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Online Advanced Diploma in Professional Development: Inclusive Education
- When does the programme commence?
- How will this online programme help me in working with pupils with special educational needs?
- What is the aim of this programme?
- What qualifications do I need to apply for the course?
- How long does it take?
- How is the programme organised?
- What is the time commitment?
- Will there be assignments to complete and what form do they take?
- What IT skills do I need to participate in this programme?
- Is the course delivered entirely online or will I have to travel to Queen’s University?
- Who will be my Tutor?
- How can I contact my Tutor?
- How many students are in each group?
- If I have a problem who will help me?
- Will I have access to library facilities?
- What will I be awarded, upon completing the course?
- How do I apply?
- How much are the fees?
- What have current students said about their experience?
1. When does the programme commence?
Normally, there are intakes to the programme in September and January of any academic year. Please consult the Guidance Notes and Application Forms for application deadlines.
Late applications may be considered if there are places available.
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2. How will this online programme help me in working with pupils with special educational needs?
Through a combination of background reading, online learning and interactive learning activities, this programme offers up to date research on a range of special needs issues.
A key component of the programme is the focus on strategies that will work in the classroom. These are critical to meeting the diverse learning needs of all pupils in today’s classrooms.
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3. What is the aim of this programme?
The programme offers high quality professional development to individual teachers and associated professionals working in the field of education. In addition the programme aims to create a community of learners who will interact, communicate and collaborate with each other in support of the teaching and learning of pupils with special and additional learning needs.
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4. What qualifications do I need to apply for the course?
Applicants must have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or equivalent and preferably experience with special needs (please refer to the Guidance Notes for further details).
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5. How long does it take?
The programme is delivered online and the timelines are flexible to suit the needs of individual participants. The Advanced Diploma consists of three taught modules and must be completed within 3 years. Modules are offered in each session subject to adequate numbers.
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6. How is the programme organised?
The structure of the programme allows for students to complete all three modules within an academic year (see Guidance Notes for details of sessions). Each module is made up of 5 separate units taught online. We suggest to students that they take approximately two weeks to complete each Unit. This scheduling, while allowing for flexibility, does keep students moving at a similar pace which enhances the online dialogue and discussion. The Inclusion module is mandatory for all students and must be taken first. On successful completion of this module, participants will choose from a range of modules focusing on different aspects of special educational needs including: Dyslexia, Supporting & Managing Student Behaviour, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Applied Behaviour Analysis and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. Each module has an individual Module Handbook that is a ‘must read’ for all students.
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7. What is the time commitment?
While this is an online programme, it is qualitatively different to many other online courses you may have experienced in the past. The programme requires you to read the Unit materials, respond to the required Learning Activities (usually 2 per Unit) and engage actively with your classmates on a regular basis. Learning is enhanced through ongoing dialogue with the group. Participants can set their own schedule for each Module, daytime, night-time, or weekends.
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8. Will there be assignments to complete and what form do they take?
All participants are required to complete an assignment of 3000 words at the end of each Module. The format of the assignment will vary according to the modular content. Details of assignments are available to students at the beginning of the Module. The Module Tutor is available to support and guide students with the assignments. All details of assignment requirements are included in the individual Module Handbooks.
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9. What IT skills do I need to participate in this programme?
In order to participate in the programme, you will need access to a computer on a regular basis. Broadband access is strongly recommended. Familiarity with the internet and email is an expected requirement.
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10. Is the course delivered entirely online or will I have to travel to Queen’s University?
Queen’s University Belfast holds an Induction Day for all students enrolling at the University. All ICEP Europe students are invited to attend and to meet the programme Tutors and fellow students on that day. Details of the day are sent to all enrolled students nearer the date.
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11. Who will be my Tutor?
All of the programme tutors are drawn from a cadre of experienced and highly qualified practitioners in the field of special educational needs. Tutors introduce themselves in the Social Forum at the beginning of the Module and you will have excellent opportunities to tap into their experience throughout the course. Tutors are there to guide and support your learning. This is a change from the face to face interaction to which you may be accustomed. In order to maximize the tutor-student interaction, you are expected to read the unit materials and to respond to the Learning Activities. The online Discussion Forums for each Unit allow not only for questions but also for sharing of ideas and strategies with classmates.
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12. How can I contact my Tutor?
In addition to the Discussion Forum, you have email access to your tutor directly with any questions or help that you might need with the course.
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13. How many students are in each group?
While there are many students on the programme, the number in your group varies according to module selections. Generally groups do not exceed 25 in order to guarantee an individualised level of support and personalised tuition.
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14. If I have a problem who will help me?
Each group is assigned a Tutor who will offer continuous academic support and advice throughout the duration of the Module. In addition, IT Coordinators are available by telephone or email to answer your IT questions.
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15. Will I have access to library facilities?
As a registered student of Queens University, you will receive a Student Card which gives you access to all electronic Library holdings at the university. Queens has a huge range of journals and over 3000 electronic books for your use. Please note that QUB policy does not allow for texts to be mailed to students. Access to hard copy holdings can only be made in person and with your Student Card.
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16. What will I be awarded, upon completing the course?
On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded an Advanced Diploma in Professional Development: Inclusive Education. Students who maintain an average of 70% or above will be awarded the diploma with distinction.
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17. How do I apply?
An Application Form can be downloaded here or www.qub.ac.uk/edu.
Application can only be made by filling in the application form and forwarding to: The Admissions Office ICEP Europe, Unit 4K, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co Kildare Applications must be accompanied by a non-returnable administration fee of £25 (payable by postal order or cheque).
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18. How much are the fees?
For the academic year 2010-2011, the fee is £615 per Module. Any student seeking support for fees through an ELB, Board of Governors, Management Board or any other body, should do so well in advance of the programme start date.
In the Republic of Ireland, support for course fee payment can be applied for through the Teacher Refund Scheme administered through the Marino Institute of Education.
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19. What have current students said about their experience?
Feedback from past and current students has been extremely positive. The majority have praised the excellent quality of the materials provided and the resources offered. Tutor support has received very positive comments in all Modules. Students are very pleased with the structure, flexibility in learning methodologies, and ease of access regardless of location.
Click here to view some Student Comments.
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