementing inclusive practices — skills that have made me far more confident in supporting all learners.
A Supportive Online Community
Even though the course is online, it never felt isolating. In fact, the learning community was one of the best parts. The live lectures felt almost like being in a physical lecture hall, and the mix of students from different backgrounds created rich, meaningful discussions.
In my class alone, we had people from post-primary, early childhood education, English-language schools, and special class settings. Hearing how everyone applied the learning in their own contexts helped me develop a much broader understanding of what inclusive education looks like across Ireland and beyond.
My Research Journey and the Confidence It Gave Me
As part of the programme, I completed a thesis on the attitudes and approaches to inclusivity in newly established special classes. This was a hugely positive experience for me.
My supervisor, Rita, was incredible — supportive, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in my work. She encouraged me to submit my research to the Higher Education Colleges Association Research Awards, something I would never have felt confident enough to do otherwise. Knowing that my work was respected academically was such a proud moment.
Opportunities That Opened Because of This Programme
The MAISE didn’t just help me grow as a teacher — it opened doors I never expected.
- Supporting My School: My school is in the process of developing a special class, and the knowledge I gained has allowed me to have informed, meaningful discussions with staff about the design and needs of the class.
- Professional Roles: After completing the dyslexia module, I began working with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland as both a workshop tutor and a private tutor — opportunities that came directly from what I learned in the programme.
- Community Impact: I even found myself applying inclusive principles outside of school, such as helping my local GAA club consider how to become more inclusive for children and families.
- Further Study: Perhaps most unexpectedly, this course inspired me to begin another master’s — this time in Educational Leadership with a focus on inclusivity. The confidence I gained from my MAISE experience gave me the courage to keep going and keep growing.
Why I Recommend this Masters in Inclusive Education
Looking back, this programme exceeded every expectation I had. I wanted a course that would give me practical strategies to support children in inclusive settings — and I got that and so much more.
I gained:
- Practical, evidence-based approaches
- Confidence in professional conversations
- A deeper understanding of inclusive education
- The ability to apply research to real-world practice
- A strong sense of purpose in my teaching
As I graduate, I can honestly say that this master’s has shaped my career, expanded my opportunities, and strengthened my passion for inclusivity.
If you have an interest in special education — no matter what your background — I would highly recommend this programme. It is flexible, engaging, and incredibly empowering.
If you are interested in this course, you can find out more about the MA in Inclusive & Special Education from ICEP Europe and Hibernia College. Applications are now open for January 2026 and you can register for an upcoming webinar for more info.