Gifted Education

Entry requirements

This Graduate Diploma in Gifted Education is open to anyone holding a recognised Level 8 degree (from Ireland or elsewhere) with an interest in deepening their expertise in education.

We welcome applications from:

• Qualified Teachers and Early Years Educators
• School Leaders and Principals
• Non-teaching professionals with a strong interest in education and advocacy, such as Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), parents, healthcare professionals, and community advocates.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Graduate Diploma in Gifted Education at Dublin City University is a part-time, two-year, fully online programme designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of giftedness and inclusion.

The programme explores the unique academic and social-emotional challenges encountered by gifted students, including twice-exceptional students (gifted learners with an additional educational need). Delivered through a flexible online format to accommodate busy personal and professional schedules, the programme is open to applicants holding a Level 8 degree or equivalent.

It is specifically aimed at a diverse cohort of educators and advocates, including teachers, school leaders, special needs assistants (SNAs), parents or caregivers of gifted children, and community advocates. By bringing together this varied group, the programme empowers professionals and parents alike to support the development of inclusive learning environments, design individualised support strategies, and act as effective, informed advocates for exceptionally able learners.

During the first year, students develop the knowledge and skills in key areas of gifted education, encompassing topics such as identification and inclusion in the context of gifted education, the social and emotional needs of these students, twice-exceptionality, and pedagogies and approaches that support these learners.

In year two, students develop leadership and critical evaluation skills which support the needs of these diverse learners in a variety of settings.

The programme is delivered entirely online, affording flexibility to students who can study anywhere. The course will have a mixture of asynchronous, self-directed learning and live sessions every two weeks. The programme timetable runs from September to April, in accordance with the DCU academic calendar.